Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Less Flower, More Power



Pardon our political incorrectness for a moment, but the Volkswagen New Beetle was, undeniably, a "chick car." There was almost nothing that the New Beetle offered to enthusiasts (of either gender), and by the end of its run, VW had even stripped all of the exciting engines from the car's lineup. Looking to resurrect some of the excitement behind the Beetle, the third generation of the iconic car ditched the cuteness when the coupe debuted for 2012, and now the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible aims to show how much fun drivers can have without a top.

Celebrating almost six and a half decades of the Beetle convertible, Volkswagen is offering a trio of distinct special editions that celebrate three of the car's most popular decades (the '50s, '60s and '70s), but as one of the unofficial cars of the 1960s, it would almost be a crime not to test this version, right? Besides, this is also the only special edition to get the turbocharged engine. While our first drive of the 2013 Beetle Convertible was in the fuel-miser TDI variation, our two-week romp in the 2013 Beetle Convertible '60s Edition came just as peak convertible weather was kicking off down in Florida.

The retro styling craze caught like a wildfire in the early 2000s, but quickly fizzled out as automakers realized that redesigning these cars for a subsequent second generation became a challenge in itself. This is likely the very reason why the New Beetle remained relatively the same for almost its entire 12-year run, but in creating the third-generation Beetle, Volkswagen tried to distance itself from adjectives like "cute" and "bubbly" by using more mainstream-friendly cues, which carry over nicely to the convertible form.

Continue reading 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible

2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 volkswagen beetle convertible60s editionfeaturedreviewreviewsvolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen beetle 60s editionvolkswagen beetle convertibleWed, 10 Apr 2013 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20535701/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/04/10/2013-volkswagen-beetle-turbo-convertible-review/20535701/article-detail.xml 20535701 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-2013-vw-beetle-turbo-conv-review-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/04/03-2013-vw-beetle-turbo-conv-review-opt.jpg <![CDATA[VW debuts <i>Get Happy</i> Super Bowl ad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/vw-debuts-get-happy-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/vw-debuts-get-happy-super-bowl-ad/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/28/vw-debuts-get-happy-super-bowl-ad/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen Super Bowl Commercial

Brace yourself for another tidal wave of Super Bowl commercials. Volkswagen has released its spot for this year's big game. Set to air during the second quarter, the Get Happy spot follows one jubilant office worker as he makes his way through the day, spreading joy wherever he goes. The source of his happiness? A Volkswagen Beetle, of course. Now, if you're wondering why a gaggle of white guys are running around on your screen with Jamaican accents, it will help to know the spot is part of a larger Get Happy campaign featuring Jimmy Cliff.

The first ad in the series featured the artist singing his rendition of "C'Mon, Get Happy," complete with a little help from some notorious unhappy YouTube stars. You can take a look at the new ad before it airs below, along with the complete press release for a little more background.

Continue reading VW debuts Get Happy Super Bowl ad

VW debuts Get Happy Super Bowl ad originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>super bowlsuper bowl commercialvideovolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen super bowl commercialMon, 28 Jan 2013 14:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20440584/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/01/28/vw-debuts-get-happy-super-bowl-ad/20440584/article-detail.xml 20440584 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/volkswagen-super-bowl-commercial-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/volkswagen-super-bowl-commercial-628.jpg <![CDATA[VW recalls 2012-2013 Beetle models with leather seats over airbags]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/vw-recalls-2012-2013-beetle-models-with-leather-seats-over-airba/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/vw-recalls-2012-2013-beetle-models-with-leather-seats-over-airba/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/11/20/vw-recalls-2012-2013-beetle-models-with-leather-seats-over-airba/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo

Volkswagen is recalling 2,471 Beetle models over faulty occupant control modules in the front passenger seat. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, if the seat in certain 2012 and 2013 model year vehicles gets wet, the module may malfunction and may not detect the presence of a child restraint. If that happens, the airbag will not shut off and will deploy in the event of a collision. Such a scenario could greatly increase the risk of serious child injury.

As a remedy, Volkswagen technicians will replace the control modules free of charge. The automaker hasn't released a schedule of when the recall will begin, but owners can expect to be notified of the campaign soon. You can view the official NHTSA recall notice below for more information.

