Autoblog

VW 2.0T engine raised to 210 hp, offered in Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:00 EST

Volkswagen has pushed up the power for the new half-model year. For 2013.5 (yep, this isn't a 2013 and it's not quite a 2014), the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine offered in the Beetle Turbo, Beetle Turbo Convertible and Jetta GLI now makes 210 horsepower, an increase of 10 ponies over the previous version of the long-running engine. Torque remains unchanged at 207 pound-feet.

According to VW, the Beetle Turbo can accelerate from 0-60 in 6.6 seconds, which is a .2-second improvement over the previous car. The Jetta GLI does the run to 60 in 6.7 seconds, according to the automaker. Those worried about economy will be pleased to know that the increase in performance extends to the pump - VW claims increases of four to eight percent in city and combined fuel economy.

The Beetle Turbo is fitted with new R Line bumpers for 2013.5; a separate R Line package that includes the new bumpers, a diffuser at the rear, 19-inch Tornado wheels and badging inside and out will start at $30,135. Meanwhile, the Jetta GLI gets LED taillamps, and the automaker isn't mentioning any increase in price. Want to know more? Click on the lone image above to enlarge, then scroll down below for the press release.

Continue reading VW 2.0T engine raised to 210 hp, offered in Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI

VW 2.0T engine raised to 210 hp, offered in Beetle Turbo and Jetta GLI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Petrolicious focuses on the ubiquitous Volkswagen Beetle

Zach Bowman — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Videos, Volkswagen

No matter what your feelings toward the Volkswagen Beetle, you should respect the little runabout. With 75 years of production under its belt and some 21 million units unleashed on the world, odds are everyone knows someone with a Beetle. The crew at Petrolicious has finally gotten around to paying homage to the ubiquitous rear-engine German machine in its latest video, Kindred Spirits. The clip puts a close eye on Stephan Ruiz's über-clean 1967 Beetle. Tastefully modified and mechanically sorted, the Bug is exactly what we think of when we think "Beetle."

This is the latest in a long line of Volkswagen models in Ruiz's stable, and while he's had plenty of misfortune in the past, he says the '67 is helping him turn his luck. You can check out the clip below for yourself.

Continue reading Petrolicious focuses on the ubiquitous Volkswagen Beetle

Petrolicious focuses on the ubiquitous Volkswagen Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of female ownership

Chris Tutor — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo

If you hear the pejorative "chick car," what comes to mind? Mazda MX-5 Miata? Volvo C70? Would you believe neither made Inside Line's list of 2011 models with the highest percentage of female ownership? No. 1, with 57.9-percent female ownership was the Volvo S40. Considering the female dollar is sought-after, it's probably too bad that Volvo decided to axe the model for 2012.

That means No. 2, the Nissan Rogue with 56.9 percent, could take the top spot for 2012. Or maybe the VW Eos at No. 3 with 56.4 percent. We're also kind of wondering how the new Fiat 500 will fare this year.

No. 4 is another VW that shouldn't surprise. The cute New Beetle has been a perennial favorite among the ladies. It was No. 1 a year ago, but as we know, the newer, more aggressively styled Beetle is enjoying increased interest among the guys. No. 5? The Toyota Matrix, of all things.

Here's how the rest shake out according to Inside Line:

Top ten 2011 models with the highest proportion of female buyers

Volvo S40 - 57.9%
Nissan Rogue - 56.9%
Volkswagen Eos - 56.4%
Volkswagen New Beetle - 54.6
Toyota Matrix - 54.1%
Hyundai Tucson - 54%
Honda CR-V - 53.4%
Toyota RAV4 - 54%
Nissan Juke - 52.7% (tie)
Jeep Compass - 52.7% (tie)

These are the 10 new cars with the highest percentage of female ownership originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mexico finally stomping out its fleet of VW Bug taxis

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Government/Legal, Volkswagen

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.

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Vintage VW Bug buyer already had key to the car

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Volkswagen

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.

