Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: Mechanically-inclined ninja blows our collective mind]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/video-mechanically-inclined-ninja-blows-our-collective-mind/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/video-mechanically-inclined-ninja-blows-our-collective-mind/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/14/video-mechanically-inclined-ninja-blows-our-collective-mind/#commentsFiled under: ,

You won't believe your eyes - Click above image to watch video after the jump

Years and years ago, we saw punk rock legend Mike Watt break an E-string on his bass during a fIREHOSE show. Without missing a beat, he yanked a new string from beside his amp, slid it through the bridge, tied it around the tuning peg and with a single twist his bass was back in tune. The whole shebang from snapped string to next note took perhaps three seconds and the song never stopped. It was amazing; truly one of the most impressive things we've ever seen. Until today.

You're just going to have watch this to believe it. However, we'd like to take this opportunity to tell you that if you happen to have an old VW Bug and a screwdriver sitting around, you should totally NOT try this at home, as odds are you'll lose a knuckle or three. Why? You sir, are not superhuman. This guy, however, is. Make the jump to watch the video.

[Source: Streetfire]

Continue reading VIDEO: Mechanically-inclined ninja blows our collective mind

VIDEO: Mechanically-inclined ninja blows our collective mind originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeetleBeltBelt changeBeltChangeBugFan beltFanBeltVolkswagenVolkswagen BeetleVolkswagen BugVolkswagenBeetleVolkswagenBugSat, 14 Nov 2009 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Next New Beetle will have bigger back seat]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-next-new-beetle-will-have-bigger-back-seat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-next-new-beetle-will-have-bigger-back-seat/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/report-next-new-beetle-will-have-bigger-back-seat/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2009 Volkswagen New Beetle - Click above for high-res image gallery

The "New Beetle" was a smash hit when it debuted in 1998, and the cutesy little Bug immediately jumped to sales of 83,434 the next year. Over the next 10 years, however, Volkswagen left the spiritual successor to the original Beetle out to dry, and sales have steadily dropped down to near nothingness. AutoWeek is reporting that Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of VW of America, confirmed at a press event in Germany that a long overdue redesign of the New Beetle is coming in 2012, and packaging will be vastly improved.

The current back seat of the New Beetle is a real problem being far too small and uncomfortable for a vehicle in the small car segment. Jacoby says the next Beetle will have a larger rear quarters and better packaging, without growing much beyond its current dimensions. Jacoby says the Beetle will also be used by VW as a kind of low-cost halo car, showing that the German automaker has returned to its roots of building cars for the people.

It's great that VW is finally getting around to making the next New Beetle, but with 14 years between redesigns, we're thinking VW needs to knock the next little Bug out of the park if it once again wants to catch the eye of the car-buying public.


Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle


[Source: AutoWeek]

REPORT: Next New Beetle will have bigger back seat originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Malibu Barbie VW New Beetle Convertible - click above for high-res gallery

We're in Wolfsburg, Germany right now for the launch drive of the 2010 Volkswagen Golf and we've just returned from a presentation at the company's design center with Walter de Silva. We'll have more on de Silva's comments a little later, but first, we did have a chance to chat with VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby about future products.

First up, despite de Silva's promise that VW wont do retro designs, there is a new New Beetle coming. When the NB debuted a decade ago, we lamented the fact that it officially carried the "New" prefix (unfortunately, Autoblog was not yet born so no one at VW heard our complaints). This time around it will just be called "Beetle." Contrary to some speculation that it might move to the NSF platform of the forthcoming Up! model, the Beetle will still ride on the Golf's chassis when it appears in two years. Jacoby didn't say how the next Beetle might change to meet de Silva's "no retro" statement, but it will continue to fill VW's niche quotient.

Speaking of niches, the Scirocco remains dead to us, despite the fact that Lower Saxony seems to be crawling with them. The problem, Jacoby explains, is that the Scirroco appeals to almost exactly the same buyers who opt for the GTI. Company research indicates that there would be almost no incremental sales increase with the Scirroco, instead it would just cannibalize the GTI. Why not just replace the GTI? Adding the coupe would be another niche product that requires more parts inventory, training, marketing dollars and so on. While we as enthusiasts might want another coupe, the numbers just don't add up for VW - especially when every Euro costs $1.47. Sorry.