Earlier this year, Volkswagen recalled 83 2012 Beetle models for being equipped with the wrong tires.

Continue reading VW recalls 2012-2013 Beetle models with leather seats over airbags

VW recalls 2012-2013 Beetle models with leather seats over airbags originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen beetlebeetlebeetle recallnational highway traffic safety administrationnhtsarecallrecallsvolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen beetle recallTue, 20 Nov 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20384614/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/11/20/vw-recalls-2012-2013-beetle-models-with-leather-seats-over-airba/20384614/article-detail.xml 20384614 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2012-volkswagen-turbo-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/11/2012-volkswagen-turbo-628.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen to offer Fender edition Beetle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/volkswagen-to-offer-fender-edition-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/volkswagen-to-offer-fender-edition-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/12/volkswagen-to-offer-fender-edition-beetle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Volkswagen worked with Fender, its stereo partner, to put together the concept Beetle shown at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show. The concept had an iPod dock set into amp-like mesh, a tube amp, sunburst-patterened wood trim and a trunk-mounted sub you could plug your guitar into.

Car and Driver reports that a production version is coming, perhaps before the end of the year, but it will be missing several of the components that made the concept that much cooler, like the mesh-decorated dock, the tube amp and the port in the sub. Oh, and the sunburst-pattern trim might not be made of wood.

There's plenty that could remain, though. The black concept featured special red and chrome trim, a leather roof, and sat on a lowered suspension with 19-inch wheels. Those could make it through the production transition, as well as the high-end Fender stereo system, naturally.

Volkswagen to offer Fender edition Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 May 2012 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlebeetle fender conceptconcept carfendervolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen beetle fender conceptSat, 12 May 2012 18:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235248/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/12/volkswagen-to-offer-fender-edition-beetle/20235248/article-detail.xml 20235248 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/volkswagenbeetlefender_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/volkswagenbeetlefender.jpg <![CDATA[ABT introduces 240-HP tuned VW Beetle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/abt-introduces-240-hp-tuned-vw-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/abt-introduces-240-hp-tuned-vw-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/28/abt-introduces-240-hp-tuned-vw-beetle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Maybe you want a Volkswagen Beetle that does more than merely get noticed. Maybe you want a Beetle that... provokes. If so, you need to give German tuner ABT Sportsline a call.

Tweaks are made to the 2.0-liter turbo that add 40 horsepower. A front spoiler, wheels anywhere from 18 to 20 inches, and oval tailipes boost the aggression. Headlight covers make it look mean, and the "carbon-look deco set" with red trim makes it unforgettable.

The result is the Beetle Limousine 5CO, and if you're a configurating kind of guy, then ABT will let you toy around with the options. Otherwise there's a press release if you scroll below and a high-res gallery above.

Continue reading ABT introduces 240-HP tuned VW Beetle

ABT introduces 240-HP tuned VW Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abtabt sportslineaftermarketbeetlebeetle limousine 5cotunervolkswagenvolkswagen beetleSat, 28 Apr 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20225635/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/28/abt-introduces-240-hp-tuned-vw-beetle/20225635/article-detail.xml 20225635 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/abtnewbeetletune_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/abtnewbeetletune.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen E-Bugster concept lowers its lid in Beijing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-lowers-its-lid-in-beijing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-lowers-its-lid-in-beijing/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/23/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-lowers-its-lid-in-beijing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Volkswagen E-Bugster concept - top down in Beijing

Back in January at the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled a concept car called the E-Bugster. A chopped-down, electric-powered Beetle roadster, the E-Bugster cut a lean, mean, green profile. The only thing that was missing, ironically, was a chance to see the convertible with its top off.

If you're going to make a roadster, at least have the courtesy of showing it off with the roof down, right? Fortunately, Volkswagen has fixed that in time for the concept's Asian premier at the Beijing Motor Show, revealing a cowled rear deck replacing the rear seats inside the chrome bezel surrounding the cabin.

Aside from the open cockpit, the E-Bugster you see here is the same as the Detroit car, complete with its 114-horsepower electric powertrain that can take you up to 100 miles and quick-charge to 80-percent capacity in just half an hour. Scope it out with its hair down in the gallery above and with it up in the gallery below.

