Volkswagen New Beetle

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Volkswagen New Beetle

Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Parent company	Volkswagen Group
Production	1998–present
Assembly	1998 - 1999: Germany 2000 - present: Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
Predecessor	Volkswagen Beetle
Successor	None
Class	Small family car
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback 2-door convertible
Layout	front engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform
Engine(s)	petrol engines: 1.4L I4 16 valve 1.6L I4 1.8L I4 Turbocharged 2.0L I4 2.3L VR5 20 valve 2.5L I5 20 valve 3.2L VR6 32 valve (RSI) 1.9L I4 TDI
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual 6-speed manual 4-speed automatic 6-speed automatic tiptronic
Wheelbase	2,515 mm (99 in)
Length	4,129 mm (163 in)
Width	1,721 mm (68 in)
Height	59.5 in (1511 mm) (1998-2000), 1,498 mm (59 in) (hatch 2003-present), 59.1 in (1501 mm) (convertible)
Related	Audi A3 Mk1 Audi TT Mk1 SEAT León Mk1 SEAT Toledo Mk2 Škoda Octavia Mk1 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 Volkswagen Jetta/Bora
Designer	J Mays, and Freeman Thomas

The Volkswagen New Beetle was introduced by Volkswagen in 1998, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front driving the front wheels and luggage storage in the rear.

Concept 1

At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the J Mays-penned "Concept 1" with lines heavily influenced by the original Beetle. It was equipped with "large diameter" 17 inch wheels (with the VW logo, just like the original Beetle hub cap) with low-profile tires. Also, in the concept car, there was a "zero emission" hybrid design.

First generation

2003-2005 New Beetle convertible

Strong public reaction persuaded the company to move the car into production,^{[citation needed]} and in 1998 Volkswagen launched the New Beetle, designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio. The New Beetle is related to the original only in name and appearance (including the absence of a car emblem script with the exception of the VW logo): under the hood, it is a modern car in every way, based on the Volkswagen Group A4 platform (Volkswagen Golf Mk4).

Still, it carried many design features related to the old Beetle: separate wings, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps and large round tail lights, as well as a high rounded roofline that provides enough headroom for tall drivers.

Specifications

These specifications relate to the 2.0L petrol engine (gasoline). While the non engine-related specifications generally apply to other motorizations as well, variations may occur with engine type.

• Engine: Transverse-mounted water cooled I4; 1984 cc; fuel injection (available in both petrol and diesel version)
  • Max power: 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) at 5,200 rpm
  • Max torque: 165 N·m (122 lb·ft) at 2,600 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
• Brakes: disc brakes on all four wheels
• Dimension:
  • Length: 4,129 mm (162.6 in)
  • Width: 1,721 mm (67.8 in)
  • Height: 1,498 mm (59.0 in)
  • Wheelbase: 2,515 mm (99.0 in)
  • Curb weight: 1,230 kg (2,712 lb)
• Max speed: 177 km/h (110 mph)
• Acceleration (0–96 km/h | 0-60 mph): 13.2 s

Body styles

Engine choices

Safety

The car achieved 4 stars in the Euro NCAP tests scoring 25 points out of 33.

The IIHS gave the New Beetle a Good overall score in their frontal crash test. 2004 models come standard with side airbags, however the IIHS rated the Beetle Poor in their side impact test.^[1]

US models

Engines choices include the 2.0L inline-4 for the base model, the 1.9L TDI, turbodiesel inline-4 (discontinued after the 2006 model year due to more stringent emissions requirements), and the 1.8L Turbo inline-4 for the "Sport" model, which included a sport suspension, and bigger wheels and tires.

TDI diesel engine in 2006 New Beetle

2006-2007 Volkswagen New Beetle

For the 2006 model, the exterior was slightly redesigned with bigger bumpers, and fitted with a 150 hp 2.5L I5 20V base engine, as seen on the A5 Jetta V and Rabbit V.

Dune

It is a concept vehicle inspired by the Baja Bug, which was an Volkswagen Beetle modified for use in the Baja 1000 race. It includes a 2.3-liter V5 engine rated 150 bhp, 6-speed manual transmission, 4Motion AWD, variable height air suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R18 tires, integrated navigation system.^[2]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2000 Los Angeles Auto Show.^[3]

Beetle RSi (2001-2003)

VW New Beetle RSi

It is a limited (250 units) version of New Beetle. It included a 225 hp 3.2 liter VR6 engine, a 6-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4motion, Remus twin-pipe exhaust. Porsche-tuned suspension featuring a greatly altered rear suspension geometry more geared to the race track and a rear cross brace behind the rear seats, 80 mm (3.1 in) wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, large rear wing, and 18x9 OZ Superturismo wheels with 235/40ZR-18 tyres. Inside, it was trimmed in carbon fiber, billet aluminum, and bright orange leather. The front seats were Recaro racing buckets. Notable disadvantages found were loud cabin noise and low rear tire life.

Curiously, in Mexico, although being a country very attached to Volkswagen, there are RSis that have not been sold since 2001. This is probably due to its US$58,000 price tag, and because Mexico is the country where most Beetle RSis stayed (20 cars).

