Next Gen New Beetle Rumors

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by SMG

So does Chris (silverspeedbuggy).

Nah it's an interesting concept but the NB would be a Beetle GTI rather than a Beetle GLI.

Ouch. Chris is far better with it than I.

Oooo Beetle GTI.... I like the sound of that. However, I think that would raise a stink amongst the GTI purists.

[SMG]

In Europe they have the Lupo GTI and the Polo GTI which are every bit as accepted as the Golf GTI. In North America we see a GTI as a GTI, and not a Golf GTI as the Europeans do.

It sounds a bit weird to us but it's not really.

[scarabY2k]

Originally Posted by SMG

In Europe they have the Lupo GTI and the Polo GTI which are every bit as accepted as the Golf GTI. In North America we see a GTI as a GTI, and not a Golf GTI as the Europeans do.

It sounds a bit weird to us but it's not really.

Huh, didn't know that...Thanks

[AceJay]

Hmm, GTI wheels look interesting on the NB...

I'm still hoping for the return of:

-Turbo S
-Sport
-Color Concept
-TDI

Preferrably all combined

[silverspeedbuggy]

Originally Posted by SMG

So does Chris (silverspeedbuggy).

HEY now! I think I did a pretty good job for only 20 minutes and with two pics!

Trust me, I can do MUCH better than this. The key phrase above was "quick and dirty."

[silverspeedbuggy]

Originally Posted by SMG

In Europe they have the Lupo GTI and the Polo GTI which are every bit as accepted as the Golf GTI. In North America we see a GTI as a GTI, and not a Golf GTI as the Europeans do.

It sounds a bit weird to us but it's not really.

Yeah, but as the writer of the Vortex article states, the GTI is 'hallowed ground' here in the States. It is its own nameplate, the VW GTI. In Europe it is the Golf GTI. The writer states that the GLI name could be spun off as the sporty trim level for all models. While it is all armchair product planning, I do agree with him. Americans know what a GTI is and to call any other model a GTI would be confusing to the general buying public. They had this planned out a little better in Europe though.

[bigsexyTDI]

ooooh, I have always wanted to see a bug on Huffs... looks good. Need to knock it down in the weeds a bit more though...

[mojo_trixie]

Thanks for putting the Huffs on that car. I have been thinking about getting them for my car and now I have a better idea of what they would look like.

[Yurko]

Originally Posted by silverspeedbuggy

Did you get it? Care to scan the pic so we can all see? Pleeeaaassseeee??????

no, I got side tracked. I'll snag one today.

[Yurko]

here, I scanned in the snippet.

looks like it is just speculation, and uninformed speculation at that. the image of the so-called 2012 mini-NB is the same drawing that has been circulated for other redesigns, that just looks like a reworking of the current model. I do like the bumper in the other pic though...

[Beetlescott]

As far as the rear engine and no power steering, I am driving my 73 Super as a daily driver now, and I hardly ever notice that I don't have power steering. Carolyn jumped in to drive her for the first time a few weeks ago and she noticed it, but hardly.

[Yurko]

Originally Posted by Beetlescott

As far as the rear engine and no power steering, I am driving my 73 Super as a daily driver now, and I hardly ever notice that I don't have power steering. Carolyn jumped in to drive her for the first time a few weeks ago and she noticed it, but hardly.

I can imagine it's less of an issue with a lighter car where more of the weight is in the rear.

That and if you lack power steering that's an excuse to get one of those cool wheel knobs.

[pdoel]

Originally Posted by Yurko

I can imagine it's less of an issue with a lighter car where more of the weight is in the rear.

True. I noticed the lack of power steering in my Fox much more than I ever did in my Grandma's '73 Beetle.

That being said, I'd stick choose no power steering over power steering. Just like the feeling much better.

[pdoel]

Originally Posted by Yurko

looks like it is just speculation, and uninformed speculation at that. the image of the so-called 2012 mini-NB is the same drawing that has been circulated for other redesigns, that just looks like a reworking of the current model. I do like the bumper in the other pic though...

I just read that article yesterday while waiting at NTB. So I guess it's possible that both rumors (new NB on MKV platform, as well as rear engined, "smaller NB") could both be true.

That'd be pretty cool. The pic of the rear engined NB does look a bit smaller than the next gen. I think it'd be pretty cool to have both models.

[SMG]

Not feeling the unnecessary body lines on the smaller one. I know these are just educated guesses by a Photoshop guru though.

