Concept vehicles usually vanish once the auto-show lights go dark. Many are dismantled. Others disappear into storage. The 2006 Magna Torrero G2 Badlander followed a different path. Years after its creation, collector Robin James located the unusual machine and brought attention back to one of the most ambitious prototypes of its era.
Magna Advanced Technologies developed the project as a statement piece. The Canadian company wanted to demonstrate far more than component manufacturing capability. Its objective centered on proving it could engineer and assemble a complete vehicle from scratch for the growing outdoor recreation and active lifestyle market. To shape the concept, Magna turned to designers Chuck Pelly and Jeff Teague. Together, they envisioned a modular machine capable of adapting to different needs while blending elements of a coupe, pickup truck, and dedicated tow vehicle.
The development process moved slowly and methodically. Pelly and Teague first worked through a one-fifth scale clay model before advancing to a full-size clay version. Only after finalizing the shape did Magna begin creating the custom fiberglass panels covering the chassis. Pelly brought fabrication experience gained through projects such as the Scarab and Chaparral race cars. Teague contributed a strong design perspective. Their combined efforts produced a vehicle whose appearance remained cohesive despite an unusually broad mission.
Beneath the body sat a modified 2005 Dodge Magnum RT platform. Magna engineers stretched the wheelbase by two inches to achieve the desired proportions. A 5.7-liter Hemi V8 supplied motivation through an all-wheel-drive system, while a custom Borla exhaust completed the drivetrain package. Magna built nearly every visible component specifically for this project. Door handles, sill plates, interior trim pieces, and numerous other elements originated from dedicated in-house fabrication rather than existing production inventories.
Transformation sat at the center of the concept. A mid-gate and power-operated rear window altered the cabin layout, allowing the vehicle to shift from a four-seat coupe into an El Camino-style pickup. A removable glass roof added another configuration, while a cloth folding top served as an alternative. Exterior details reinforced the unique identity, including separate front fenders, a stand-up grille, integrated running boards, and a character line wrapping around the vehicle’s midsection.
The companion trailer matched the car’s unconventional thinking. Magna created a proprietary electronic auto-hitch system where the jaw mechanism resided within the vehicle and the pin remained on the trailer. Drivers controlled locking and unlocking functions from a console-mounted interface. Adjustable air suspension helped manage towing duties.
The trailer operated independently as well. Its own electrical system, built-in parking brakes, self-leveling capability, and landing gear allowed standalone operation. With an additional tent mounted on the clamshell roof, the trailer expanded into an outdoor living area.
Development costs reportedly reached about $3 million, including approximately $1.5 million for the vehicle and another $1.5 million for the trailer. Production never followed. The project eventually entered storage, became separated when sold to liquidators, and later found its way back together after Robin James tracked down both pieces. Today, more than 300 original miles later, the 2006 Magna Torrero G2 Badlander remains fully operational.
2006 Magna Torrero G2 Badlander Trailer Camper – Photo Gallery
