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[Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Politically Correct Edition]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/funny-car-commercial-of-the-day-politically-correct-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/funny-car-commercial-of-the-day-politically-correct-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/funny-car-commercial-of-the-day-politically-correct-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volkswagen loves everyone - Click above to watch the video after the break

Nowadays, being politically correct is of the utmost importance to companies the world over, and that includes automakers. Especially Volkswagen, apparently. Judging from the commercial pasted after the break, the German automaker - which just happens to have recently earned the title of World's Largest Automaker - wants you to know that everyone loves it cars, regardless of age, sex, race or color.

Volkswagen is also accepting of any sexual preference, and it doesn't care if you are right- or left-handed. Do you like to drive fast? Slow? It doesn't matter - the Volkswagen New Beetle is the perfect car for you. Or something like that. Click past the break to watch the video and visit veryfunnyads.com for more humorous car ads.

[Source: veryfunnyads.com]

Continue reading Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Politically Correct Edition

Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Politically Correct Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlefunny carfunny car adfunny car commercialfunny car commercial of the dayfunny commercialFunnyCarFunnyCarAdFunnyCarCommercialFunnyCarCommercialOfTheDayFunnyCommercialnew beetleNewBeetlepolitical correctnessPoliticalCorrectnesspolitically correctPoliticallyCorrectvery funnyvery funny advery funny adsVeryFunnyVeryFunnyAdVeryFunnyAdsVolkswagenvolkswagen adVolkswagenAdvw advw advertisingVW BeetleVW new beetleVwAdVwAdvertisingVwBeetleVwNewBeetleWed, 11 Nov 2009 16:56:00 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 beetle2010Beetle2012 beetle2012Beetleback seatBackSeatbeetlebeetle bugBeetleBugbugnew beetlenew beetle rear seatNewBeetleNewBeetleRearSeatvolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen new beetleVolkswagenBeetleVolkswagenNewBeetlevwMon, 12 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[New VW Beetle coming in two years, Scirocco still not in cards for U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/new-vw-beetle-coming-in-two-years-scirocco-still-not-in-cards-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/new-vw-beetle-coming-in-two-years-scirocco-still-not-in-cards-f/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/new-vw-beetle-coming-in-two-years-scirocco-still-not-in-cards-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlefalseferdinand porscheFerdinandPorscheganzhet ware verhaal van de keverHetWareVerhaalVanDeKeverjosef ganzJosefGanzpaul schilperoordPaulSchilperoordschilperoordthe true story of the beetleTheTrueStoryOfTheBeetlevolkswagen beetleVolkswagenBeetlevolskwagenvwvw beetleVwBeetleTue, 08 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day is just in time for Easter]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-is-just-in-time-for-easter/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-is-just-in-time-for-easter/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/27/ebay-find-of-the-day-is-just-in-time-for-easter/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for a gallery of the Funny Bunny

The Volo Classic Car Museum in Illinois has this pink treat from the movie Uncle Buck for sale. The Funny Bunny is a Volkswagen Bug that was turned into a mouse that, according to the Volo, has been turned into a bunny. Even though it's got a mouse nose, mouse whiskers, mouse eyes, and mouse ears, it has "a buck tooth bumper" and a white, poofy bunny tail -- but it still comes with the pink mouse tail in case you're really set on a rodent.

The car has been restored and is in great running condition, so sayeth the museum's eBay listing. And you don't have to worry about spending money on it, because "people will pay you to attend their events." If you're looking for attention or an "in" for your local Easter parade, look no further.