Gallery: Malibu Barbie VW New Beetle Convertible



New VW Beetle coming in two years, Scirocco still not in cards for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetleNew BeetleNewBeetleSciroccostefan jacobyStefanJacobyVeedubvolkswagenVolkswagen BeetleVolkswagen bugVolkswagenBeetleVolkswagenBugVWVW BeetleVW bugVW SciroccoVwBeetleVwBugVwSciroccoWalter de SilvaWalterDeSilvaWed, 07 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferdinand Porsche or an unknown Jew? New book documents the father of the Volkswagen Beetle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/ferdinand-porsche-or-an-unknown-jew-new-book-documents-the-fath/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/ferdinand-porsche-or-an-unknown-jew-new-book-documents-the-fath/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/08/ferdinand-porsche-or-an-unknown-jew-new-book-documents-the-fath/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We all know the story of the Volkswagen Beetle: In his vision to motorize Germany, Adolf Hitler wanted a "People's Car" of sound design and quality to transport the subjects of his Third Reich around an expanding empire. The Beetle became that car. It made automotive and world history, two of Germany's biggest automakers and Ferdinand Porsche's career. But was it really his design as history recorded? New evidence suggests otherwise.

According to Dutch author and historian Paul Schilperoord in his new book Het Ware Verhaal van de Kever ("The True Story of the Beetle"), Porsche may have taken the credit for a design from a Jewish engineer named Josef Ganz (pictured right). The Hungarian-born engineer and automotive journalist had a revolutionary idea for a new type of car which he called the Maikäfer (May Beetle), characterized by an engine mounted behind the cabin, an independent suspension and a smaller, more streamlined shape than the bloated cars that existed at the time.

The design was credited by many as the precursor to the Volkswagen Beetle, but without the financial backing to build his car, Ganz began publishing articles calling for a revolution in car design. According to Schilperoord, Antisemitic laws in Nazi Germany made him an easy target for the established automakers who viewed him as a threat, eventually leading to his arrest by the Gestapo on trumped-up blackmail charges. Ganz was eventually released and tried in vain to build his car in Switzerland, only for the Swiss government to try and steal his design themselves. Enamored of its originality, Hitler allegedly charged Porsche with building the car instead, giving no credit to its Jewish parentage.

After years of legal battles, Ganz moved to Australia where he worked for Holden and eventually died poor and in relative obscurity. Although his name remained known for generations by car designers and engineers, Schilperoord's new book is the first major publication tell the story. The publisher is currently in negotiations to produce documentary films based on the book in several languages, so stay tuned. Thanks to Peter for the tip!

[Source: Ganz-Volkswagen.org and AD.nl Autowereld - translated]

Ferdinand Porsche or an unknown Jew? New book documents the father of the Volkswagen Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen's Stefan Jacoby has his sights set on turning the German company into the largest automaker in the world. Oh, and he also plans to turn a profit in the process. Perhaps someone should remind him how that's gone for Toyota and General Motors over the last few decades? Just like any proper plan to attack the global automotive market, VW's strategy includes introducing new models aimed at the heart of the market, including a new American-made midsize sedan targeting the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion.

In fact, Volkswagen aims to refresh its entire lineup by 2011, and that product renaissance will reportedly entail a revised New Beetle and Jetta that are specifically tasked with catering to American automotive tastes. Also in the pipeline is a new seven-seat CUV that will go head-to-head with the Honda Pilot, Toyota Highlander and Chevy Traverse, though a pickup apparently isn't in the cards. We're not sure where that leaves the automaker's subcompact Up!, but Jacoby did mention that smaller models are under consideration.

Of course, if VW is going to play on the same level as Toyota and the rest of the gang, quality is going to need to be up to snuff, and that's something Jacoby says the automaker is working to improve. The trick will be accomplishing all of these assorted goals while maintaining VW's status as a desirable nameplate among image-conscious buyers. "It's not our intention to make VW a boring brand," he says. Pretty ambitious plans... what could possibly go wrong?

