Autoblog

Volkswagen New Beetle still number one with the ladies

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Etc., Hatchback, Volkswagen

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

Men, take note: According to a new survey from research firm TrueCar, the Volkswagen New Beetle is (still) the ultimate car for women. Apparently, its combination of cute-as-a-button looks and affordable pricing make the reborn Bug a total hit with the fairer sex.

This data was determined not by some silly woman-on-the-street clipboard survey, but rather by looking at the registrations of more than 13 million vehicles over the past two years. We could have saved them quite a bit of work if they wanted to know that the New Beetle was a chick car, but whatever. There was some other interesting info gleaned from the research, including the revelation that 64% of all cars are registered by men despite the fact that there are more women (at 51% of the population, just a tad) than men in America.

Rounding out the top five vehicles that scored well with the mono-chromosomed gender were the Nissan Rogue, Hyundai Tucson, (saw this one coming) Volkswagen Eos and Volvo S40.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Volkswagen New Beetle still number one with the ladies originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen reportedly taking final orders on New Beetle

Noah Joseph — Tue, 04 May 2010 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Australia

2010 Volkswagen New Beetle Final Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you've got your eyes set on buying a Volkswagen New Beetle before it beeps its way off into the sunset, well... first of all, you've got us baffled. Secondly, this could be your last chance for the current-generation model before it ceases production. This according to the latest reports attributed to the German automaker's Australian arm.

The reports would ostensibly make sense, since previous ones indicated that Volkswagen was preparing to introduce a thorough revision of the quirky retro-mobile. Not to mention the end-of-the-line Final Edition which VW unveiled at the LA Auto Show last year. Tipped to place less emphasis on the cutesy factor and more on, you know... the car part, we're expecting to see the new New Beetle later this year, ahead of an anticipated market introduction early in 2011.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Volkswagen Beetle

[Source: Volkswagen]

Volkswagen reportedly taking final orders on New Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 May 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: VW New Beetle successor timeframe and details come into focus

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, LA Auto Show, Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2005 Volkswagen Ragster concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen New Beetle hasn't exactly been, well, "New," for many years now. However, a report from AutoWeek states that the Bug will get a much-needed overhaul later this year, with a concept car expected to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show near the end of 2010. Following the show car debut, the production New Beetle should be hitting U.S. dealers in May of 2011.

AW reports that design sources within Volkswagen indicate that the new New Beetle will take styling cues from the 2005 Ragster concept (pictured). What's more, the next-generation car will have a stronger focus on driving dynamics, rather than overall retro style. As for powertrains, the U.S. can expect both the 2.5-liter five-cylinder and 2.0-liter diesel four-cylinder mills to be under-hood, with a twin-charged 1.4-liter gasoline/electric hybrid reportedly in the works. Five- and six-speed manual transmissions will be offered, as well as an optional seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

But while all this is well and good, will a styling and dynamic overhaul be enough to revive the New Beetle's momentum here in the U.S., or will it simply go the way of the original Beetle in just a few years time? Have your say, in comments.

Gallery: 2005 VW Ragster Concept

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: VW New Beetle successor timeframe and details come into focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next generation Volkswagen Beetle coming next year

Dan Roth — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen, Rumormill, Design/Style

3rd verse, same as the first. Not entirely, of course, but when the subject is the Volkswagen New Beetle, the looks of the car are largely a foregone conclusion. Just like the current New Beetle evokes the original Type 1 with its roundy-round fat-fenderedness, the next version, expected to go on sale in May 2011, will continue paying homage to the classic form. The outward differences will be a less-arched roofline that's more like the Ragster concept, and reportedly more surface detailing to break up the current car's vast expanses of featureless sheetmetal.

The new roofline and a stretch in wheelbase, plus a bump in width, will allow more logical interior packaging. Underneath all the retro, the next Beetle will again be running hardware shared with the Jetta. The UK's Autocar reports that its sources indicate the Beetle's dynamics will improve, with the ride becoming more supple. The familiar strut front suspension and beam rear axle layout will return, though a multi-link rear suspension will go into top-zoot models for sportier reflexes. Powertrain combinations in North America will likely be only two or three choices, possibly a 2.0T at the top, a TDI for the economy conscious, and the Jetta's 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder standard otherwise. A hybrid powertrain may also be in the works.