Gallery: Bunnymobile


[Source: eBay]

eBay Find of the Day is just in time for Easter originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction actionAuctionActionbeetlebugcelebrityebayJohn CandyJohnCandymoviemovie carsMovieCarsmoviesuncle buckUncleBuckvolkswagenvw beetlevw bugVwBeetleVwBugFri, 27 Mar 2009 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay Find of the Day: the VolksAru]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-volksaru/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-volksaru/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/14/ebay-find-of-the-day-the-volksaru/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for gallery of the VolksAru

While sharing our nightmares around the Autoblog virtual water cooler, we've discovered that it's common for interweb auto scribes to wake with a start in the middle of the night, cold sweat trickling down our brows. The common terror? Frankenstein cars. The dreaded dreams are usually brought on by late night eBay surfing, and this vehicle may haunt our slumber tonight. If you've ever thought to yourself "Gosh, I wonder what a Type I Beetle coughing up a Subaru GL would look like," here's your ride. It's got a Subaru dash and door panels, while the seats are VW, so the seam is somewhere up there. It's being sold as a gas-saver, likely because both of the flat-four powertrains - there are two - are relative fuel sippers. We can't discern whether the engines are synchronized to run at the same time, or if it's a one at a time type thing with the other motor and transmission serving as 500 pounds of extra mass to haul around when not in use. Like our nightmares, the seller of this vehicle is definitely dreaming with a $20,000 starting bid. Check out more awkward angles of this monstrosity in our gallery below, but don't blame us when the Boogey Man begins driving it in your dreams. Thanks for the tip, Raoul!

Gallery: VolksAru


[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: the VolksAru originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlebeetle subaruBeetleSubarubug subaru glBugSubaruGlebayebay auctionebay find of the dayebay motorsebay wtfebayauctionEbayFindOfTheDayebaymotorsEbayWtfsubaru beetlesubaru glSubaruBeetleSubaruGlvolksaruvw subaruVwSubaruTue, 14 Oct 2008 11:34:00 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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlebeetle toyBeetleToyclassic beetleClassicBeetlelegolegosvolkswagen beetleVolkswagenBeetleSat, 11 Oct 2008 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[What the...? Volkswagen considering Beetle-based pickup?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/what-the-volkswagen-considering-beetle-based-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/what-the-volkswagen-considering-beetle-based-pickup/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/06/what-the-volkswagen-considering-beetle-based-pickup/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Of all the wild-ass rumors we hear on a weekly daily hourly basis, this one has that special air of cow manure. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen is considering a pickup truck for the U.S. based off the second generation Beetle, which is due out around the turn of the decade.

The rationale behind this implausible idea stems from VW's goal to boost annual vehicle sales in the U.S. from its current 230,000 units to 1 million vehicle sales per year by 2018. Other derivatives of the new new Beetle could also include a crossover and a wagon.

Although the recently revealed VW Pickup Concept is only bound for markets outside the U.S. and Europe, a compelling case can be made for a light-duty truck for occasional haulers here in the States. But we somehow doubt that the U.S. consumers could warm up to a Beetle-based truck - nostalgia can only go so far.

[Source: Automotive News (sub. req.) via Pickuptrucks.com | Image: CargoFun]

What the...? Volkswagen considering Beetle-based pickup? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlepickup truckPickupTruckvolkswagenvolkswagen beetle pickupvolkswagen beetle truckVolkswagenBeetlePickupVolkswagenBeetleTruckvwvw beetle pickupvw beetle pickup truckvw beetle truckVwBeetlePickupVwBeetlePickupTruckVwBeetleTruckMon, 06 Oct 2008 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 VW Beetle to be 'more mature']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/2010-vw-beetle-to-be-more-mature/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/2010-vw-beetle-to-be-more-mature/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/29/2010-vw-beetle-to-be-more-mature/#commentsFiled under: , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volkswagen beetle2010 vw beetle2010VolkswagenBeetle2010VwBeetlebeetlevolkswagen beetlevolkswagen bugVolkswagenBeetleVolkswagenBugvw beetlevw bugVwBeetleVwBugMon, 29 Sep 2008 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[New VW Beetle could be North America's up! variant?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/new-vw-beetle-could-be-north-americas-up-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/new-vw-beetle-could-be-north-americas-up-variant/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/10/new-vw-beetle-could-be-north-americas-up-variant/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The VW Beetle is a cult favorite here in the States, but in Germany, it's not so well loved. That could be part of the reason why Volkswagen has been slow to produce a successor to the new Beetle, but word from Motor Trend is that two models could be coming shortly. The first Beetle will be based off the Gen-VI Golf and will hit production in 2010 or 2011.

