Car Sport 2011: VW Beetle

Showing posts with label VW Beetle. Show all posts

10/12/10

2012 VW New Beetle Caught Testing, will get 2.0T and Possible Hybrid

Before you are spy pictures of an all-new second-generation New Beetle. While the test mule appears to still be wearing the current model's nose and rear, the big news here is the appearance of the less "cute" and more "masculine" roof line that seems to be part Beetle and part stubby Chrysler Crossfire or Porsche 356; take your pick.

Volkswagen hopes the larger and lower-slung Beetle, which should get at least a few cues from the Ragster concept, will make the retro compact more appealing for the style- and space-conscious (and men, too, we hear).

Also, the actual production front and rear fascias will likely be more chiseled in order to be closer related to VW's current design language.

Other than the brand new design, power trains should be similar to Volkswagen's Golf/Jetta lineup. That means an entry-level 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder, and 210-horsepower-strong 2.0-liter turbo engine in the States. For other markets, the Beetle will also appear with a variety of smaller gasoline mills as well as some TDI diesel units.

We should have more info and pics as we get closer to the Beetle's debut (right now, that's anywhere from L.A. in November, Detroit in January, or Geneva in March). That's also when we should be getting some information on any Cabrio, hybrid, Turbo S, and 4Motion variants.

By Phil Alex

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Official: New VW NMS Sedan, Beetle, Tiguan and Eos Coming to the States Next Year

Volkswagen will reveal its future plans in a meeting with its 582 U.S. and 130 Canadian dealers that takes place in Atlanta and will also include a drive of more than 700 all-new 2011 Volkswagen Jetta sedans to the company's brand-new $1 billion assembly plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In a statement to the press, the German automaker said it plans to introduce four all-new or refreshed models in 2011 including the NMS mid-size sedan, Beetle, Tiguan and Eos.

Here's what VW said: "In addition to opening the Chattanooga plant in 2011, Volkswagen of America will introduce four all-new or refreshed models – NMS, Beetle, Tiguan and Eos. These vehicles join the 2010 launch of the all-new Jetta and new Touareg. Each of these vehicles is critical to achieving Volkswagen Group's target of selling one million vehicles annually in the US by 2018 (Volkswagen: 800,000; Audi: 200,000)."

No other details were released on the aforementioned models, however, we do know that the NMS mid-size sedan is new and that the Tiguan and Eos will receive a mid-life makeover.

That leaves us with the New Beetle, which has been in the market since 1998 with production of the current model set to cease in 2011. Logic says, VW will present a brand-new version of the retro-styled Beetle, with a teaser concept study possibly making its appearance at an upcoming international motor show such as the LA (November 2010) or Detroit (January 2011) salons.

As always, we'll keep an eye on things and inform you on any new developments.

*2012 New Beetle renderings by David Cardoso - read more here

The End: VW Launches 2010 New Beetle Final Edition Models at LA Show

After 11 years in production, the New Beetle will soon find a place in the books of automotive history. To mark the forthcoming end of the current generation New Beetle, Volkswagen announced the launch of a special Final Edition version at the Los Angeles motor show. Available in coupe and convertible forms, the Final Edition models will arrive in U.S. showrooms in the Spring of 2010 with production limited to 1,500 units each.

Both models receive a small number of upgrades and touches that include a special Aquarius Blue paint with a painted black roof on the coupe, and a two-tone Aquarius Blue and Campanella White paint scheme with a white top on the convertible.

The Final Editions also get individually numbered badges, fog lights, a sport suspension and unique 17-inch alloy wheels.

Interior upgrades concern the individually numbered Final Edition steering wheel and in the case of the convertible, a white interior that matches the top.

There are no changes under the hood with both models powered by VW's 150 horsepower 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder gasoline engine matted to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic.

Prices for the coupe model start at $20,240, while the convertible model begins at $27,170.