[larryziegler]

From the latest edition of Motor Trend Magazine.....

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

On top of what you read below, the 2009 New Beetle will only come in 1 trim level and the warranty has been shortened to 3years/36,000 miles.
http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2009/...ons/index.html
"2009 Beetle WarrantiesBasic Warranty: 3 yr. / 36,000 mi.
Basic Warranty: The basic warranty covers everything except items that are subject to wear and tear or replacement in the ordinary course of vehicle ownership, such as oil and air filters, wiper blades and brake pads. Tires and batteries are often excluded, but usually have their own warranty provided by the manufacturers of those items. Emissions equipment is required by Federal law to be covered for five years or 50,000 miles.
Free Maintenance: 3 yr. / 36,000 mi.
Free Maintenance: Free Maintenance:
Drive Train Warranty: 5 yr. / 60,000 mi.
Drive Train Warranty: In some cases the drive train warranty continues after the basic warranty has expired. This part of the warranty covers most of the parts that make the vehicle move, including the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft. Like the basic warranty, consumable parts such as hoses and belts are not covered. However, most of the internal parts of the engine, such as the pistons and bearings, which are also subject to wear and tear, are covered by the drive train warranty.
Roadside Assistance: 3 yr. / 36,000 mi.
Roadside Assistance: Many manufacturers provide a service that will rescue you if your car leaves you stranded, even if it's your fault. Lock yourself our of your car? Run out of gas? Got a flat tire? A call to the manufacturer's toll-free number will result in somebody showing up who can help you out. There is a huge variance in these programs so check ahead of time to see what is covered and what you will have to pay for.
Rust or Corrosion Warranty: 12 yr. / Unlimited mi.
Rust or Corrosion Warranty: This warranty covers the vehicle's sheet metal, and protects you from rust and corrosion that are severe enough to cause a hole - surface rust is not covered. However, if you keep your car washed and waxed rust shouldn't be a problem."


"Beetlemania is coming: VW plans a "new" New Beetle -- and a baby Bug

Yes, Deadheads, there is an MkII New Beetle. It's being developed on the sixth-generation Golf platform and may appear as a 2011 model. And Volkswagen's strategy for the iconic retromobile may extend even to adapting the Beetle's distinctive style to a North American version of the Up! minicar.

First, Volkswagen of America has confirmed it will import a version of the sixth-generation Golf. We'll have two models. The "base" Golf becomes the Golf GT, indicating VW plans to go upmarket again and get out of the $15,000 entry-car business here, at least for models imported from Europe. VW also will import the MkVI GTI, with both versions headed here about 2010.

The new New Beetle will come off that platform, in the 2010, or more likely, the 2011 calendar year and will include a hybrid version. VW would be smart, in fact, to make the MkII New Beetle hybrid-only, as its distinctive style lends it the same kind of instant recognition as the Toyota Prius. VW of America hasn't officially confirmed the next New Beetle, saying only that it's under study. But what does it need to study? Even with sales sliding to the low 30,000s as the current model has aged, it's selling at twice the rate of Golf/GTI sales in the U.S.

Then comes the North American version of the Up!, which made its debut at the 2007 Frankfurt show. VW is rumored to be considering a Beetle-style version of the rear-engine, monobox/hatchback concept. Makes sense, since American consumers remain more nostalgic for the Beetle than they are practical about boxy hatchbacks. What's more, J Mays designed his Concept 1, for the 1994 Detroit show, to be built on the smaller Polo platform, not the Golf platform, so we know that adaptation of the New Beetle style to a smaller car is far from impossible.

Two distinct new (or New) Beetles amounts to a sub-brand for Volkswagen, which sold just 231,000 cars and trucks here last year. With the warm, fuzzy feeling people already have for the People's Car, positioning this sub-brand as highly fuel-efficient could be the best strategy VW has had for the U.S. market in a long time."

[Beetlemania]

Beetlemania is cheering!

Sounds nice! Glad to hear they're still moving on these ideas!

[missruby]

O M G - where can I sign up for a baby bug???????????????????? That's what you get when you mix a NB and a Smart Car!!! Guess I'm going to hold on to Miss Ruby for a couple more years . . .

[Evanrude]

I think I just pee'd a little when I read that

*woot*!

[digitalputty]

Sweet! By that time ... Zoomer will be paid off and I can get a second car!