Word out of Wolfsburg is that a second Beetle could be on the way as well, but this one would be based off the up! minicar. That would give VW a sub-brand Beetle lineup, kind of like what Toyota has with Scion, but with an eye on MINI buyers. The smaller up!-based Beetle would also be more true to the original Bug, which was a cheap and efficient "People's Car" with the engine out back (supposedly). Quality problems and a weak dollar have lead VW to struggle in the U.S. over the past few years, but an inexpensive, reliable car with top-notch fuel economy would go a long way toward reversing that trend.

Gallery: VW up!


[Source: Motor Trend]

New VW Beetle could be North America's up! variant? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeetleNew BeetleNewBeetleup minicarUpMinicarVolkswagenVWThu, 10 Jul 2008 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen up! More details revealed]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/volkswagen-up-more-details-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/volkswagen-up-more-details-revealed/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/volkswagen-up-more-details-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of the Volkswagen up!

Volkswagen's adorable little up! has the ambitious goal of becoming the next original Beetle, and new info on Auto Express seems to indicate that the Germans in Wolfsburg may be on to something. The up! will feature both gasoline and diesel-powered engines with a minuscule displacement of only .6 turbocharged liters, and a larger 1.2L three-cylinder engine may be planned, as well.

The up! will also be extremely fuel efficient, with U.S. fuel economy numbers near 80 mpg. Perhaps the most eye-catching bit of info is the base price of the handsome little micro: models will sell for as little as £4,500 in emerging markets and more richly equipped European models will start around £7,500. VW is also looking at making both a three- and five-door up! with the exact same wheelbase, as well a roomier MPV version and even a hybrid. VW also says that the 11 foot long up! will also feature the roomiest cabin in its class. Is it just us, or does the amazing little up! almost sound too good to be true? We'll find out for sure next year when the production up! is released to the public.

Gallery: VW up!


Gallery: VW space up! blue


[Source: Auto Express]

Volkswagen up! More details revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeetlehybridLupoVolkswagenVW upVwUpThu, 17 Apr 2008 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: When the boss won't settle for a Mustang or Camaro, what do you do?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/video-when-the-boss-wont-settle-for-a-mustang-or-camaro-what/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/video-when-the-boss-wont-settle-for-a-mustang-or-camaro-what/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/17/video-when-the-boss-wont-settle-for-a-mustang-or-camaro-what/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to view video after the jump

We've all had one of those bosses that at some point you just can't satisfy no matter what you do. No matter how hard you try, he always make you feel like a fool. When one of Chris Bangle's "master works" won't do, an S2000 has less torque than a weed-eater and the plastic in a Camaro makes a model car look good, what is a poor general to do? The one is this video after the jump is truly the boss from hell. Aside from Mel Brooks, it's not often that you get so many laughs from the Nazis, but someone has done a masterful job supplying new subtitles for a scene from Der Untergang (Downfall), a film about the final days of the Third Reich. The video clip after the jump is just shy of four minutes, but it's worth watching all the way through.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: When the boss won't settle for a Mustang or Camaro, what do you do?

VIDEO: When the boss won't settle for a Mustang or Camaro, what do you do? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Apr 2008 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetleder untergangDerUntergangdownfallthe berlin bunkerTheBerlinBunkerThu, 17 Apr 2008 08:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Volkswagen ist das Auto]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/volkswagen-ist-das-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/volkswagen-ist-das-auto/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/03/volkswagen-ist-das-auto/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When Volkswagen reintroduced the Rabbit to the U.S., it claimed that it was drawing on enthusiasts' emotional connection with the Rabbit name, and it wants to draw on even more of that pop culture history with its latest advertising and marketing campaign. VW is referring to its new campaign as "DAS AUTO", or literally as "the car." A black 1964 Beetle called Max will be the star of the campaign as he it converses with such varied celebrities as Heidi Klum, David Hasselhoff (!) and Leonard Nimoy, among others.

