New details emerge about 2010 VW Beetle
Click above for high-res renderings of a possible New Beetle
When designing a retro-style automobile like the revived MINI, Mustang or VW Beetle, the first generation is the easy one. The second go-round, on the other hand, is a tougher nut to crack, and the easy thing to do is to maintain the status quo. Volkswagen did just that when it revised its New Beetle back in 2006, but the third-generation of today's Bug is expected to ratchet things up a bit design-wise. We're expecting something more mature, perhaps along the lines of the Ragster concept from 2005, which emphasized its low-slung bodywork with a chopped top reminiscent of the Porsche Speedster. Flashier lights and more angular sheetmetal are also distinct possibilities.
Whatever the case, it won't be an easy redesign. VeeDub could stay the course by keeping the cute and charming nature of the current New Beetle intact or it could spice things up with something much more sporty. Could the German automaker do both? That's an option for the future, and current rumors indicate that VW has considered at least two separate Beetle models, one based on the Golf and another using the underpinnings from the yet-to-be-released Up! microcar. The current state of the economy, though, makes a plan like that much less likely to bear fruit.
[Source: Car Magazine]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
Other Man 5:03PM (12/20/2008)
Rear engine would be cool, but I know it won't happen for a number of reasons.
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zamafir 5:05PM (12/20/2008)
#1 being the Up! moving to front engine... actually that's the only one we need to confirm we won't be getting a rear engined bug.
Mike!!ekiM 11:42AM (12/21/2008)
Yes, morph into a poor-man's porsche.
alan 5:09PM (12/20/2008)
The headline reads "New Details", but reading the article, it's all speculation and questions. What was the point?
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Rboyett 5:13PM (12/20/2008)
That was my very first thought after reading this. WTF was the point?
zamafir 5:00PM (12/20/2008)
Here's a better idea, euthanize the damn thing.
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Farris 5:52PM (12/20/2008)
Why would they euthanize a car that literally brought them back into decent sales numbers? They have averaged over 100K New Beetle sales per year since the introduction, IIRC (not sure if the slowing economy has affected that number yet).
And I have to agree with Alan about the title of this article. Misleading much? I was hoping there would be some spy shots or at least, you know, some new details.
zamafir 6:42PM (12/20/2008)
Why? Because I don't care for the car? Because the jetta outsells it 4:1? Honestly I'm surprised it's only seeing a 12.3% decline from last year given the platform is a decade old. I just don't care for the car.
tarheelsxl 6:59PM (12/20/2008)
zamafir, you're an idiot.
By your logic, the Ford Mustang and Chevy Corvette should both be canceled as well since I don't care for them and the Focus and Silverado outsell both of those models.
Sid 5:14PM (12/20/2008)
I havn't seen a Beetle in ages in Toronto. Everyone looking for a small car which is a style icon just buys a Mini.
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The Luigiian 6:24PM (12/20/2008)
The only reason people buy the Mini over the Beetle is because the Mini is actually fuel-efficient.
If VW offered this cute little thing with a four-cylinder engine and it got 30 mpg without resorting to a diesel, it would be a LOT more popular.
I wish they would... I think it's wayyyy cuter and nicer looking than a Mini Cooper. I know, that's pathetic, but I just never liked the way the Cooper looked. I always liked the Beetle's looks, but the fuel economy killed it for me. :(
Sid 6:40PM (12/20/2008)
Thats the thing. I think the Beetle is just 'cutsey'. The Mini meanwhile is spunky and in S or JCW trim is angular and tough while keeping the traditional look.
Rev 12:37AM (12/22/2008)
Sid, exactly how "tough" is a fake hoodscoop supposed to look on a cute little car called a "mini"???
"Harmless" was the word I was looking for. But heck, compared to the Beetle the mini is a nice looking little car. Especially compared to this hideous refresh - that bumper is ug-lee!
Preus 5:20PM (12/20/2008)
What the hell is up with the exhaust? Looks freakin' girly!
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Michael 5:25PM (12/20/2008)
This car isn't popular with girls or anything.
Preus 5:37PM (12/20/2008)
I know it's a ladies car, but that exhaust is nasty.
Matt 5:44PM (12/20/2008)
It's a photoshop job, the exhaust is pulled from the current R32...
dinnercoat 5:46PM (12/20/2008)
... they look like normal exhaust tips to me.
Are you talking about that rear bumper grill thing maybe instead?
Preus 1:20PM (12/21/2008)
They're just too small.
Don 5:49PM (12/20/2008)
That Ragster concept is top notch. I think that's the way to go design wise.
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