The Beetle RSi was designed by Riaz Sherazee, a UK national and graduate of Coventry Automotive Design School.^{[citation needed]}

Dark Flint edition (2005)

It is a limited (250 units) version of New Beetle convertible. It included anthracite coloured body, garnet red hydraulically-operated top, Bordeaux red leather interior trim, 17-inch alloy wheels with colour-coordinated trims, air-conditioning, parkpilot, winter package (incl. heated front seats and fog lights), 'gamma' radio with CD player and 10 speakers, windbreak and the Highline package.

The vehicles had MSRPs of €26,300 (1.6 75kW (102PS) 5-speed), €27,550 (2.0 85kW (115PS) 5-speed), €29,450 (2.0 85kW (115PS) 6-speed automatic), €28,125 (1.9 TDI 74kW (100PS) 5-speed).^[4]

Ragster concept

The VW New Beetle Ragster Concept at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show

At the 2005 North American International Auto Show, the Volkswagen New Beetle Ragster concept car was introduced. It was supposed to be a preview of the future design of the New Beetle.^{[citation needed]} The base of the Ragster (a ragster is the cross between a ragtop and a speedster) was a regular New Beetle Convertible. They made some changes, such as chopping the top, penning a new U-shaped roof, and creating a unique paint job with silver double stripes. The interior differs from the original New Beetle, being a 2+2, and having distinctive control dials. Another item of interest is that the Ragster's rear-view mirror is mounted on its dashboard, a retro feature, reminiscent of the first Type 1s. The Ragster's profile^{[clarification needed]} is lower than that of the prior New Beetle.

Anniversary Edition (2008)

New Beetle Anniversary Edition at the 2008 Adelaide Motor Show

‎

It is a version for Australian market commemorating 10 years of New Beetle, based on Volkswagen Beetle Miami. It included the 1.6 engine rated 102 metric horsepower (75 kW; 101 hp), 17in Versus alloy wheels, front fog lights, front sports seats and cruise control, black and white interior leatherette upholstery, Campenella White body, black roof, sport suspension.

The vehicles have MSRPs of $27,990 (1.6 Litre 5 Speed Manual), $30,290 (1.6 Litre 6 Speed Automatic).^[5][6]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2008 Adelaide Motor Show.^[7]

Triple White (Convertible)

Only 3,000 Triple White New Beetles were manufactured. This version was actually a throw-back to a special edition package of the same name once offered on the Super Beetle convertible. The Triple White New Beetle convertible features a unique Campanella white exterior, a white interior, and white convertible roof cover. The Triple White New Beetle convertible takes its colour palette from the original Triple White Super Beetle convertible of the late 1970s. This modern day rendition includes 17-inch 'Oktopus' alloy wheels, a three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, white leatherette seats and center armrest. Also included are black carpeting, floor mats and door panels along with Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Another distinctive feature of the Triple White New Beetle convertible is the special front seat headrests ingrained with the New Beetle convertible icon. With the standard automatic transmission, the Triple White New Beetle convertible is priced at $25,990. Two were given to each of 1500 dealers.

Barbie version (2009)

It is a version of New Beetle Convertible commemorating 50th anniversary of Barbie, customized by ABD Racing Werks, Katzkin Leather and Interiors and FoamMolders. It included white custom leather interior upholstery, pink quilted leather lined door pockets and arm rests, lipstick-coloured dipstick, in-trunk motorized vanity with rhinestone accents and vanity mirrors.

The vehicle was unveiled at Barbie celebration at Malibu Dream House in Malibu, California.^[8]

"Blush" edition (2009)

It is a limited edition of 2009 New Beetle convertible 2.5 for US market. It included metallic White Gold body, red leather interior upholstery, red convertible top, red boot, 17-inch alloy wheels, 6-speed automatic transmission.

The vehicle has MSRP of $26,990.^[9]

Other concepts

Other designs on the New Beetle include:

• EDAG Biwak — an estate (station wagon) Beetle.

Awards

The Volkswagen New Beetle was Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year"^[10] for 1999.

Production

The New Beetle is assembled currently in VW Puebla factory in Mexico. Houston, Texas and Wilmington, Delaware are their points of entry to the United States.

Second generation

According to the Channel4, Volkswagen is planning to launch the successor of new Beetle by 2011. Possible variants included two-seat Beetle roadster, SUV-type Beetle, and the standard hard top.^[11]

MotorTrend reported Volkswagen would build the next generation of Beetle based on Volkswagen Golf Mk6 and Volkswagen Scirocco platform. It would be styled in California and engineered in Germany. The cutesy bug-eye look, rounded shape, and bulbous roofline would be replaced by a more aggressive style with a sportier stance and coupe-style roof. The vehicle would be released in 2010 as 2011 model.^[12]

Car Magazine reported there would be two Beetles, with a smaller version based on the 2007 Volkswagen up! concept, and the bigger version based on the Volkswagen Golf. The exterior would be based on the Beetle Ragster concept.^[13]

Best Buy Geek Squad 2006-2007 Volkswagen New Beetle

See also

• Baja bug
• Cal Look
• Punch buggy
• Steyr 50
• Tata Nano
• Volksrod
• Volkswagen
• Volkswagen Beetle
• Volkswagen Kübelwagen

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Volkswagen New Beetle

• Volkswagen.com official New Beetle website
• Newbeetleclub.cz - Czech New Beetle Club
• New Beetle at the Open Directory Project