While the concept of a "new" Beetle conjures visions of more of the same, Autocar's rendering looks fresh, and even within the constraints of a 70-year-old design brief, there's room for new expression.

[Source: Autocar | Rendering: Autocar]

Report: Next generation Volkswagen Beetle coming next year originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Beetle pickup conversion can haul more flowers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Truck, Etc., Volkswagen, Specialty

Volkswagen New Beetle Pickup Conversion - Click above for image gallery

Still bummed that Volkswagen isn't planning to bring the new Amarok pickup to the States? Perhaps there's another way to get your hands on a VW made for hauling: a New Beetle pickup conversion. Proving the old adage, "When there's a will, there's a way," Japanese body shop Hayashi has grafted the rear half of a pickup with the front half of a New Beetle. The results, um... speak for themselves, no?

We know that the new version of the ol' Bug is sometimes seen as a feminine vehicle, but we're not so sure converting one into a pickup truck is the right way to rectify that situation. At least there's plenty of room for more than just the lonely single flower in the dash-mounted plastic holder. See for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Volkswagen New Beetle Pickup

[Source: Carscoop]

New Beetle pickup conversion can haul more flowers originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next Volkswagen Beetle to use Jetta platform

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Time keeps on slippin' into the future, and cars keep on gettin' bigger. The Volkswagen New Beetle was shown at the LA Auto Show in various Final Edition guises, and the second word on the next edition is that it will be built on the Jetta platform. The first word was that Volkswagen wants the bubbleback's next design to be more masculine, which probably means - and this is just a guess - you can kiss that flower vase goodbye.

All of this rumormongering comes out of the UK's Autocar magazine, who opine that an increase in size would also help up the masculinity factor and make for more room in that Leprechaun-sized back seat. The current Jetta's wheelbase is 101.5 inches, whereas the New Beetle measures up at 98.80 inches. Those 2.7 inches don't sound like a lot of extra room to play with - especially when considering the New Beetle's rainbow canopy - but with some imaginative design and innovative packaging, a noticeable improvement doesn't seem out of reach.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Next Volkswagen Beetle to use Jetta platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LA 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models

Michael Harley — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Convertible, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2010 Volkswagen New Beetle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Signifying the end of what has been a long run, Volkswagen has introduced "Final Edition" models of the New Beetle coupe and convertible. Each will be limited to a run of just 1,500 units. Under the hood is VW's familiar 2.5-liter inline-fine (rated at 150 horsepower) sending power to the front wheels through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission - nothing new there. However, the German automaker has fitted a full sport suspension and unique 17-inch alloy wheels to each of the New Beetles to add a touch more driving excitement.

Cosmetically, the Final Edition models feature Aquarius Blue paint. The hardtop version breaks up the color with a black roof and integrated fog lights, while the convertible model has a two-tone Aquarius Blue/Campanella White paint scheme and a white top. Special badging is found on the front quarter panel and on the steering wheel. The hatchback version hits showrooms with a base MSRP of $20,240 and the convertible starts at $27,170. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2010 Volkswagen Beetle

Live photos copyright (C)2009 Michael Harley / Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading LA 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models

LA 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Funny Car Commercial of the Day: Politically Correct Edition

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen, Humor

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.

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REPORT: Next New Beetle will have bigger back seat

Chris Shunk — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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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New VW Beetle coming in two years, Scirocco still not in cards for U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Design/Style

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.

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REPORT: VW chooses Mexican plant for new compact sedan

Michael Harley — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen, South America

Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 Special Edition - Click above for hi-res image gallery

Adding a vote of confidence to Mexico's struggling auto industry, Volkswagen has announced that it will begin assembly of a new compact car (working title "New Compact Sedan") in the country next year.

The German automaker will invest about $1 billion in the program, with $400 million of the funds directed towards a new assembly line at its plant in Puebla. The facility currently produces Jetta and New Beetle models - in 2008, a record 450,000 units were produced with about 80 percent of the volume exported.