Continue reading Volkswagen E-Bugster concept lowers its lid in Beijing

Volkswagen E-Bugster concept lowers its lid in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 beijing motor showbeetlebeijingbeijing 2012beijing motor showe-bugstervolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen e-bugstervolkswagen e-bugster conceptvwMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20221430/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/23/volkswagen-e-bugster-concept-lowers-its-lid-in-beijing/20221430/article-detail.xml 20221430 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/bugster_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/bugster.jpg <![CDATA[Mexico finally stomping out its fleet of VW Bug taxis]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mexico-finally-stomping-out-its-fleet-of-vw-bug-taxis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mexico-finally-stomping-out-its-fleet-of-vw-bug-taxis/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/13/mexico-finally-stomping-out-its-fleet-of-vw-bug-taxis/#commentsFiled under: , ,

VW Beetle taxis in Mexico City

If you've ever wanted to flag down one of Mexico City's classic Volkswagen Bug taxis, you'd better book your travel now. The last of the iconic cabs will be decommissioned by the end of the year, according to the Associated Press.

VW hasn't built the classic Beetle since 2003, the same year that Mexico City began requiring that taxi operators switch to four-door vehicles. The last Bugs that entered service as cabs back in 2002 have already been given two extra years of service compared to most taxis, according to the report.

The cabs are considered particularly dangerous, not just because they are essentially 74-year-old cars, but also because cab drivers generally remove the front passenger seat to facilitate access to the cramped rear quarters of the Beetle. But the cars are cheap to operate and according to one former Mexico City cabbie, help make the streets safer.

"Today the cars are bigger, and they drive faster," Vera Perez told the AP, "Before, they drove more cautiously, because any accident would destroy them."

Mexico finally stomping out its fleet of VW Bug taxis originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetle taxibugmexicomexico citymexico city taxitaxitaxi cabvolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen bugvwvw beetlevw bugTue, 13 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20191128/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/13/mexico-finally-stomping-out-its-fleet-of-vw-bug-taxis/20191128/article-detail.xml 20191128 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mexico-city-taxis-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/mexico-city-taxis-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Hundreds of vintage VWs scrapped over Florida zoning [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/hundreds-of-vintage-vws-scrapped-over-florida-zoning-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/hundreds-of-vintage-vws-scrapped-over-florida-zoning-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/hundreds-of-vintage-vws-scrapped-over-florida-zoning-w-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Sunray Bugs

We certainly understand the need to scrap older vehicles. Not only is it impractical to preserve every car that's ever been built, but why would you want to? That said, decisions to destroy old cars, whether under the auspices of a government program like Cash For Clunkers or by profit motive at an automotive recycler, should be made by informed individuals. That way, vehicles that may have potential as collectibles don't unnecessarily vanish.

That's why we find this story so frustrating. According to the Tampa Bay Times, one of the foremost "VW graveyards," Sunray Bugs of Dade City, FL, is headed the way of the Type 4. The giant, 10-acre Volkswagen salvage yard lost its legal battle over zoning with Pasco County, and officials have nearly completed cleanup of the site. Hundreds of cars have been crushed, though the octogenarian owner, "Corky" Yager, may have saved most of what was truly valuable, according to this long thread on TheSamba.com.

While the situation is certainly a complex one that's caused quite a few VW enthusiasts to take to their keyboards to voice their opinions - the aforementioned thread runs to eight pages - the bottom line is that some potentially useful old cars are no longer with us.

Click through the jump to see some video of Sunray Bugs before the zoning incident, including an interview with Corky.