[Source: The Detroit Free Press]

VW's Jacoby outlines future U.S. product strategy, plans to take over the world originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>stefan jacobyStefanJacobyvolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen jettavolkswagen midsize sedanvolkswagen suvvolkswagen upVolkswagenBeetleVolkswagenJettaVolkswagenMidsizeSedanVolkswagenSuvVolkswagenUpvwvw midsize sedanvw sedanvw suvVwMidsizeSedanVwSedanVwSuvThu, 27 Aug 2009 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Vintage VW Bug with Subaru STI power is a hybrid we can get excited about]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/video-vintage-vw-bug-with-subaru-sti-power-is-a-hybrid-we-can-get-exc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/video-vintage-vw-bug-with-subaru-sti-power-is-a-hybrid-we-can-get-exc/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/video-vintage-vw-bug-with-subaru-sti-power-is-a-hybrid-we-can-get-exc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Subaru WRX STI-powered Volkswagen Beetle - Click above to watch the video after the break

Somehow, we doubt this is what Dr. Ferdinand Porsche had in mind when he set out to design a horizontally-opposed four cylinder engine powering the rear wheels of his so-called "People's Car." No matter, we're happy to see the good ol' Beetle is still getting its due after all these years, in this case courtesy of a worked-over turbocharged 2.5-liter engine making over 350 horsepower yanked from a Subaru WRX STI.

As you might imagine, this little bugger of a powerplant has no problem moving its rounded Volkswagen wrapper at warp speed. While some may bemoan the lack of the donor car's all-wheel drive powertrain, the Beetle's rear-mounted engine placement and super short gearing equals loads of traction, making for an excellent drag racing platform.

Fortunately, the rest of the package has been appropriately beefed up and customized to handle the Beetle's newfound power. Modifications include a narrowed and dropped front beam, four-wheel disc brakes, a heavy-duty clutch, wide rear rubber and a touchscreen digital dash enabling on-the-fly tuning adjustments. Check out the gallery below and hit the jump for a couple of videos.


Gallery: Subaru STI-powered VW Beetle


[Source: Caradisiac]

Continue reading VIDEO: Vintage VW Bug with Subaru STI power is a hybrid we can get excited about

VIDEO: Vintage VW Bug with Subaru STI power is a hybrid we can get excited about originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle - renderings


[Source: Car Magazine]

New details emerge about 2010 VW Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>volkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen bugvolkswagen new beetleVolkswagenBeetleVolkswagenBugVolkswagenNewBeetlevwvw beetlevw bugvw new beetleVwBeetleVwBugVwNewBeetleSat, 20 Dec 2008 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Build your own 1960 Beetle - with Legos]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/build-your-own-1960-beetle-with-legos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/build-your-own-1960-beetle-with-legos/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/11/build-your-own-1960-beetle-with-legos/#commentsFiled under: ,



There's likely to be no shortage of VW Beetle owners who can relate to this new kit from Lego. It's a box with 1,626 parts in it that one day, after hours of work, will resemble a classic Bug. Three differences: This box of bits will only cost you $120 and a successful build is probably not above your skill level. Oh, and your spouse probably won't mind you building this one on the kitchen table.

When completed, the VW measures 16 inches long by 6.5 inches tall. Its tiny stick shift moves, the glove compartment opens and the seats fold forward. The engine is in back where Beetle engines belong and up front is the spare tire. When you're done, finish off the car with the included VW logo decal.

It's too bad the Beetle's curvaceous roofline and nose are made jagged by the blocky Logos, but on the other hand, it's kinda cool, too. Thanks for the tip, Andy!

Gallery: Lego 1960 VW Beetle


[Source: Auto Trader Blog]


Build your own 1960 Beetle - with Legos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When it was first unveiled, the Volkswagen New Beetle's only mission in life was to emulate and modernize the look of the classic air-cooled Bug that was so popular in America during the '60s and '70s. The New Beetle's first restyling was so minor that you'd be forgiven for not even knowing it had been changed. Not so for the next update, a hardtop of which is due for the 2010 model year with a convertible following one year later. Such ergonomic deficiencies as a huge expanse between the driver and the windshield were acceptable in order to get the look right the first time around, but not any longer. Therefore, expect to see some radical changes for the cute little Bugger that will make what Volkswagen's own Walter De' Silva calls "a much more mature product." The word "mature" doesn't quite jive with the current New Beetle, so we're pretty interested to see how far this redesign will go.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by Tim in Sydney | Creative Commons 2.0]

2010 VW Beetle to be 'more mature' originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Earlier this month, it was revealed that Mario Kart would continue its succession up the ranks of Nintendo gaming systems with the Wii version appearing on April 27. As we said before, we're more interested in realistic driving simulators, but when we found out that a real car would be given away during the promotional run-up to the game's release, we were slightly intrigued. That's until we found out what the vehicle actually is: a custom Mario themed Volkswagen Beetle. At least it's a convertible; albeit one with a horribly tacky paint job.