The news follows the report last year, when Volkswagen announced a $1 billion investment in Chattanooga, Tennessee, to begin production of a mid-size sedan for the North American market. With a capacity of 150,000 vehicles, the Chattanooga assembly plant is scheduled to open in 2011.

Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 2.5 Special Editon

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd]

REPORT: VW chooses Mexican plant for new compact sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Red-faced rag top: Volkswagen unveils New Beetle "Blush"

Dan Roth — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Volkswagen

Click above to view high-res gallery of the VW New Beetle Blush

Driving a New Beetle convertible alone is enough to make this 30-something, male blogger blush from embarrassment. Now there's a new, tarted-up version of the neo-Bug called the Blush that sports special colors and trimmings to match the driver's face. The Blush is painted up in a hue called White Gold - a metallic finish that will likely be the pride of the Real Estate Agent's parking lot, especially when paired with the red leather interior. Fold the red top down, cover it with the red boot and hit the road. You'll be spinning the car's uniquely-patterned 17-inch wheels on your way to the next showing. There's the standard kit underhood: a 2.5-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. $27,000 is all that separates you from this hunk of awesomeness. We'd love nothing more than to show you a 50-image gallery of the Blush, but VW has released only two interior shots of the car. Maybe they're embarrassed a bit.

Gallery: Volkswagen New Beetle Blush

[Source: VW]

Continue reading Red-faced rag top: Volkswagen unveils New Beetle "Blush"

Red-faced rag top: Volkswagen unveils New Beetle "Blush" originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Feb 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New VW Beetle could be North America's up! variant?

Chris Shunk — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Green, Volkswagen

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.

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Baubles: Windup Key sickeningly cute

Chris Shunk — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:31:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Etc., Mini, Smart, Volkswagen

The March Men's Vogue recently asked if the Smart fortwo is manly enough, and while we're not exactly lining up to buy one, we also wouldn't rip a friend (too much) for picking up the fuel-sipping two-seater. If our pal's fortwo had a Windup Key, however, all bets are off, and a Charley Horse or three may be in order. The Windup Key is a 22-by-10 inch faux windup key made of powder-coated 6061 aluminum, and it can be customized with different shapes, colors or even chrome coating. If you really want to attract stamp collectors, Star Trek fans and adults with authentic Lord of the Rings costumes, opt for the 12v motor, which makes the Windup Key actually spin when the vehicle is in motion.

The Windup Key is also compatible with the Scion xB, PT Cruiser, New Beetle (shown), and MINI Cooper, among other cute-mobiles, and prices start around $100. Amazingly, the Windup Key is currently on back-order, which means there is actually demand for these ridiculous little gadgets. The sad thing is that while Virginia wants to ban Truck Nuts, the testosterone-free Windup Key will likely be accepted with open arms.

Gallery: Windup Key

[Source: Windup Key via Smartcarofamerica]

Baubles: Windup Key sickeningly cute originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle, Cabriolet and Speedster

John Neff — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:55:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Coupe, Volkswagen

click above image to view high-res gallery of VW New Beetle renderings

It's one of the hardest tricks for a designer to pull off: redesign a retro car that takes its styling cues from an iconic classic. Volkswagen has already refreshed the design of its New Beetle once, though the redo was kept to a minimum and included things like new headlights, slightly more creased fenders, and new taillights. The time will come, however, when the New Beetle needs a new look, and according to Brenda Priddy's illustration artist, the next-gen people's car will be inspired by VW's series of up! concepts that have been trotted out at recent auto shows around the world. And truly, doesn't it make sense? Adding the up! bumper to the New Beetle gives its face a cheery smile that one would expect from a car that comes standard with a flower vase in the dash. The same goes for the rear bumper that gives a grin to passerbys as if to say, "Make love, not war!". Even the new head and taillights in these renderings look more like actual eyeballs than on most cars. Whether or not these illustrations have a grain of truth to them remains to be seen, but the fact can't be denied that VW needs to somehow update the New Beetle's design without losing any of its inherent charm.