Continue reading Hundreds of vintage VWs scrapped over Florida zoning [w/video]

Hundreds of vintage VWs scrapped over Florida zoning [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlebugjunkyardsalvagesalvage yardsunraysunray bugsvideovolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen bugvolkswagen busvwvw bugvw busThu, 19 Jan 2012 14:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20151238/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/01/19/hundreds-of-vintage-vws-scrapped-over-florida-zoning-w-video/20151238/article-detail.xml 20151238 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sunraybugs-opt-1326921966_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/sunraybugs-opt-1326921966.jpg <![CDATA[Vintage VW Bug buyer already had key to the car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/vintage-vw-bug-buyer-already-had-key-to-the-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/vintage-vw-bug-buyer-already-had-key-to-the-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/12/14/vintage-vw-bug-buyer-already-had-key-to-the-car/#commentsFiled under: ,



At this time of year there are no shortages of holiday miracles. Most of them seem to involve animals, the cuter and furrier the better. Just today we read about a baby seal who sought shelter in a New Zealand woman's house and curled up on the couch. Earlier in the week, it was the four deer who were saved from drowning by boaters in Alaska. Well, here's a car story in the same vein.

It's about a Beetle. A red, 1963 Volkswagen convertible to be specific. Earlier in the month, the car was listed on eBay and the seller, Eric, contacted website Bring A Trailer hoping to get a little wider publicity for his strikingly original car. Eric was offering the car with a treasure trove of documentation, including the original registration for its California "black plate."

So who should happen to see the pictures of the car? None other than the son of the original owner, Jim, who was with his dad when they drove it home from the dealership almost 50 years ago. When he saw the license plate, those six randomly assigned alphanumerics lit up his memory and, well, then he saw his dad's signature on a photo of the registration...

Let's cut to the chase: Jim is the proud new owner of the Bug.

But that's not all. It seems that Jim had saved one of the keys to his dad's old VW, and sure enough, when he showed up at Eric's house to look at the car, it unlocked the driver's door. As if that's not enough to make you believe in karma, destiny, and Fahrvergnügen, Jim bought the car on his son's 15th birthday. So dad will teach son to drive in the same car that grandpa taught him in.

Take that, cute and furry.

Vintage VW Bug buyer already had key to the car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bring a trailerbring-a-trailerbringatrailervolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen bugvwvw beetlevw bugWed, 14 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20127999/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/12/14/vintage-vw-bug-buyer-already-had-key-to-the-car/20127999/article-detail.xml 20127999 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bat-bug-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/12/bat-bug-opt.jpg <![CDATA[First 2012 Volkswagen Beetle ads are slap-happy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/first-2012-volkswagen-beetle-ads-are-slap-happy/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/first-2012-volkswagen-beetle-ads-are-slap-happy/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/09/11/first-2012-volkswagen-beetle-ads-are-slap-happy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

VW Beetle ad

Volkswagen ad shop Deutsch has prepped the first round of videos to promote the new Beetle, and there's a whole lotta shakin' high-fivin' goin' on. Set to Shirley Ellis' "The Clapping Song," the first spot shows the driver of a 2012 Bug needs to be on call for hand jiving. You'll find three of the new commercials after the jump, as well as the original "Black Betty" Super Bowl spot that's been tweaked to reveal the coupe at the end.

Continue reading First 2012 Volkswagen Beetle ads are slap-happy

First 2012 Volkswagen Beetle ads are slap-happy originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 beetle2012 volkswagen beetleadvertisingbeetlecommercialdeutschvolkswagen beetleyoutubeSun, 11 Sep 2011 13:04:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20039665/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/09/11/first-2012-volkswagen-beetle-ads-are-slap-happy/20039665/article-detail.xml 20039665 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/beetlehighfivecommercial_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/beetlehighfivecommercial.jpg <![CDATA[2012 Volkswagen Beetle production gets underway in Mexico]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/22/2012-volkswagen-beetle-production-gets-underway-in-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/22/2012-volkswagen-beetle-production-gets-underway-in-mexico/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/22/2012-volkswagen-beetle-production-gets-underway-in-mexico/#commentsFiled under: ,

volkswagen de mexico puebla plant

Like many a Beetle before it, Volkswagen has prepped its newest escarabajo to begin running down production facilities in Mexico. Located in Puebla, Volkswagen de México serves as one of the nation's largest employers, with a workforce of over 15,000 folks. The Puebla facility served as a major manufacturer of the preceding New Beetle, turning out 1.5 million units between 1997 and 2010. Now, the factory worker's wrenches are set to bring the updated version to life.