Volkswagen Releases New Beetle 'Black-Orange' Special Editions

Continuing its long-lasting love affair with special edition models, Volkswagen has announced the launch of the 'Black-Orange' series for the New Beetle hatch and convertible. Both body styles are available with either a black finish and contrasting white stripes on the sides or an orange finish with black stripes. The exterior package is complemented by a set of 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

There are no photos of the interior, but Volkswagen said that the special edition New Beetles get a three-spoke leather steering wheel, aluminum pedals and sport seats with a unique design plus floor mats and gear leather trim with contrasting orange stitching.

The vehicle's standard equipment also includes air conditioning, an upgraded audio system, center armrest and electric windows.

The New Beetle 'Black Orange' models are available with several engine options with prices in Germany starting from €22,550 (around US$33,800) for the hatch with the 102HP 1.6-liter petrol engine.

Chick Flick II: VW Celebrates Barbie's 50th Birthday with Pinked out Beetle Convertible

Just in case anyone had any objections that the New Beetle is squarely aimed towards the so-called "weaker sex", Volkswagen of America created a customized New Beetle Convertible in celebration of the Barbie doll's 50th Birthday. As many of you may recall, Fiat did the same thing on the other side of the Atlantic with the new 500 - see here. The Barbiedream Beetle Convertible comes fully equipped with rhinestones, sparkling pink paint and motorized vanity in trunk.

"We are extremely proud to partner with Mattel and create a customized New Beetle convertible to celebrate Barbie's landmark birthday," said Laura Soave, General Manager of Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Like the New Beetle, Barbie has made a remarkable impact on pop culture history, and still remains a cultural icon today."

VW's New Beetle Convertible Gets All Red: 'Blush' Limited Edition

The latest special edition model to come out Volkswagen's American arm is the 2009 New Beetle Convertible "Blush" and as its names suggests, it features a red leather interior combined with a red ragtop. On the outside, it comes with an exclusive 'White Gold" paint that is not offered on the standard version. Noticeably, the "Blush" edition is the only current New Beetle Convertible available with genuine leather seating surfaces. Other unique features of the special edition include a red boot for when the convertible top is down, and newly-designed 17-inch alloy wheels.

Under the hood, the New Beetle Convertible the "Blush" edition gets the standard 2.5-liter engine that produces 150-horsepower, and 170 lbs.ft. of torque, hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. If you're the kind of type that won't blush if you're seen in a New Beetle Convertible, then this special and limited run edition could be yours for $26,990.

VW’s New Beetle Celebrates 10th Birthday

The new generation Beetle is celebrating its 10-year anniversary since it was first introduced in 1998. Originally unveiled as a design study car called “Concept 1” at the North American International Auto Show in 1994, the production New Beetle 3door and New Beetle Convertible have sold more than 500,000 units in the U.S. as of April 2008, while over 1 million units have been produced worldwide.

Not bad, but nowhere close to the 21,529,464 units its predecessor sold in the 50 or so years it remained in production. Still, if there’s one thing we like about the New Beetle, it's the car's contemporary design which remains as fresh –having received one minor facelift- as it was a decade ago. -Continued

“We are extremely proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the New Beetle, an iconic vehicle that has made a remarkable impact on automotive and pop culture history,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The New Beetle is a true reflection of Volkswagen’s commitment to individuality, design and pure driving pleasure.”

VW Beetle Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Edition

Like the Honda Racer car that we showed you earlier today (click here), VW’s special edition Beetle was created in order to celebrate Hot Wheels’ 40th anniversary. However, this time we’re talking about a life-size vehicle and not a die-cast, scale model. Available initially for the Mexican market where it is built, the VW Beetle Hot Wheels model will be produced in an ultra limited run of just 240 units.

Offered in a choice of two colors, red or blue, the special edition Beetle is distinguished on the outside by Hot Wheels-styled alloy rims, special decals, a rear spoiler and red mirrors. Inside, the Beetle features two-tone leather seats with red stitching, matching floor mats, aluminum sport pedals, and front headrests with an engraved Hot Wheels logo along with a special numbered plate. –Full image gallery after the jump