Winning any car is pretty darn cool, and after paying the requisite taxes on your winnings and paying for a new paint job (face it: it's a necessity), you could still sell the car for a profit. Or, if there really is somebody out there who actually wants to drive a brand-new VeeDub draped in Mario's clothing... well, you can just have fun with that.

[Source: Game via German Car Blog]

Anybody want to win a Mario themed VW Beetle? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario kartmario themed beetlemario-kartmario-themed-beetleMarioKartMarioThemedBeetlenintendo wiinintendo-wiiNintendoWiivolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen-beetleVolkswagenBeetlevwwiiFri, 28 Mar 2008 07:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen Beetle police cruiser, the "bug-erceptor"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/volkswagen-beetle-police-cruiser-the-bug-erceptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/volkswagen-beetle-police-cruiser-the-bug-erceptor/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/03/25/volkswagen-beetle-police-cruiser-the-bug-erceptor/#commentsFiled under: , ,



It's a rather undignified process, being pulled over by the police. Next time you're sitting at the side of the road with the lights flashing in your rearview mirror, just think of this: at least you weren't pulled over by a VW Beetle. Unless you reside in Blount County, Tennessee, where Archie Garner, a 40-plus-year police veteran, nabbed this 1972 Beetle in a DUI case and summarily converted it into an Interceptor. Not that it does too much intercepting, being capable of only 70 miles per hour or so using the stock air-cooled 1600cc engine.

The "bug-erceptor", as it's affectionately referred to, just so happens to be car 53, wearing the same number as the lovable bug from the Herbie movie enterprise, and sees most of its duty in parades and on public relations missions. Wouldn't it be fun, though, to see your buddy pulled over in his souped-up Camaro by a Beetle? That's a story he'd never be able to live down.

[Source: USA Today, Knoxville News Sentinel]

Volkswagen Beetle police cruiser, the "bug-erceptor" originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blount countyblount-countyBlountCountypolice carpolice carspolice interceptorpolice-carpolice-carspolice-interceptorPoliceCarPoliceCarsPoliceInterceptorvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen bugvolkswagen-beetlevolkswagen-bugVolkswagenBeetleVolkswagenBugvw beetlevw-beetleVwBeetleTue, 25 Mar 2008 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen confident about success of next New Beetle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/volkswagen-confident-about-success-of-next-new-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/volkswagen-confident-about-success-of-next-new-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/02/08/volkswagen-confident-about-success-of-next-new-beetle/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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]

Volkswagen confident about success of next New Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Martin WinterkornMartinWinterkornVolkswagen BeetleVolkswagenBeetleVW BeetleVwBeetleFri, 08 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST<![CDATA[VW Beetle gets special red top]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/vw-beetle-gets-special-red-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/vw-beetle-gets-special-red-top/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/16/vw-beetle-gets-special-red-top/#commentsFiled under: ,



Apparently Volkswagen and Ford were thinking alike. Red sells. Color, however, is about the only shared character trait of the GT500 Red Stripe and the New Beetle Cabriolet Red Edition.

Only for its European customers, VW dresses up the New Beetle Cabriolet Red Edition with red top, seats, door panels and a few other interior bits. The red-crowned VW can be had painted in beige, white and, our favorite, black pearl.

One of the coolest touches to the crimson Beetle is the Limited Red Edition tag running vertically above the car's right rear bumper much like in previous generations. You can see a photo of it in the gallery. European customers can purchase the New Beetle Cabriolet Red Edition starting at €26.950 for the 1.6 liter engine and manual tranny, while the top-end gets a 2.0 liter and automatic transmission for €31,200. Pricing was not immediately available for the TDI version. We'll just have to make do with our Triple White edition.

Check out the gallery for more photos of the New Beetle Cabriolet Red Edition.

