Freeman Thomas returns to MotorTrend’s The Inevitable for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on automotive design, electric vehicles, and what it really takes to modernize an icon without losing its soul.
Now Vice Chairman of Meyers Manx, Thomas explains why the company made the costly decision to pause and completely rethink its electric Manx before launch—redesigning the vehicle around new battery chemistry, safety priorities, and packaging from the inside out. The discussion moves from EV realities to the enduring relevance of fiberglass, California car culture, and why some designs are meant to last forever.
Along the way, Thomas reflects on his career shaping cars like the Audi TT, his work with RUF, the rise of bespoke and experiential vehicles, and the boundary-pushing LFG off-road supercar developed using augmented reality. The episode closes with an unvarnished critique of legacy brands, modern automotive leadership, and where design succeeds—or fails—when history is ignored.
0:00 – Welcome to The Inevitable & the future of the automobile
3:00 – Freeman Thomas returns: from Audi TT to Meyers Manx
7:45 – Why Meyers Manx completely redesigned its EV before launch
12:10 – Battery tech breakthrough: lithium iron phosphate explained
16:00 – Making the electric Manx safer, lighter, and more usable
20:15 – Why fiberglass still matters for modern vehicles
24:00 – California design culture & the origins of the Manx
28:40 – EV Manx performance, range, suspension, and off-road goals
33:00 – Driving Manx in snow, ice, and extreme conditions
37:30 – The radial aircraft engine Manx (yes, really)
42:30 – Bespoke builds, materials, and true customization
48:30 – LFG: the 600-hp off-road supercar built in augmented reality
55:00 – Working with RUF, Porsche families & next-gen icons
1:00:30 – Honest thoughts on Jaguar, legacy brands & modern design
1:14:30 – What great design leadership really looks like
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