Click past the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Beetle production gets underway in Mexico

2012 Volkswagen Beetle production gets underway in Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beetlemexicopueblapuebla assemblyvolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen de mexicovwFri, 22 Jul 2011 09:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19997110/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/22/2012-volkswagen-beetle-production-gets-underway-in-mexico/19997110/article-detail.xml 19997110 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/volkswagen-beetle-production-in-mexico_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/volkswagen-beetle-production-in-mexico.jpg <![CDATA[ABT has big plans for the little Volkswagen Beetle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/08/abt-has-big-plans-for-the-little-volkswagen-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/08/abt-has-big-plans-for-the-little-volkswagen-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/07/08/abt-has-big-plans-for-the-little-volkswagen-beetle/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 Volkswagen Beetle by ABT Sportsline
2012 Volkswagen Beetle by ABT Sportsline - Click above for high-res image gallery

Squint your eyes just so and a Volkswagen Beetle can start looking like a Porsche 911. And with good reason: the two were designed by the same man using the same basic principles. So with common heritage, it's little wonder that the latest model is already started to follow its sportier brother's lead. No, we don't mean an endless array of special editions from the manufacturer - we mean tuning packages. And lots of them.

Just like the 911 attracts aftermarket tuners by the truckload, undoubtedly so will the new Beetle, and ABT Sportsline is among the first to line up. The German tuning house has big plans for the sportier new bug, from full aero kits and upsized rolling stock to suspension tuning and extensive engine mods. ABT figures it can get the base 1.2-liter TSI up from 105 horsepower to 140, the 1.4 from 160 to 210, and the 2.0 from 200 to 230, with similar gains for the diesel models, as well.

Sounds promising, and to keep our interest piqued, ABT has released a couple of renderings of what we can expect. Check 'em out along with the press release after the jump.

Continue reading ABT has big plans for the little Volkswagen Beetle

ABT has big plans for the little Volkswagen Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abtabt sportslinebeetlenew beetlevolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevwvw beetleFri, 08 Jul 2011 15:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19985321/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/07/08/abt-has-big-plans-for-the-little-volkswagen-beetle/19985321/article-detail.xml 19985321 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/webabtspeedle01_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/07/webabtspeedle01.jpg <![CDATA[Clarkson gets nostalgic (in his way) about VW's new Beetle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/clarkson-gets-nostalgic-in-his-way-about-vws-new-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/clarkson-gets-nostalgic-in-his-way-about-vws-new-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/20/clarkson-gets-nostalgic-in-his-way-about-vws-new-beetle/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 volkswagen beetle
2012 Volkswagen Beetle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Jeremy Clarkson certainly has a way with words, and when he applies his wit to a topic the result is quite often an enjoyable reading experience. Clarkson has plied his wit upon the subject of Volkswagen's redesigned 2012 Beetle.

It's no secret that Jeremy and his Top Gear cohorts are not fans of the people's car. Perhaps Volkswagen can change his mind with the newest iteration of its iconic automobile?

Nope. In fact, his choice of descriptive words gets a little blue towards the end of the piece. Sample:

"Launching a modern-day incarnation that has sporty credentials is like launching a modern-day incarnation of the Mona Lisa who's crapping herself laughing."

Hop over to the Top Gear website to read Mr. Clarkson's musings on the reborn icon.

Clarkson gets nostalgic (in his way) about VW's new Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 volkswagen beetlebbcbeetleclarksonjeremy clarksontop gearvolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevwMon, 20 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19971642/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/20/clarkson-gets-nostalgic-in-his-way-about-vws-new-beetle/19971642/article-detail.xml 19971642 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-volkswagen-beetle-rear-34_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-volkswagen-beetle-rear-34.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen rolls out new Beetle with Black Turbo Launch Edition [UPDATE]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/volkswagen-rolls-out-new-beetle-with-black-turbo-launch-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/volkswagen-rolls-out-new-beetle-with-black-turbo-launch-edition/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/13/volkswagen-rolls-out-new-beetle-with-black-turbo-launch-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Black Turbo Launch Edition
2012 Volkswagen Beetle Black Turbo Launch Edition - Click above for high-res image

The upcoming 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is being billed as a substantial departure from the cutesy car it replaces. And if you've been waiting for your chance to put your name down for one of the first examples to hit the road, here it is.