[Source: Auto Express]

Gallery: VW Beetle Red Edition

VW Beetle gets special red top originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetle limted editionbeetle limted red editionbeetle red editionBeetleLimtedEditionBeetleLimtedRedEditionBeetleRedEditionlimited red editionLimitedRedEditionlimted edition redLimtedEditionRednew beetlenew beetle cabriolet red editionnew beetle red editionNewBeetleNewBeetleCabrioletRedEditionNewBeetleRedEditionred editionRedEditionvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen beetle cabrioletvolkswagen beetle cabriolet red editionVolkswagenBeetleVolkswagenBeetleCabrioletVolkswagenBeetleCabrioletRedEditionVW beetle cabrioletVW beetle cabriolet limited editionVW beetle cabriolet redVW beetle cabriolet red editionvw cabriolet limted editionvw cabriolet limted red editionvw red editionVwBeetleCabrioletVwBeetleCabrioletLimitedEditionVwBeetleCabrioletRedVwBeetleCabrioletRedEditionVwCabrioletLimtedEditionVwCabrioletLimtedRedEditionVwRedEditionMon, 16 Apr 2007 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VW says nein to boring design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/vw-says-nein-to-boring-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/vw-says-nein-to-boring-design/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/03/vw-says-nein-to-boring-design/#commentsFiled under: ,

Hussein Al-Attar VW sketchWhile Volkswagen's Tiguan is more radical-looking than most small SUVs out there, the rest of VW's lineup might best be described as German. Not necessarily ugly, mind you, just not envelope-puching, cutting edge stuff.

But that could change in the coming years, says VW product head Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard. In an interview with UK media at the L.A. show, Doc Bernhard said the Scirocco and Tiguan are good indicators of how future VeeDubs might look.

'We have to shape our own destiny rather than trying to fit in with everyone else,' he said. 'The fun-to-drive part of our cars has to be on the surface.'

Bernhard went on to promise the Brits a Passat-based competitor for Mercedes' CLS, a more luxurious Touareg and a "bolder" replacement for the current Beetle.

First, how will the CLS competitor be different from the not 100% unsuccessful Phaeton (remember, it lives on in Europe)? Second, aren't Porsche and Audi both already marketing more luxurious Touaregs? And, third, we're looking forward to how the Beetle redesign is handled. It will be one of the first automotive retro makeovers and promises to pose a challenge for VW.

VW probably won't go so far as the design study shown here, which, by the way, is a fantastical creation by Hussein Al-Attar at Husseindesign. Click on the rendering for a high-res, desktop-worthy sized version.

[Source: What Car]

VW says nein to boring design originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>volkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen conceptvolkswagen designvolkswagen futurevolkswagen future carsvolkswagen future designvolkswagen sciroccovolkswagen tiguanvolkswagen touaregVolkswagenBeetleVolkswagenConceptVolkswagenDesignVolkswagenFutureVolkswagenFutureCarsVolkswagenFutureDesignVolkswagenSciroccoVolkswagenTiguanVolkswagenTouaregSun, 03 Dec 2006 14:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen hoping buyers stick around for New Beetle styling gimmick]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/volkswagen-hoping-buyers-stick-around-for-new-beetle-styling-gim/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/volkswagen-hoping-buyers-stick-around-for-new-beetle-styling-gim/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/04/volkswagen-hoping-buyers-stick-around-for-new-beetle-styling-gim/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In an effort to keep British consumers interested in the New Beetle, Volkswagen has unveiled a line of vinyl graphics dubbed 'Beetle Art' to offer buyers another way to personalize their Bugs.

VW is initially offering four designs of the decals, dubbed 'Mud Splats,' 'Taking Flight,' 'It's All Mine' and 'Chasing Rainbows,' each with a unique artist and story behind them. The company promises that the designs will last for three years, and can be removed without any paint damage.

No word yet on if VW's in-house art car options will cross the Pond.

Click on the link for VW's microsite on Beetle Art.

[Sources: Volkswagen UK; MotorTorque at AskaPrice.com]

Volkswagen hoping buyers stick around for New Beetle styling gimmick originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 May 2006 17:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Art CarArtCarBeetleCabrioletConvertibleVolkswagenVolkswagen BeetleVolkswagen BugVolkswagenBeetleVolkswagenBugVWVW BugVwBugThu, 04 May 2006 17:03:00 EST