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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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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New details emerge about 2010 VW Beetle

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:41:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Budget, Volkswagen, Rendered Speculation

Click above for high-res renderings of a possible New Beetle

When designing a retro-style automobile like the revived MINI, Mustang or VW Beetle, the first generation is the easy one. The second go-round, on the other hand, is a tougher nut to crack, and the easy thing to do is to maintain the status quo. Volkswagen did just that when it revised its New Beetle back in 2006, but the third-generation of today's Bug is expected to ratchet things up a bit design-wise. We're expecting something more mature, perhaps along the lines of the Ragster concept from 2005, which emphasized its low-slung bodywork with a chopped top reminiscent of the Porsche Speedster. Flashier lights and more angular sheetmetal are also distinct possibilities.

Whatever the case, it won't be an easy redesign. VeeDub could stay the course by keeping the cute and charming nature of the current New Beetle intact or it could spice things up with something much more sporty. Could the German automaker do both? That's an option for the future, and current rumors indicate that VW has considered at least two separate Beetle models, one based on the Golf and another using the underpinnings from the yet-to-be-released Up! microcar. The current state of the economy, though, makes a plan like that much less likely to bear fruit.

Gallery: 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle - renderings

[Source: Car Magazine]

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

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2010 VW Beetle to be 'more mature'

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:33:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Volkswagen

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

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

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

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VW considering speedster, SUV variants of new New Beetle

Noah Joseph — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:20:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, SUV, Volkswagen

Click above to view the VW Ragster concept in hi res

With retro rides - from the Fiat 500 to the Dodge Challenger - popping up left, right and center, it would be all to easy to forget the vehicle that started the trend: Volkswagen's New Beetle. Now with ten years on the road since introduction in 1998, the New Beetle is getting a little long in the tooth, but VW is preparing to launch its successor. However, while the current version is available only in two versions (coupe and cabrio), the next iteration may come with a few new twists in the lineup, mirroring the steadily-evolving range of variants of the MINI. That is, if the latest reports are to be believed.

Engineering is tipped to already be underway in Germany, with styling being carried out in California and production confirmed to continue in Mexico. Among the new body styles reportedly under consideration in Wolfsburg are a two-seat speedster version, as previewed by the Ragster concept from Detroit '05, and a potential SUV like the 2000 Beetle Dune concept. The next Beetle is tipped to be based on the current Mk5 Golf/Rabbit, rather than the upcoming sixth-generation platform.

Gallery: 2005 VW Ragster Concept

[Source: 4Car]

VW considering speedster, SUV variants of new New Beetle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen ist das Auto

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 07:27:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen, Celebrities

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

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

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen ist das Auto

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

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Volkswagen Beetle police cruiser, the "bug-erceptor"

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Volkswagen, Police/Emergency

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

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

[Source: USA Today, Knoxville News Sentinel]

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

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Volkswagen confident about success of next New Beetle

Merritt Johnson — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

The Volkswagen New Beetle was first thrust upon the world in 1998. Its release was an immediate success and thus spawned an insurgence of retro inspiration in automotive design. However, after 10 years on the market the novelty of the bug's cutesy styling and flower holder have begun to wear off. While some rendered speculations of what a Beetle update might look like have not struck a chord, it is hopeful that VW has been holding back on dropping any hints about the future direction of its iconic vehicle. With recent comments, Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn has further added to the mystic surrounding the impending Beetle successor. During a celebration at VW's plant in Puebla, Mexico, he called the planned replacement attractive. The comment is not much to go by though, as those who have most vehemently adored the Beetle's design have also held rather unique perspectives. On the other hand, Winterkorn added that he is certain the next generation New Beetle will be a continued success. At least for now, it is almost certain the vehicle will be a success for Mexico, since most likely the Puebla plant will be outfitted for its production.

[Source: Auto News, Sub. Req'd]

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

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