Called the Black Turbo Launch Edition, this limited-run Volkswagen will represent the first 600 examples of the new Beetle to hit American dealerships. Packing a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI inline-four with dual-clutch transmission, the launch edition is distinguished by such touches as 18-inch alloys packing upsized brakes with red calipers, a rear spoiler, foglights, and includes an interior bundled with tri-color ambient lighting, Bluetooth and iPod connection, eight-speaker sound system, an extra glovebox, aluminum-alloy pedals and sport seats upholstered in cloth. (Although VW hadn't released specific images of the Beetle Black Turbo Launch Edition as we went to press, it should look like the one pictured above.)

The special Beetle is the first model to use Volkswagen's new Vehicle Pre-Order (VPO) program, available for pre-order online now for a $495 refundable reservation fee that will be applied to the purchase price of $24,950, plus a $770 destination charge. Details are in the press release after the jump.

UPDATE: The nearly-identical new image we've added above is the official shot of the Black Turbo Launch Edition. Follow the link to the pre-order site for more.

Continue reading Volkswagen rolls out new Beetle with Black Turbo Launch Edition [UPDATE]

Volkswagen rolls out new Beetle with Black Turbo Launch Edition [UPDATE] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 beetle2012 volkswagen beetlebeetlenew beetlevolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen beetle turbovolkswagen beetle turbo launch editionvwvw beetleMon, 13 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19965545/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/13/volkswagen-rolls-out-new-beetle-with-black-turbo-launch-edition/19965545/article-detail.xml 19965545 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webbeetle-black_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/webbeetle-black.jpg <![CDATA[Volkswagen prices 2012 Beetle from $18,995*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/volkswagen-prices-2012-beetle-from-18-995/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/volkswagen-prices-2012-beetle-from-18-995/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/06/07/volkswagen-prices-2012-beetle-from-18-995/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Volkswagen Beetle at the New York Auto Show
2012 Volkswagen Beetle at the New York Auto Show - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has officially announced pricing for the 2012 Beetle. Buyers will be able to hop behind the wheel of the base car equipped with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine for $18,995 (*$19,765 including $770 in destination charges). When equipped with the standard five-speed manual transmission, the EPA estimates that the engine should be good for 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Models equipped with the optional 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder can look forward to a price tag closer to $23,395 and 22 mpg city and 30 mpg highway when equipped with the optional DSG gearbox. That extra coin will also buy consumers a host of kit, including Bluetooth and iPod connectivity, larger brakes with red calipers, a spoiler and metal pedals among other niceties.

Curiously, Volkswagen hasn't yet announced pricing on models equipped with the 40 mpg highway 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine. With 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, VW says the engine will make the 2012 Beetle the most efficient car in the nameplate's history.

Buyers will be able to choose from just three trim levels, and we're happy to report that the excellent Fender audio system we sampled on the 2012 Passat will also be available on the 2012 Beetle. Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Volkswagen prices 2012 Beetle from $18,995*

Volkswagen prices 2012 Beetle from $18,995* originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 beetle msrp2012 beetle pricing2012 volkswagen beetle2012 volkswagen beetle pricingbeetlebeetle pricingnew beetlevolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevw bugTue, 07 Jun 2011 09:55:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19960480/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/06/07/volkswagen-prices-2012-beetle-from-18-995/19960480/article-detail.xml 19960480 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-volkswagen-beetle-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/06/2012-volkswagen-beetle-630.jpg <![CDATA[Paul Newman's mid-engine V8 Beetle on sale for $250K]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/paul-newmans-mid-engine-v8-beetle-on-sale-for-250k/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/paul-newmans-mid-engine-v8-beetle-on-sale-for-250k/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/05/20/paul-newmans-mid-engine-v8-beetle-on-sale-for-250k/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

paul newman's v8 volkswagen beetle

This Volkswagen Beetle is priced to sell at $250,000. No, there's no typo in that figure. This 1963 VW Bug has celebrity ownership, as it once belonged to Mr. Paul Newman. Still not doing it for you at that price? Perhaps a peak under the hood will change your mind.

