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

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by mattyross

Here is some new news on the new beetle design.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...tle/index.html

You've got to be kidding me!!

That's like painting a black stripe down the back of a skunk and trying to sell it as a black cat. It just don't work; and it still stinks BTW.

All carnations of the beetle have kept one thing true and that's it's shape. Who in VW's R&D is ignorant to that fact.

now put another model name on that concept and it might sell, but not with the moniker beetle, new or otherwise.

[2nd_BugMan]

http://blogs.thecarconnection.com/bl...tation-begins/

Looks like we need to wait till 2011, but will get severak new New Beetles.

[antonym]

I think VW should concentrate on getting better fuel economy and leave the outside.... nothings wrong with the current designs.. and although I am less fund of the 06-08 models I prefer them over all the crap I see in these new concepts!

[callisto9]

Originally Posted by antonym

I think VW should concentrate on getting better fuel economy and leave the outside.... nothings wrong with the current designs.. and although I am less fund of the 06-08 models I prefer them over all the crap I see in these new concepts!

I agree. I'd like to start seeing models in the 16K range, too.

[AceJay]

Originally Posted by callisto9

I agree. I'd like to start seeing models in the 16K range, too.

This. How is it a people's car if it' priced 6 grand more than a Versa, and 8-10 more than a Hyundai?

[Toad]

I wish vw would make an actual round body based on hte smaller polo or fox chassis. Bring something modern the size of the versa/fit/scion over here. take what we have now and shrink it to about 75-85% of it's current size, put a little 1.5 liter engine in it and sell it at like $12-14k. I'd pick one up on a hearbeat, as long as it's still ROUND.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by AceJay

This. How is it a people's car if it' priced 6 grand more than a Versa, and 8-10 more than a Hyundai?

Well said

[Toad]

Any beetle concept without beetle wheel wells, is not a beetle.

[Deserion]

Originally Posted by AceJay

This. How is it a people's car if it' priced 6 grand more than a Versa, and 8-10 more than a Hyundai?

It's not "The People's Car", those days are long gone. The current VW Fox (ROW, Lupo replacement) is a low-priced vehicle but it's very doubtful to be sold here. Supposedly, VWoA (sorry, VWGoA) is looking into offering the Polo in the NAR, versus only ROW. A car to compete with the Yaris, Versa, Fit, etc.

The New Beetle is like the new Mini - it's on the lower end of the spectrum but not "cheap" by any means. They're no longer the basic vehicle that the masses could easily afford (Ford Model T?), but a vehicle that offers modern comfort and safety while playing on a very marketable point - nostalgia. Fiat is doing that with the reborn 500. But nostalgia can be sold - new Mustang? Charger? Challenger? Camaro? All made to resemble their namesakes and to tweak memories of people who used to have them. $$$

[pdoel]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

You've got to be kidding me!!

That's like painting a black stripe down the back of a skunk and trying to sell it as a black cat. It just don't work; and it still stinks BTW.

All carnations of the beetle have kept one thing true and that's it's shape. Who in VW's R&D is ignorant to that fact.

now put another model name on that concept and it might sell, but not with the moniker beetle, new or otherwise.

Keep in mind, those drawings are NOT from VW. So don't think VW's R&D department is ignorant because some artist decided to draw some pictures of what they'd like the next New Beetle to look like and put them in Motor Trends.

VW isn't stupid.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by pdoel

Keep in mind, those drawings are NOT from VW. So don't think VW's R&D department is ignorant because some artist decided to draw some pictures of what they'd like the next New Beetle to look like and put them in Motor Trends.

VW isn't stupid.

I'll give you that Pete, even so, wether it be VW R&D or a freelancer, the drawing lacks the historical cues of the beetle.

I will however give them 100 stupid points for not trying to find a way to get the Polo to the states. More than likely US regulations need about 10,000 stupid points.

[Deserion]

Originally Posted by scarabY2k

I will however give them 100 stupid points for not trying to find a way to get the Polo to the states. More than likely US regulations need about 10,000 stupid points.

It's more likely to be the declining value of the dollar that would make it a loss to bring the car here to begin with. It should be able to pass federalization.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by Deserion

It's more likely to be the declining value of the dollar that would make it a loss to bring the car here to begin with. It should be able to pass federalization.

HUH?? You're telling me the feds aren't to blame this time

Hey Des

[bockegg]

Originally Posted by Billsbug

Grabbed it!

Are there any new pictures?

[callisto9]

I'm really hoping the New New Beetle will either be the Up! (or just the Up! can come to the US) or more traditional-Beetle looking. As much as I love my Beetle, it's getting tired-looking and a bump in fuel economy wouldn't hurt either.

I still can't get over the fact that a BEETLE costs $20K! And really, the mpg isn't great, either. I say make it lighter, make it cheaper and change the design.

But really, I'm hoping for a 50mpg Up! to come to the states. Really hoping. GAWD, I want that car soooooo bad.

[bockegg]

That's true. Our 2.0 doesn't get great mileage and I know they can do better.

[chiltepin]

Originally Posted by AceJay

100% will not buy if it looks anywhere close to that.

Rear-engine is cool though.

Agree on the first, but what's the advantage of the rear engine?

[jimlockey]

I agree, there is nothing wrong with the 06 - 08.

I was looking forward to getting a new Beetle TDI, but not the new design and not gas. As long as they add ethanol to gasoline I will not buy a gas car. Ethanol is killing my lownmower.

[AceJay]

Originally Posted by chiltepin

Agree on the first, but what's the advantage of the rear engine?

Well no, I'm just saying I wouldn't mind it. I don't know of any advantages or disadvantages other than possible temperature differences.

[mattyross]

What do you think of these renderings...
http://autobahnautonews.blogspot.com...vw-beetle.html