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

[SMG]

The Beetle is, and always has been on the MK4 platform. The 2007 NB I could go out and buy brand new today is the same car I could have had in 1998, just with a few new tricks.

My car is great for being a 2000, the Beetle was still a new-ish model then, but now, I wouldn't even consider buying a 2006 or 2007, they're going on 10 years of selling the same car and the technology is outdated.

SMG

[Billsbug]

Found this on the French NB site:

[marvins_dad]

I did the old babel fish on that a few weeks ago and it is "Their" idea of the next evolution.

"We imagined what New Beetle 2 could resemble. One second generation which would arrive about 2009 with a body modified to grant more space to the passengers."

http://translate.google.com/translat...ial%26hs%3D8sN

[Billsbug]

The French.

[SMG]

Originally Posted by Billsbug

Found this on the French NB site:

......BAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

[Beetlemania]

I'm glad that's a Photoshop.

[niki]

You know what? I'm thinking if they squared off the back wheel wells a bit it might not look that bad... I'd have to see something like that in person. I know it's not round like the NB is known for, but how many options do you have with it, really?

[Beetlemania]

If it was squared off like in the picture, it would almost be a Mazda hatchback. Which is basically a sport wagon.

Look at a Mazda 3 5-door and you'll see what it'd be!

[niki]

Agreed... but like I said, there's really nothing else that can be "redesigned" on a car that needs to be round unless they go with some other concept.

[Pushing Fifty]

I would consider the French rendering. It would be far more practical than the photochop I saw of a Beetle that looked like an Audi TT mated with a Porsche 911. One thing I don't like about the 2006+ Beetles: those squared-off fenders! I can live with them, but the rounded ones from 98-05 are more pleasing to the eye.

[SMG]

Yes, the french rendering is just so fabulous isn't it...

I think the best part is the rear roofline, it's just so hot to see the NB turning into a wagon.

PS: I HATE the french rendering and I HATE wagons!

[kcfoxie]

I can't see them redesigning the car, keeping the iconic shape, to accomodate more passengers in the backseat. It's already a good two-seater.

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by SMG

Yes, the french rendering is just so fabulous isn't it...

I think the best part is the rear roofline, it's just so hot to see the NB turning into a wagon.

PS: I HATE the french rendering and I HATE wagons!

If it looks like a wagon...might look more like the Biwak...

[Pushing Fifty]

I actually think that's kind of cool........ In reality, though, what I'd like to see are Beetles that go back to the 98-05 style, and maybe a "Beetle Max" or "Super Beetle" with something like the French rendering or what's directly above this post. If VW went with that TT/911 style mating I saw earlier, the rear seat would be useless, and sales would go down the toilet.
2-seaters have a very limited market.

[Billsbug]

Yes, there are some cool design elements, but using the NB as the base platform for the concept is not cool. I called it the "EGAD!" when it debuted, it's a wannabe Thing.

[Concept1]

Originally Posted by bmxbugzzi

Agreed... but like I said, there's really nothing else that can be "redesigned" on a car that needs to be round unless they go with some other concept.

The basic principles are there but their Photoshop skills are lacking and starting with an older New Beetle makes it a little obvious. When moved to the Mk V/Mk VI platform the wheels will be pushed out and it will gain interior room. They only need to extend the roofline a bit not turn it into a wagon. They can use a more gradual arch or increase the curvature towards the back like the old Beetles. It doesn't have to be all that drastic.

[Beetlemania]

Something I've thought about for the last few years is how much farther forward the windshield goes than on the old Bugs. I know that's obvious, that we've all thought of that, but if that part of the design could be adjusted, where we'd sit a bit closer to the glass, it would make a huge difference in the back without even having to adjust the external lines of the car.

Of course, we'd all feel pretty claustrophobic for a while, actually having the windshield within arm's length.

[lucian]

I agree with Concept1. This thing was meant to be round. Is nothing wrong with the back. The front looks too "cute" and this is where I see the problem. Make it look more sporty, make it look mean like it has a pair. Make it realiable. That is why the original sold in the first place.

[noR]

Make it reliable.

Making it un-round doesn't seem right.

THAT's gotta be the main thing I like about it.

I don't think it needs a redesign; it's great, it's different; it's still neat, retro, and futuristic at the same time.

[Pushing Fifty]

I just hope the New Beetle soldiers on. I'm the head writer for my VW Club's Newsletter, and in my latest article, I pointed out something regarding the NB: Earlier this month, the 500,000th example was sold in North America. Pretty good for a niche car in just 9 years..... While sales are nowhere near what they were during 1998-2001 or so, the New Beetle still steadily sells about 35,000 units in the US yearly, which makes this model the third bestselling VW in this market. Dropping it would be a huge mistake. I E-mailed VWoA and asked them point blank what their intentions are with this car, and as of yet, have not received a reply. I just hope that if or when I finally DO get a reply, it won't be some BS answer such as: "We have no information at this time...."