Paul Newman loved him some fast cars, and this '63 Beetle is no exception. Rather than stick with the old four-cylinder lump in the rear, Newman had IndyCar builder Jerry Eisert set out to turn the droptop bug into a super sleeper.

Eisert dropped a Ford 351 V8 into the middle of the Volkswagen. He added the five-speed ZF transmission (thought to have come from a Ford GT40), and the now-transformed Beetle was pushing out 300-horsepower. That's a whole lot of juice for this bantam-weight brawler. So much, in fact, that Newman's handlers advised him to sell the car before he got into serious trouble with it.

Paul Newman's Volkswagen Beetle Convertible sleeper is now up for sale, after receiving a full restoration. The seller wants $250,000 but is open to "serious offers." While we think 250 large is rather optimistic, there's no doubt this car has the potential to plaster permanent smiles on anyone who drives it. Check out OldBug.com for a look at the car's history.

Paul Newman's mid-engine V8 Beetle on sale for $250K originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 May 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugpaul newmanpaul newman v8 bugpaul newman volkswagen beetlevolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevw bugFri, 20 May 2011 11:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19945255/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/05/20/paul-newmans-mid-engine-v8-beetle-on-sale-for-250k/19945255/article-detail.xml 19945255 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/newman-bug_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/05/newman-bug.jpg <![CDATA[We check out VW's new Fender audio systems]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/new-york-2011-we-check-out-vws-new-fender-audio-systems/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/new-york-2011-we-check-out-vws-new-fender-audio-systems/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/new-york-2011-we-check-out-vws-new-fender-audio-systems/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

2012 Volkswagen New Beetle

At the 2011 New York Auto Show we experienced the 400-watt, nine-speaker Fender premium audio system in the Volkswagen Passat, Jetta GLI and Beetle, the three models in which it will be offered. When VW announced the partnership last December, the company said "Volkswagen and Fender put the concert in the car." That wasn't just a reference to getting good sounds in your ride, it was also a clue to how you'd get that sound. But before we even sat down in the Passat for a listen, our first question was: why Fender?


Continue reading New York 2011: We check out VW's new Fender audio systems...

Photos copyright (C)2011 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL

Continue reading We check out VW's new Fender audio systems

We check out VW's new Fender audio systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 new york2011 new york auto showbeetlecar audiofenderfender guitarsjettanew beetlenew yorknew york auto showpanasonicpassatvolkswagen beetlevolkswagen fendervolkswagen jettavolkswagen passatFri, 22 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19920379/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/22/new-york-2011-we-check-out-vws-new-fender-audio-systems/19920379/article-detail.xml 19920379 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/vwbeetlefendera_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/vwbeetlefendera.jpg <![CDATA[Every new VW Beetle will be a second-generation design]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/new-york-2011-every-new-vw-beetle-will-be-a-second-generation-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/new-york-2011-every-new-vw-beetle-will-be-a-second-generation-d/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/22/new-york-2011-every-new-vw-beetle-will-be-a-second-generation-d/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2012 VW New Beetle on display in New York
2012 Volkswagen Beetle - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen made a big deal about having the original Beetle in the studio when the designers went to work on the 2012 Beetle, so at the 2011 New York Auto Show, we spoke to Rainer Michel, vice president of product marketing and strategy for VW of America, about why that decision was so important.

"What we did in '98 was the right car for that time," he said, "but this one is more true to the design of the original," a design philosophy that is apparent in items like the decreased rake of the A-pillar and the flattened line of the roof that descends further back and more cleanly into the bumper.

And Michel said that the next time they redesign the Beetle, they'll again return to the source. "We went back to the original and did a design based on that, and when we do the next one we'll go back to the original. Maybe we'll go in a different direction, but it comes from the original." The idea is that the third generation of the New Beetle won't be a redesign of the current car, it will be another modernized version of the original.

As to the increased masculinity of the 2012 Beetle, Michel said, "The last car was about 60/40 female to male." He intimated he'd be happy with a 50/50 split, but what was more important to him was getting away from that concern at all. "We wanted a car with good interior space, more shoulder room and head clearance, a car which accommodates passengers nicely and has a range of powertrains," he said. "The car shouldn't depend on any demographics."