According to Tim Ellis, the newly-appointed vice president of marketing at Volkswagen of America, "Max personifies Volkswagen's American consumers and lets them know how Volkswagen understands and responds to what the people want." Were people asking for talking VW Beetles? We're not sure, but we'll soon be finding out; Max and the DAS AUTO campaign will begin in earnest starting very soon, kicking off five new model launches: the Tiguan compact SUV, Routan minivan, CC, clean diesel Jetta TDI and Jetta SportsWagen.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen ist das Auto

Volkswagen ist das Auto originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetledas autodas-autoDasAutovolkswagenvwvw beetlevw usavw-beetlevw-usaVwBeetleVwUsaThu, 03 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Golden Oldie: 18-karat Vee-Dub in Bucharest]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/golden-oldie-18-karat-vee-dub-in-bucharest/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/golden-oldie-18-karat-vee-dub-in-bucharest/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/10/golden-oldie-18-karat-vee-dub-in-bucharest/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This isn't exactly what the recording industry had in mind when The Beatles went gold for the first time. But then, who would have predicted back then that the Iron Curtain would fall and that Eastern Europe would grow into one of the world's largest markets for tasteless luxury items.

This 1968 Volkswagen Beetle, unveiled at this year's Luxury Show in Bucharest, Romania, is covered in tiles made of glass and 18-karat gold. We'd say if you have to ask, you can't afford it, but it strikes us that the whole point of building or buying something this perversely ostentatious is to flaunt to the world just how much it's worth. In this case, the figure is actually just $88,000.

If you're thinking that eighty-eight grand will buy you a well-equipped Porsche 911, we're not far behind you. But then, whoever would even consider buying something this ridiculous probably has a couple of "ordinary" Porsches lying around the grounds already.

[Source: Luxurylaunches.com]

Golden Oldie: 18-karat Vee-Dub in Bucharest originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2007 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlebucharestbuggoldluxuryromaniashowvolkswagenvwMon, 10 Dec 2007 19:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Essen 2007: Phantoms inhabit VW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/03/essen-2007-phantoms-inhabit-vw/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/03/essen-2007-phantoms-inhabit-vw/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/03/essen-2007-phantoms-inhabit-vw/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Artist William Burge has found a way to artfully reattach all of the little pieces that have fallen off his 1968 Volkswagen Beetle. The results are far more impressive than the Bug's original and once-ubiquitous countenance. Actually, we counted all 21,000 gigashards of metal, and that's more metal than a '68 Type 1 contained, and even the steady diet of replacement parts doesn't account for the amount of cold-rolled whatever comprising this bodyshell. The car's exhibition at the Essen Motor Show is apropos on a whole bunch of levels.

The gargoyle-themed Volkswagen will fit right in among the cathedrals and castles in the city, which is a future European Capital of Culture for 2010. Being a cultural hub, the intricate suit of armor worn by Burge's once-humble Beetle will be understood for the masterpiece that it is, and the painstaking metal work that went into the car will not be lost on the home of the Krupp Iron Works. There's not much information to be found about the car, which Burge has named "Phantoms," though it's been on display in Essen from November 26th, and will be at the Motor Show until the 9th of December. We're dying for details, particularly how it was put together? What's the interior look like? Is it still being pushed around by a 1500? Can I borrow it to discourage parking in front of my house? One of you astute commenters out there must have more information; please share!

[Source: Winding Road, Photo: Martin Meissner/AP]

Essen 2007: Phantoms inhabit VW originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Dec 2007 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1968art carArtCarbeetleessenessen motor showEssenMotorShowphantomsvolkswagenwilliam burgeWilliamBurgeMon, 03 Dec 2007 10:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Porrera: Beetle-based faux 911]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/porrera-beetle-based-faux-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/porrera-beetle-based-faux-911/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/14/porrera-beetle-based-faux-911/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



I like Bugs. I like Porsches. Not together. Taking a historical bent, you could draw a line from the Porsche 911 back to the Volkswagen Beetle without it having too many kinks and corners in it. The flip side of that relationship is that while there are some similarities in the broad-strokes sense, the two cars are more dissimilar than they are alike. How we wish we'd coined the name, but alas, Creative Cars (whoever they are) came up with the Porrera moniker when they started producing 911 retrofit kits. It's close, kind of, but not really. Maybe in that small area in the lower part of the rear quarter where the taillights meet the fender flares. Hm. No. All the nose jobs and fanny surgery in the world can't change the fact that this is, at its core, a 1970 Type I. The greenhouse is too bulbous (a proper chop job might help), the front overhangs are reminiscent of something penned by Matt Groening, and out back continues to chuffle a filthy 1300.