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ABT has big plans for the little Volkswagen Beetle

Noah Joseph — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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.

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

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen

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.

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Every new VW Beetle will be a second-generation design

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Volkswagen, Design/Style

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

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.

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

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 19:24:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Budget, Videos, Volkswagen

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.

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Report: High-performance VW Beetle R confirmed for U.S.

Chris Shunk — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Shanghai Motor Show

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

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is fresh off its global unveiling earlier today, and the good-looking hatch appears to be dead serious about appealing to the masses. Volkswagen will offer the Beetle with diesel and petrol powerplants and a convertible is expected to arrive for the 2013 model year.

Good stuff, but what about red-blooded enthusiasts? The German automaker could have simply pointed out the availability of the 2.0T model as the driver's Beetle, but Team VW apparently has bigger and hopefully better plans. Car and Driver is reporting that VW has officially announced that a high-performance Beetle R will be available for U.S. consumption. C/D points out that the last Beetle also came in a hi-po RSi variant, though the hatchback was a Euro-only affair and it was a complete bust.

We're more hopeful for the Beetle R, if only because the Beetle is more attractive and far more masculine in appearance than its predecessor. It could help, too, if VW offers the high-output 2.0T as the powertrain of choice. Under the hood of the Golf R, the boosted powerplant cranks out 265 horsepower, which should be more than enough motivation to make the Beetle R feel like a hot hatch star.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

[Source: Car and Driver]

Report: High-performance VW Beetle R confirmed for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Coming to America: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is all-new without the pretense *UPDATE

Zach Bowman — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Budget, Videos, Volkswagen, Diesel

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

Those lucky Oprah fans who were fortunate enough to be given a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle all those months ago now know what their new set of wheels will look like. Volkswagen has officially yanked back the sheets on the latest take on the 2012 Beetle. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the German automaker says that the vehicle's designers were inspired by the lines of the original Beetle. As a result, there's more than a little Ragster Concept thrown into the mix with a longer roof line and a more aggressively-raked windshield.

The look isn't quite what we expected after seeing spy shots of the car frolicking around in the sun. It would seem VW pulled a fast one on us by fitting the 2012 mule with last-generation taillights at the time, as the new one features larger magnet-like units that give the 2012 model's rump a radically different look.

The production vehicle boasts seating for four, though the back bench can be folded to allow for more cargo room in a pinch. European buyers will have their choice of four engines ranging from an efficient 1.2-liter gasoline mill to a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and a 1.6-liter turbo diesel. At this point, it isn't yet official which exactly which of those will make their way across the Pond, but we're guessing all three, as VW has previously stated that it will bring a TDI to the States - and even offer it in a Cabriolet model.

The 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine delivers around 105 horsepower while returning 65.7 mpg on the EU scale thanks to a start/stop and intelligent battery regeneration system. That equals out to around 54 mpg on the U.S. cycle, though the EPA may have something different to say should the oil burner show up in the States.

On the more entertaining end of the spectrum, Volkswagen is also offering the 2012 Beetle with a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with around 200 horsepower. Like the Golf GTI, that powerplant will benefit from a transmission with an XDS electronic differential lock as standard equipment.

The new Beetle will debut this week at the Shanghai Motor Show and also at the New York Auto Show, so expect live shots and feedback from us shortly.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

*UPDATE: Videos added after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Coming to America: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is all-new without the pretense *UPDATE

Coming to America: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is all-new without the pretense *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Porsche Boxster + vintage Volkswagen Bug = Bugster

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Volkswagen, Specialty

1973 Volkswagen Bugster - Click above for high-res image gallery

This is a melding of two seemingly very different cars we can get behind. The melding of one car's running gear and another's body isn't a new practice, but so often it turns out terribly. Need an example? Check out the dozens of F-Body Chevrolet Camaro coupes with 4x4 running gear that haunt the depths of the world's internet forums.

