You might expect that the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is already enough of a star, but the company has wheeled out two ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ inspired vans to display at a Star Wars Celebration event in Anaheim, California.

The showcars, an ID. Buzz ‘Light Side Edition’ and ‘Dark Side Edition’, were on the carpet at the premiere of ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’, where star of the series and VW fan Ewan McGregor was also in attendance.

Using special adhesive films on the body of the ID. Buzz vehicles, the designers created wraps that supposedly convey the two sides, drawing specific inspiration from Ob-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader. Designers from Lucasfilm and Volkswagen worked in close collaboration for the special project.

“The opportunity to explore how ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ and the Volkswagen brand could come together on a vehicle was pure fun. The themes of good and evil, light and dark aren't necessarily concepts we apply to cars. The ID. Buzz collaboration offered a unique opportunity to have the cars become graphic reflections of two iconic characters,” says Doug Chaing, Lucasfilm VP and Executive Creative Director.

“In close collaboration with Lucasfilm, we combine the timeless and functional design of the ID. Buzz with the fascinatingly detailed world of Obi-Wan Kenobi,” explains Volkswagen Head of Design Jozef Kabaň. This philosophy also compelled the ID. Buzz lettering on the rear of the vehicles, which was designed in the classic Star Wars “Aurebesh” font – instead of in the font of standard Volkswagen models.”

ID. Buzz ‘Light Side Edition’Based on the passenger version of the car, the color of the lower section of the ‘Light Side Edition’ is beige, taking inspiration from the hue of the Obi-Wan Kenobi’s tunic. The shiny chrome on the upper section references the design of spaceships and droids from the Star Wars universe. A blue line on the side, which continues to the front of the ID. Buzz into the headlights and light strip, symbolises Obi-Wan’s blue lightsaber. The glass surfaces of the electric ID. Buzz are designed in transparent blue, matching with the underbody lighting. Logos of the Rebel Alliance can be found on the side windows as well as on the center caps of the customised 21 inch wheels.

The Buzz Cargo serves as the platform for the ‘Dark Side Edition. The film is shiny black on the lower area of the body, while the upper section of the Buzz is draped in matt black. Side lines, headlights, light strips and window surfaces are in a red hue, inspired by Darth Vader’s lightsaber. The contrast of red and black is continued by the red underbody lightning. The centre of the wheels and the body of the ID. Buzz bear the logo of the Empire.

There are no plans to make the models production cars, but no doubt someone will recreate them and get maximum respect at VW meets and in Cornish beach car parks.

The light side - helping reduce Darths on the road