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

[Beetlemania]

Right, I figured that much. I learned that the Golf (same chassis) had the ECU under the hood, while ours is under the glass. I didn't know that the Polo had been "enhanced," probably because it's not in the US, so I was ignorant. Kind of like I used to be about diesels. But I still think, if the Beetle name is to live on for a long time as a new car, it could be very beneficial to go back to its roots, ie basic car, ease of maintenance, reliability, charm. What more do you need?

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by Beetlemania

Ooh, Concept 1... it's not too late!

WAY late dood.

[Beetlemania]

:drool:

If only...

[SMG]

The Concept 1 just isn't as cool as the NB we ended up with. There might be... what? A 2 or 3-finger gap in the fenders, and it still sits like a 4x4...

[Pushing Fifty]

I was just reading the original post that started this thread, and it dawned on me that maybe things have changed. Bernhard is either no longer with VW or on the way out, and so I wonder once again what the future holds for the New Beetle. I would guess a good indicator will be whether or not it gets the new diesel options like the Jetta, Rabbit, etc, for 2008. If the NB is still only offered with the 2.5 by then, that would most likely mean its days are numbered. I would feel a lot more secure if I knew the answer to that question now. I E-mailed VWoA about a month ago, and never got a reply from them.

[ginagodfather]

Left Lane News

Volkswagen to ditch retro for new Beetle?
feb19-beetle.jpg

If new illustrations from German magazine Auto Motor und Sport are any indication, the next-generation Volkswagen Beetle will lose much of its retro styling for something considerably more modern.

When the new Beetle was introduced in 1998, it arrived with styling derived directly from the original. If Volkswagen's California design studio has its way, the 2010 model will have a completely fresh interpretation of the classic Beetle theme.

It will also become sportier, with the aim of competing more directly with BMW's MINI, according to the magazine report. The new model will also have more interior space — it will feature a lower roofline but a longer overall cabin, with more space behind the front seats.

AMS says the regular coupe and cabriolet versions will be offered, in addition to a crossover/wagon and possibly even a pickup.

http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/...or-new-beetle/

[SMG]

Not bloody likely. Retro is still in style and the last thing VW needs is another 'practical' car in it's lineup.

SMG

[Dorado]

That is the way the Golf should look, if they wanted it to sell better in the US.

A NB'er from Brazil just posted that there is a 6 month waiting list for NB's in Brazil.

I think the NB should be improved technically, better handling, a lot better milage, better interior space. But the design should be kept the same.

[TechnoTrix'd]

hummmmmm..

little TT action going on..


then the corrado looking beetle..



and then this??



Just another version of the A3?

[SMG]

Your pics aren't working.

[TechnoTrix'd]

just fixed'm...

here is the link to the page with the full-sized pics..http://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/m...062_14410.hbs&

[NewBeeLoo]

Originally Posted by Dorado

A NB'er from Brazil just posted that there is a 6 month waiting list for NB's in Brazil.

5 month for me in France...

[lucian]

Hope this is not true. This would be the end on Beetle. Is definetly something wrong with these drawings...

[TechnoTrix'd]

I actually love the drawings (first two) as unique concept cars, just not as the future NB.

Hopefully the orange one is very close to how the new Scriocco will turn out. That is one sexy beast...

[zaplarry]

So is there still going to be a VW van ( built by Chrsler?) in the future?

[badphish]

wher the hell is that minibus ive been promised since around 01;

i need a new retro dub

[Billsbug]

Originally Posted by badphish

wher the hell is that minibus ive been promised since around 01;

i need a new retro dub

http://www.yellowhorse.co.jp/type2.html

[marvins_dad]

Originally Posted by Billsbug

http://www.yellowhorse.co.jp/type2.html

I've always thought those were cool little micros...but don't think they ship to the US...I'd have one if they did

[Billsbug]

Here's a US importer of used Mitsubishi micro trucks and vans. Interesting, it sez that you get penalized for having an older truck/van on the road in Japan: http://www.best-used-tractors.com/mini_truck.html

I've seen these on 'export' lots here in Miami and there's always a few NB's there too!

I'm sure this is a kit you can buy...

[zaplarry]

So is VW going to sell diesels in California? What happened to the Van it was going to sell in US?