This isn't a hack job, this is is the sort of hybrid we can throw our enthusiastic support behind. The body started life atop a humble 1973 Volkswagen Beetle chassis, while the running gear saw duty under a 2000 Porsche Boxster convertible's skin. The car was created by Siegfried Rudolf, who owns CarMaxx, an Austrian company that restores and customizes Porsche and Volkswagen cars.

Rudolf apparently got the idea after parking his restored Beetle next to his wife's Boxster and noted a striking similarity in their wheelbases. After countless hours with a measuring tape, a Sawzall and a welder, Rudolf had the Bugster, a mid-engined 270-horsepower 1973 VW Beetle.

From off, the car looks like a nicely restored, slightly modified Bug. Up close, though, the enormous side vents, 18-inch wheels and Porsche dashboard start to hint at this thing's dirty little secret. The car sports custom fenders to properly cover its wider track and wheels, and the whole set up rides on a fully-adjustable suspension. Delicious. Thanks for the tip, Rui!

Gallery: 1973 Volkswagen Bugster

[Source: Bugster via FirstSuperCars]

Porsche Boxster + vintage Volkswagen Bug = Bugster originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW to reveal new global Beetle in two weeks on MTV

Chris Shunk — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Beetle spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

You think Volkswagen is interested in generating buzz in the next generation Beetle? The automaker teased (and gave away) The People's Car on Oprah in the fall, Followed by a pricey but clever Super Bowl commercial back in February. We heard a couple weeks back that VW planned to follow up on the considerable Beetle buzz with an unveil in Shanghai, but that's only part of the story.

Volkswagen has announced that it will unveil the 2012 Beetle on April 18 in a whirlwind tour of three continents. The kickoff will occur in China, followed by reveals in Berlin and New York City. The entire event will be covered by MTV, with special guests planned for each event. Here in the States, the event will be headlined by The Black Eyed Peas while the Germans will kick it with Belgian duo 2manydjs.

Luca de Meo, Director of Marketing, Volkswagen Group, touts the marketing partnership of Beetle and MTV as a pair of icons working together. The marketing boss believes that the 2012 Beetle's "one-of-a-kind styling combined with the latest technology will be very well received by customers."

Stay tuned to Autoblog as we gather the latest 2012 Beetle intelligence in advance of the bulbous hatchback's global reveal, and feel free to peruse our spy photo gallery of the prototype Beetle below, then hit the jump to look over VW's official press release.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle: Spy Shots

[Source: Volkswagen | Images: KGP Photography]

Continue reading VW to reveal new global Beetle in two weeks on MTV

VW to reveal new global Beetle in two weeks on MTV originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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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Rendered Speculation: One possibility for next-gen New Beetle

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 17 May 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Volkswagen

2012 Volkswagen Beetle rendering - Click above for high-res image gallery

The current Volkswagen Beetle will be going out of production later this year, but VW has promised an all-new replacement by 2012. So far VW hasn't released any teasers or sketches that indicate what the New New Beetle might look like, but we have to assume anything that retains that name will have to also have a rounded, bug-like shape. But the problem with any retro design is where do you go next?

Artist David Cardoso has created some renderings of a car that very clearly says Beetle, with its prominent wheel arches and round headlamps and greenhouse. At the same time Cardoso moves those elements forward by stretching the greenhouse and integrating those arches while ringing the headlamps with the de rigueur LED running lights. With VW's recent jump into the electric vehicle arena, a battery powertrain would be an excellent way to set a new Beetle apart from the crowd, much as the original air-cooled boxer did. If the Beetle were to be a dedicated EV, the compact electric drive system could facilitate some improved interior packaging as well.

Gallery: Rendered speculation: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

[Source: David Cardoso via CarScoop]

Rendered Speculation: One possibility for next-gen New Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 09:58:00 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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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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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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Ferdinand Porsche or an unknown Jew? New book documents the father of the Volkswagen Beetle

Noah Joseph — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Porsche, Volkswagen, Design/Style

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

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

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

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

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

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

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eBay Find of the Day is just in time for Easter

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 14:59:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc., Volkswagen, Celebrities, Humor

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.

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