The Volkswagen New Beetle was first thrust upon the world in 1998. Its release was an immediate success and thus spawned an insurgence of retro inspiration in automotive design. However, after 10 years on the market the novelty of the bug's cutesy styling and flower holder have begun to wear off. While some rendered speculations of what a Beetle update might look like have not struck a chord, it is hopeful that VW has been holding back on dropping any hints about the future direction of its iconic vehicle. With recent comments, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has further added to the mystic surrounding the impending Beetle successor. During a celebration at VW's plant in Puebla, Mexico, he called the planned replacement attractive. The comment is not much to go by though, as those who have most vehemently adored the Beetle's design have also held rather unique perspectives. On the other hand, Winterkorn added that he is certain the next generation New Beetle will be a continued success. At least for now, it is almost certain the vehicle will be a success for Mexico, since most likely the Puebla plant will be outfitted for its production.
[Source: Auto News, Sub. Req'd]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TriShield @ Feb 8th 2008 10:35AM
Any car gets stale after a few years if it isn't refreshed or completely redesigned as a new model. A 10 year run for this car is a good run and I'm sure VW fans and the general public will welcome an all-new Beetle as long as it looks like a real Beetle.
geo.stewart @ Feb 8th 2008 12:37PM
the problem is that the next version of the original beetle is still on the market, the Rabbit.
the original beetle was 'refreshed ' with the Rabbit. The beetle alongside the rabbit is a redundant car with less functionality
Since that is out, kill the beetle.
if they want another retro niche vehicle, build a modern day Karmann Ghia and sell it in the same price point. service costs be ignored, I'll sign up for that.
John P. @ Feb 8th 2008 10:38AM
I think they should put some real chrome bumpers on it, like early beetles. It would fit in well with the look, and the crowd that buys them.
Mal Fuller @ Feb 8th 2008 10:40AM
A new product from VW is always fun. It's the anticipation of a new bunch of screw-ups that does it for me.
Chopper Dave @ Feb 8th 2008 10:43AM
"The mystic?"
It's mystique, you know, like the old Mercury we all knew and loved.
I don't normally pick on you guys for your copy editing, but sometimes, I just don't know ...
MCS05 @ Feb 8th 2008 10:43AM
Last summer at one of my kid's soccer games another parent, a VW exec, told me to think along the lines of 911 when talking about the new New Beetle. I am certain he did mean in performance terms.
MCS05 @ Feb 8th 2008 10:48AM
he did NOT mean in performance terms!
Rocketboy @ Feb 8th 2008 10:50AM
So, in the crashing into buildings way, or the call for help sort of way?
John R @ Feb 8th 2008 10:51AM
Anytime I see a grown man driving one of these things I just feeling like saying, "Come on, man. Man up..."
jb @ Feb 8th 2008 12:20PM
And you feel the need to proudly declare that to the world. Good for you, I guess...
John R @ Feb 8th 2008 12:31PM
that's what the comments are for, buddy! :)
calebe @ Feb 8th 2008 1:44PM
I think that is called Penis envy actually.
John R @ Feb 8th 2008 2:14PM
lol, penis envy...amusing. If you can't tell I'm rolling my eyes.
Look, I'm not telling men who drive these cars to buy a 350z.
I just believe the new beetle is silly. Especially when it's the same car and the same price as a Golf - which makes more sense for so many reasons. The new Beetle should have been the economical choice that wasn't also a penalty box.
VW should just put this to bed and bring over the Polo.
industrial_strength_bard @ Feb 8th 2008 11:01AM
Here's a GREAT idea that Volkswagen needs to take into account with the new redesign of the Beetle:
Actually make it AFFORDABLE for the people!!!
I went to look at a new car for my girlfriend, and we don't make a whole heck of alot of money (probably about $50k/year total), but enough to get a decent econo car. I went to a VW dealer in Phoenix, and the AVERAGE price of a Beetle was $24k bucks!!!!
Funny...I thought the bug was the "People's Car". I mean, I remember stories of my dad being a loyal VW man in the US because they were cheap and the most economical on fuel and parts on the market. I would ask "Well, why doesn't VW play up on this and take the lessons learned from the Polo and apply them to the New (Neo?) Beetle?"
Then I remembered: US consumers are morons and will pay a premium for "trendy".
We ended up putting a deposit on a smart Car. I like the little guy, but really wish Volkswagen could actually of not sold out like they have. They went from booming econo car maker to trendy college trust fund ride.
*sigh*
DKB_SATX @ Feb 8th 2008 12:10PM
Well, VW has less-expensive cars they sell in Europe, but the US market has proven staunchly resistant to interesting small/affordable cars, tending toward the lowest common denominator in cheapness (both price and build.) Fuel prices are just now starting to turn the market around a bit, but if gas prices dip we'll repeat the last fuel-crisis cycle, with ever-expanding cars and 20 years later we ended up with H2s and Expeditions everywhere...
Bling Bling Boy @ Feb 8th 2008 11:03AM
lol...Yeah, seeing a guy driving one of those would make me take a second look as well.
But the problem with retro cars is: "How do you successfully refresh them"? The PT Cruiser suffered from the same problem IMO. Volkswagon should stop producing the Beetle for 5 yrs or so.. That way, the nostalgia will build of again for an all new model..
Eric Liberatore @ Feb 8th 2008 11:15AM
Like the Jeep Wrangler it's another classic design that could never change.
TriShield @ Feb 8th 2008 11:17AM
Uh, it's not terribly hard to update the signature shape or look of an iconic car.
Jeep has managed to keep the original looking fresh yet the same since World War II.
jg @ Feb 8th 2008 11:19AM
'further added to the mystic surrounding'
Are you Bob Marley fans or were you trying to say mystique?
'there's a natural mystic flowing through the air.....
if you listen carefully now you will hear....'
thanks for putting that song in my head, one of marleys best IMO.
ChrisL @ Feb 8th 2008 11:25AM
If only VW would take it's new !UP show car platform and put a beetle-look body on it. It's rear engined, simple functional interior and exterior design, meant to appeal to the masses.
It would be more true to the concept of the original Beetle...and would be the perfect base for a new small Beetle based van.
Any takers?