So far this year, the New Beetle coupe is down 9.8% in sales while the convertible is off -19.7%. What will help a redesign gain traction with buyers are new features being planned for the next-gen Bug, including availability of a DSG gearbox and even a speedster model that could hint at a performance variant. Hmmm... kind of looks like Walt Disney's version of a Porsche Boxster.

[Source: Brenda Priddy & Co.]

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle - renderings

Continue reading Rendered Speculation: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle, Cabriolet and Speedster

Rendered Speculation: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle, Cabriolet and Speedster originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 12:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What company has the most recalled 2007 models?

John Neff — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Volkswagen

BusinessWeek has trolled the NHTSA files to find out which automakers have had to recall their brand new 2007 models the most, and the winner is Volkswagen thanks to a recall of just over 1 milion 2007 New Beetles because of potentially faulty brake light switches. Of course, Ford announced a major recall of 3.6 million vehicles earlier this month for defective cruise control switches, but none of the vehicles affected were 2007 models and so don't count for this list.

We've complied the rest of the data for you in a handy list after the jump, because we hate having to click through BusinessWeek's 15-part slideshow, and we suspect you might, too.

[Source: BusinessWeek]

Continue reading What company has the most recalled 2007 models?

What company has the most recalled 2007 models? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google's Street View Car: Take a look at the vehicle that's looking at you!

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:05:00 EST

Filed under: Gadgets, Technology, Volkswagen

While it was much more fun to think of the little hover-droid flying around New York City waiting to snap pictures for you of the surrounding city-scape, the reality is a bit less interesting, although more realistic. The vehicle you see in the picture above is one of Immersive Media's camera wielding cars, a Volkswagen New Beetle to be exact. These are the cars that Google is using to populate their new Street View function with pictures of major cities, or as Immersive Media themselves refer to it: 360° georeferenced spherical video. Ummm... yeah.

Since I just ruined John's fantasy of the little hover-droid, I propose this stunning possibility: Maybe this is the real Bumblebee from Transformers! He's no Camaro, he was a Bug all along. He's come to earth in an attempt to map out possible... alright, nevermind. I'll just go back to thinking of the hover-droid.

[Source: Immersive Media via Engadget]

Google's Street View Car: Take a look at the vehicle that's looking at you! originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Beetle gets special red top

Chris Tutor — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Volkswagen

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.

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Bad brakes lights lead VW to recall 790,000 vehicles

John Neff — Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has discovered that a previous recall of 362,000 vehicles (1999-2002 Jettas and 1998-2002 New Beetles) for a defective brake light switch actually affects a much larger range of vehicles. The German automaker is extending the recall to an additional 790,000 vehicles that include 1999-2006 Golf and GTI models, 2001-2005 Jettas, 2001-2007 New Beetles and the 2004 R32. The possibility exists that brake light switches in these vehicles may have been installed wrong, which could lead to their remaining on all the time or not working at all. In an extreme possibility, some vehicles with automatic transmissions might be immobilized if the brake light switch can't be activated so that the transmission can be shifted out of Park. When the new recall begins in April, VW dealers will install a new brake light switch free of charge for owners of the affected vehicles. If you think your vehicle is included in the recall or have any questions, you call VW at 1-800-822-8987.

Thanks for the tip, Judd!

[Source: USA Today]

Bad brakes lights lead VW to recall 790,000 vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speculative sketchiness: The new New Beetle?

Chris Shunk — Sun, 18 Feb 2007 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Volkswagen

When Volkswagen unveiled the New Beetle in 1998, the buzz was considerable. A smitten public got on waiting lists to acquire the early Bugs, and the cars attracted attention wherever they went. It's now 2007, and over the intervening years, the car's retro styling has gotten a bit stale.

German buff mag auto motor und sport has presented sketches of what it believes the next-gen New Beetle might look like. We're rather fond of the cool-looking little three door with RX-8-like wheel flares shown at right. To these eyes, it blends a little Audi A3 with a touch of TT. It'll be very interesting to see if and how VW will evolve the retro-look of the current Beetle, and this wouldn't be a bad way to go at all. Click the picture to see the full image as well as a sketch of a ragtop version over at auto motor und sport.

[Source: auto motor und sport via German Car Blog]

Speculative sketchiness: The new New Beetle? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 18 Feb 2007 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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