Manufacturer: 3D print
Scale: 1/72
Additional parts: parts from spare part box
Model build:
Volkswagen ATV Boxcat
3D print
1/72
1/72
The Return of the Boxcat: Electric Boogaloo
Cologne, Germany - April 2024
Hauptmann Nadia Jäger slammed her hand down on the table, scattering reports across the polished surface. "That's it! This bureaucratic nightmare is driving me mad!" she growled. Across from her, Oberleutnant Hans Schmidt winced slightly. Nadia was known for her fiery temperament, but this new Boxcat project seemed to be pushing her to the limit.
Five years ago, the idea of a lightweight, tactical vehicle based on the VW Tiguan had been met with excitement. The "Boxcat," as it was nicknamed, had performed admirably in testing. But the whole project went belly-up thanks to the emissions scandal that plagued Volkswagen's diesel engines.
Now, rumors were swirling that VW was back, this time with an electric reincarnation of the Boxcat built on their ID.3 platform. The concept was intriguing: a silent, agile electric vehicle perfect for urban combat or covert operations. But Nadia knew the German military's procurement process was a labyrinthine beast.
"We need this Boxcat, Hans," Nadia said, her voice softening slightly. "Our current vehicles are loud, cumbersome, and outdated. This new one could be a game-changer."
Hans, the team's resident engineer, nodded. "I agree, Hauptmann. The electric drivetrain would offer numerous advantages. But those environmental regulations..." he trailed off, his brow furrowed.
The 2015 debacle was still fresh in everyone's minds. The Bundeswehr, the German Federal Defence Force, had a strict stance on emissions. Approving a military vehicle that didn't meet environmental standards would be a bureaucratic nightmare.
Suddenly, Nadia's eyes lit up. "Hans, what if...?" she began, leaning forward conspiratorially. A mischievous grin spread across her face.
Later that week
Nadia sat across from a stern-faced General Schmidt, no relation to Hans. The General, head of the Bundeswehr's procurement department, was not known for his patience.
"Hauptmann Jäger," he boomed, his voice echoing in the sparsely furnished office. "Explain to me why you're here proposing a project that is demonstrably doomed to fail."
Nadia took a deep breath. "General, with all due respect, the new Boxcat is different. We propose a pilot program. A limited number of vehicles deployed in specific situations, gathering data on their effectiveness and environmental impact."
The General narrowed his eyes. "A pilot program, you say? And what happens after this program?"
Nadia smiled, a hint of triumph in her eyes. "General, if the Boxcat proves its worth, if the data shows a significant tactical advantage and minimal environmental impact, perhaps... perhaps we can revisit the regulations."
The room fell silent. The General steepled his fingers, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke. "Hauptmann Jäger, your audacity is astounding. But very well. I will consider your proposal. But be warned, the bar is high."
Nadia stood, a resolute glint in her eyes. "Thank you, General. We won't disappoint you."
As Nadia left the office, a single thought echoed in her mind: The Boxcat is back. And this time, it's electric.
In early 2010, Volkswagen decided to develop a light ATV based on the same platform as the VW Tiguan SUV.
Lightly armored, the vehicle provided space for a crew of 4 and was equipped with up to date communications environment. For self protection, the Boxcat could be fitted with a 7,62 mm automatic gun. All seats (except the driver) were equipped with a 11" monitor display to present tactical information to the crew.
Surprisingly, the first prototype was also equipped with a high end entertainment system which was also connected to the monitor displays.
The vehicle was powered by a EA-189 diesel engine and performed good during the tests which stated in early 2015. However, in September 2015 it got public that the used engine was part of the so called "Diesel scandal" - where NOx emissions were manipulated.
Which was actually the death of the "Boxcat" project. The German Bundeswehr did not allow further evaluations of the vehicle as it would not fulfill current environmental laws, which was not not acceptable for a new military vehicle.
In the press conference about the end of the project, the spokesman of the Bundeswehr mentioned "If we would allow to use vehicles not fulfilling the envirement standarts, what would be next? Using military vehicles in a combat zone when their technical approval has run out? German bureaucracy simply does not allow this!"
After 2015, it got quiet about the Boxcat project as other nations also lost interest in it. But since the beginning of 2019, rumors came up that Volkswagen wanted to use the Boxcar concept on their new ID3 platform, producing the first military BEV.
This is a 3D printed model, roughtly in 1/72 scale. Printed on an Ayncubuy Mega S with PLA filament and a layer hight of 0.08 mm. The model was equipped with a few parts from the sparet box and painted with Revell Aqua Colour. Decals are used from the big decal box.
5 Images