Interesting thread here, especially in light of the fact that it started 3 years ago! I wish VW would come out with "official" news as to its exact plans with the NB. The latest I've read is that it will indeed be based on the Golf VI platform and that there will allegedly be two versions; One that looks like a cross between a Beetle and a Porsche (possibly a 2-seater reminiscent of the old Hebmueller) and another that will be similar to the Ragster concept of a few years back.
The Porsche/Beetle mating looks kind of cool, but personally, I would prefer that they go back to the 98-05 fenders but keep the other 06+ upgrades; such as the 2.5 and better-looking taillights. They also need a clean-diesel option and a 2.0T option for the performance crowd.
As for the division between the air-cooled and water-cooled crowds, I'm all too familiar with this as well. My sister belongs to a Mini Cooper club and the same thing goes on there: Old Minis vs. the new BMW-owned Minis.
I now prefer water-cooled VW's because they are far more dependable for people like me who lack mechanical aptitude. My old 69 Bug broke down and left me stranded 6 different times from 2006-2008. I finally sold it to another club member and bought a 2000 Cyber Green NB with 70K miles for $6995.
But with that said, I greatly admire those who can restore a classic air-cooled back to new condition, but at the same time, I love what the younger VW people do with water-cooled models, too. ALL VW people should respect ALL VW's; from the early Splits all the way up to Passat station wagons! Snobbery in one segment or the other is akin to ignorance.
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