[Source: eBay via Carscoop]

Gallery: Porrera

Continue reading Porrera: Beetle-based faux 911

Porrera: Beetle-based faux 911 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>911auctionbeetlecarreraebayporschereplicavolkswagenvwTue, 14 Aug 2007 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: To kill a Beetle bug: Hippie VW gets shredded]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/video-to-kill-a-beetle-bug-hippie-vw-gets-shredded/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/video-to-kill-a-beetle-bug-hippie-vw-gets-shredded/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/08/02/video-to-kill-a-beetle-bug-hippie-vw-gets-shredded/#commentsFiled under: , ,



When people have a love of YouTube and a lot of free time on their hands, some pretty crazy things can happen. Someone with a spare first-generation VW Beetle and a car shredder decided to be creative in dismantling their hippie heirloom, so they slapped together a faux-comedy. The action saves this amateur video, though, as the helpless little bug is ruthlessly shredded in under two minutes. While we can't call this news, it's definitely entertaining, and you can watch it after the jump.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: To kill a Beetle bug: Hippie VW gets shredded

VIDEO: To kill a Beetle bug: Hippie VW gets shredded originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeetleBugHippieshredderVolkswagenVWThu, 02 Aug 2007 11:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt Motor Show rumors: VW unveiling ultra-cheap ride]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/23/frankfurt-motor-show-rumors-vw-unveiling-ultra-cheap-ride/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/23/frankfurt-motor-show-rumors-vw-unveiling-ultra-cheap-ride/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/23/frankfurt-motor-show-rumors-vw-unveiling-ultra-cheap-ride/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Due to its unique shape and low cost, the VW Beetle is perhaps the most recognizable vehicle ever to grace international roads. Since the original Bug faded away into history, the folks in Wolfsburg seem to have gotten away from budget wheels in favor of high-quality, but pricey, offerings. That's all about to change, however, as Volkswagen plans to unveil their blueprint for a new bargain VW at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The noble idea is to produce a vehicle for under €8,000 while retaining the look and feel that VW customers have come to expect. With the high cost of labor in Europe, the idea may seem like a pipe dream, but VW's plants in China and Mexico should be able to get the job done. We're probably not the only ones that hope V-dub can pull this one off.

[Source: The German Car Blog]

Frankfurt Motor Show rumors: VW unveiling ultra-cheap ride originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeetleBudgetEconoboxFrankfurtVWMon, 23 Jul 2007 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[eBay find of the day: HPA Motorsports' 400 HP New Beetle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/ebay-find-of-the-day-hpa-motorsports-400-hp-new-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/ebay-find-of-the-day-hpa-motorsports-400-hp-new-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/07/ebay-find-of-the-day-hpa-motorsports-400-hp-new-beetle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Cars with 400hp are a lot more common than they were only a few years ago, but a VW Beetle with that kind of grunt doesn't come along every day. For the "buy it now" price of $29,900 you can get behind the wheel of this HPA Motorsports of Canada-built hot hatch with all the bells and whistles. The bug is a 1999 model with 38,592 miles and more mods than you can shake a stick at. The twin-intercooled, 2.8-liter engine is mated to a five-speed manual sending power to all four wheels, with stopping power supplied by Porsche calipers. Other modifications include updated rims and tires, body kit, enlarged front air dam, and Recaro seats.

Other than the balding tires and the prodigious torque-steer, we'd say this is one bad-ass little ride. Check out the 13 gallery images below.

[Source: eBay]

Gallery: 400hp Beetle

eBay find of the day: HPA Motorsports' 400 HP New Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 07 Jul 2007 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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