Volkswagen Beetle 1997-2010
The Volkswagen New Beetle is a small family car, introduced by Volkswagen in 1998, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front driving the front wheels and luggage storage in the rear. In May 2010, Volkswagen announced that production of the current body of the New Beetle will cease in 2011. A redesigned model will replace it.
Concept 1
At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a "retro"-themed concept car with a resemblance to the original Volkswagen Beetle. Designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio, the concept car was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Polo.
First Generation (A4 Platform) 2001-2005
Strong public reaction to the Concept 1 convinced the company to develop a production version which was launched as the New Beetle in 1998, based on the Golf IV's larger PQ34 platform. The New Beetle is related to the original only in name and appearance (including the absence of a car emblem script with the exception of the VW logo): under the hood, it is a modern car in every way. A convertible was added in mid year 2003 to replace the Volkswagen Cabrio.
The New Beetle carries many design features related to the old Beetle: separate wings, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps and large round tail lights, as well as a high rounded roofline that provides enough headroom for tall drivers. It is assembled currently in VW Puebla factory in Mexico.
Specifications
Dimension:
Length: 4,129 mm (162.6 in)
Width: 1,721 mm (67.8 in)
Height: 1,498 mm (59.0 in)
Wheelbase: 2,515 mm (99.0 in)
Curb weight: 1,230 kg (2,712 lb)
Max speed: 177 km/h (110 mph)
Acceleration (0–96 km/h | 0-60 mph): 13.2 s
US Models
Engines choices include the 2.0L inline-4 for the base model, the 1.9L TDI, turbodiesel inline-4 (discontinued after the 2006 model year due to more stringent emissions requirements), and the 1.8L Turbo inline-4 for the "Sport" model, which included a sport suspension, and bigger wheels and tires.
For the 2006 model, the exterior was slightly redesigned with bigger bumpers, and fitted with a 150 hp 2.5L I5 20V base engine, as seen on the A5 Jetta V and Rabbit V
Special Editions
Beetle RSi (2001-2003)
It is a limited (250 units) version of New Beetle. It included a 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) 3.2 litre VR6 engine, a 6-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4motion, Remus twin-pipe exhaust. It was rumoured Porsche tuned the suspension but this was carried out in-house at VW Individual. The suspension was greatly altered at the rear, with geometry more geared to the race track and a rear cross brace behind the rear seats, 80 mm (3.1 in) wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, large rear wing, and 18x9 OZ Superturismo wheels with 235/40ZR-18 tyres. Inside, it was trimmed in carbon fiber, billet aluminum, and bright orange leather. The front seats were Recaro racing buckets. Notable disadvantages found were loud cabin noise and low rear tire life.
Curiously, in Mexico, although being a country very attached to Volkswagen, there are RSis that have not been sold since 2001. This is probably due to its US$58,000 price tag, and because Mexico is the country where most Beetle RSis stayed (20 cars).
Ragster Concept
At the 2005 North American International Auto Show, the Volkswagen New Beetle Ragster concept car was introduced. It was supposed to be a preview of the future design of the New Beetle. The base of the Ragster (the name denoting a cross between a "ragtop" and a speedster) was a New Beetle Convertible modified with a new roof, giving it a much lower roofline, and a unique paint job with silver double stripes. The interior differs from the original New Beetle, being a 2+2, and having distinctive control dials. The Ragster's rear-view mirror is mounted on its dashboard, a retro feature, reminiscent of the first Type 1s.
Final Edition 2010
Announced at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2010 Final Edition New Beetle features Aquarius Blue paintwork, with the hardtop receiving a black painted roof and the convertible sporting Campanella White painted side panels. In addition to unique 17" wheels, both models will be powered by a 2.5 litre engine mated to a semi-automatic "Tiptronic" transmission. Other additions include sports suspension and "Final Edition" badging inside and out. Both models arrive with integrated fog lights and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard. The production will run 1500 units of each model
This edition marks the end of production of the current generation New Beetle.
Second generation (A5 platform)
The upcoming second generation Beetle is currently in development. It is expected to debut in May 2011 and go into production in early 2011. It shares the A5 (PQ35) platform with the new Volkswagen Jetta, and will be built alongside the Jetta at Volkswagen's plant in Puebla, Mexico.
It will retain the FF layout of the first generation, while improving interior packaging with more room in the rear, a shorter dashboard and soft-touch materials. A new range of petrol and diesel options will be available for the European market, while the North American market retains the 2.5 litre inline-5 petrol engine found in the current Beetle. The performance version, New Beetle GTI and RSI, which is related to the Golf GTI and R, will follow later.
On the outside the new Beetle will receive more angular and aggressive bodywork, a departure from the cute and bulbous design of the first generation, while still retaining the overall shape of the original Volkswagen Type 1. The second generation will be longer and lower than the previous generation, thanks to a rakish roof, giving it a more sporty stance. A convertible version will follow the coupe in 2012.