VW Promises "More Courageous" Design / New Beetle Redesign Still Go

[Pushing Fifty]

I always thought of a halo car as a specific model that gets people into the showroom. When the NB came out back in 1998, people were excited and nostalgic to see the reincarnated version of the original Beetle. As a result, VW sales skyrocketed with all models; Jettas, Passats, Golfs, etc. besides the New Beetle! Unfortunately, it didn't last.....

[buckbeetle]

Sort of like what Chevy is having now with the new Camaro. That won't last either.

Different makes have their highs and lows, ups and downs.

I still would take a VW over a Chevy any day!

[sgillaspie]

I hope they dont change the basic concept of the Beetle. I like the design, the simplicity, and the style definition. My first beetle was a 1960. With any luck they will upgrade the design and continue improveing the Beetle.

[pdoel]

Originally Posted by sgillaspie

I hope they dont change the basic concept of the Beetle.

They won't.

[susanh02]

Is there any word on fuel efficiency for the 2012 redesign? It's awful that the 2009's get only 20 in the city when my 2000 turbo gas gets 24+ mpg. Hey VW, who says you can't have style and good gas mileage together?

Will there not be a 2011 model at all?

[Pushing Fifty]

With the Final Editions of the NB being announced, this sounds like there will BE no NB in 2012. I hope I'm wrong.

[susanh02]

The article linked a few posts back says there will be a 2012 Beetle, dropping the "New" part of the name, and making it look more like a TT or a Mini. The look suggests sports car, which I could possibly live with but only if they offer a TDI or gas sipping engine also. C'mon VW, be green!

[Pushing Fifty]

Yeah, but that was before VW recently deciced to release a "Final Edition." This suggests the end. My guess is a complete replacement that won't be a Beetle at all, probably built in Chattanooga. Unless it looks like a Beetle and is called a Beetle, this icon will be dead. The worst will be if they build something that looks like a GEO Metro and try to call it a Beetle.

[susanh02]

If there will be no more Beetles ever, when my '00 NB Sunshine dies I'll have to move to an all-public-transit city. The style is a tough act to follow, and all other cars look the same to me - boring.

[MichelleRoze]

I just hope they don't do what Ford did, rebuild and redesign the Taurus and name it the Five Hundred. Only to redesign and rename it the Taurus again!

I think a bigger back seat would be nice. I can't really have anyone over 5 foot tall back there without a kink in their neck after 15 mins of driving, and heaven forbid if you hit a bump! I think making them a little, ever so little longer, and maybe a 3rd door or something. But I really hope they don't flatten the top. That's just a look I don't prefer. I have grown to love my dome! Other cars make me clostrophobic now!

[FarrisK]

REPORT: Diesel Beetle, electric Up! coming from Volkswagen — Autoblog
Keep in mind that the lead picture on the article is NOT the next Beetle, it's the Up! Lite concept.

Can we please stop the "This is the end" talk now? The Mk4 is finally being put to rest in the states, but the Beetle is not dead.

[AceJay]

Extremely good news! I just really hope that the New New Beetle doesn't try to go futuristic, and keeps the styling of the current gen. I'm worried about that press statement saying that it'll be "something Beetle-ish." =/

[Pushing Fifty]

I aplogize for doomsday paranoia, but I just BOUGHT a New Beetle 5 months ago, and would be extremely upset if VW decided to kill it altogether. When I saw the "Final Edition" label, I assumed the Beetle's death was inevitable; despite the 2-year running rumors of a redesign for 2012. However, this autoblog news article makes me feel MUCH better!

On another note, I'd like to see an Up! minivan reach the States. I'm envisioning the possibility of a miniature camper that sleeps one: Me!

[hendrik17]

This articel was in the german car magazine "AutoBild". The pic was originally posted to: beetle-forum.de

[Chaz1138]

This is a relief that the Bug will not be killed, but just radically redesigned.

I can probably live with that, but I really wish they would make the front window "taller" or let it roll back over the top farther. I have to stop pretty far back from traffic lights lights or do a lot of rubber necking to stop where I need to and then still see the light.

[AceJay]

That red one actually looks pretty awesome, though I hope they move the turn signals down or something. I'm not a huge fan of that Turbo S look. It looks super retro though.

[Chaz1138]

Jeez ... my '00 GLS gets nearly 29 mpg with the automatic - that's pretty green compared to many other cars made in the past 9 years.

Originally Posted by susanh02

The article linked a few posts back says there will be a 2012 Beetle, dropping the "New" part of the name, and making it look more like a TT or a Mini. The look suggests sports car, which I could possibly live with but only if they offer a TDI or gas sipping engine also. C'mon VW, be green!

[TrudysMom]

Looks like a PT Cruiser in the pics.

[vibelife]

Dealer told me it was being discontinued

[FarrisK]

Originally Posted by vibelife

Dealer told me it was being discontinued

They're wrong.