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle: New York 2011

2012 Volkswagen Beetle2012 Volkswagen Beetle2012 Volkswagen Beetle2012 Volkswagen Beetle2012 Volkswagen Beetle

Live photos copyright (C)2011 Drew Phillips / AOL

Every new VW Beetle will be a second-generation design originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 new york2011 new york auto show2012 beetle2012 volkswagen beetlebeetlenew beetlenew yorknew york auto showvolkswagen beetlevw beetleFri, 22 Apr 2011 13:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19920894/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/22/new-york-2011-every-new-vw-beetle-will-be-a-second-generation-d/19920894/article-detail.xml 19920894 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012vwbeetledesign_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012vwbeetledesign.jpg <![CDATA[Video: VW updates Black Betty Beetle commercial]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/video-vw-updates-black-betty-beetle-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/video-vw-updates-black-betty-beetle-commercial/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/19/video-vw-updates-black-betty-beetle-commercial/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

VW Black Betty Beetle commercial
2012 Volkswagen Beetle - Click above to view video after the jump

Volkswagen teased its vastly redesigned 2012 Beetle during the Super Bowl this year, with a spot featuring a black beetle outrunning all the other bugs in the forest. At the end, VW gave us a look at the silhouette of the reshaped Beetle, but that was it. Now, the video has been recut to show the public the all-new Beetle in full regalia.

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle was unveiled publicly for the first time this week, simultaneously debuting at the New York Auto Show, the Shanghai Motor Show and in Berlin. Though the car looks like a slightly reshaped version of the outgoing New Beetle, the real changes are under the car's skin.

In an apparent attempt to get away from the cutesy image the New Beetle has gained since it went on sale in 1998, VW completely threw out the old design and started from scratch. The result is a longer, wider and more spacious Beetle, which VW says hearkens back to the car's rugged, fun to drive, utilitarian origins.

Added to that, VW tried to make the car more masculine, adding a 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter four cylinder, bigger wheels and a Fender sound system. Click past the jump to see the reedited commercial.

[Source: YouTube via Volkswagen]

Continue reading Video: VW updates Black Betty Beetle commercial

Video: VW updates Black Betty Beetle commercial originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 new york2011 new york auto show2012 volkswagen beetlebeetlenew yorknew york auto showshanghaishanghai motor showvolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevwTue, 19 Apr 2011 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19917751/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/19/video-vw-updates-black-betty-beetle-commercial/19917751/article-detail.xml 19917751 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012-volkswagen-beetle-1303230791_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/2012-volkswagen-beetle-1303230791.jpg <![CDATA[Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/18/video-a-look-back-at-the-history-of-the-volkswagen-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/18/video-a-look-back-at-the-history-of-the-volkswagen-beetle/http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/18/video-a-look-back-at-the-history-of-the-volkswagen-beetle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A history of the Volkswagen Beetle
A history of the Volkswagen Beetle - Click above to watch video after the jump

Our cohorts over at AOL Autos have gone through the trouble of creating a video to take a look at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle. With the People's Automaker pulling the covers off the 2012 Beetle at this year's New York Auto Show, there couldn't be a more fitting time to crack open the history books and dive into the car's past. Editor-in-Chief David Kiley narrates the informative clip and covers everything from the vehicle's unfortunate beginnings to its widespread popularity in Germany and around the world.

The video features plenty of classic footage of workers assembling the Bugs themselves as well as more than a few great vintage advertising spots. There's even an airborne Beetle for your viewing enjoyment.

Kiley helps remind us that the "New" Beetle was largely responsible for helping to save Volkswagen in America back when the brand was struggling to get a grasp on our market. Hit the jump to check out the clip for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle

Video: A look back at the history of the Volkswagen Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aol autosbeetlebugclassic beetlevideovolkswagenvolkswagen beetlevw beetlevw bugMon, 18 Apr 2011 19:24:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19916642/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/18/video-a-look-back-at-the-history-of-the-volkswagen-beetle/19916642/article-detail.xml 19916642 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/flying-beetle_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/flying-beetle.jpg -1 2