VW New Beetle

[csv8]

Volkswagen introduced its all-new Beetle design in New York today. It is only the third version of the car originally commissioned by Adolph Hitler almost 90 years ago to be Germany's answer to Ford's Model-T and a tool to cement allegiance from working class Germans.

Despite its sinister beginnings, the Beetle became one of the most enduring automotive icons of the last century, as well as arguably the most "loved" car in America. Volkswagen is again looking to the Beetle to stir up emotions and sales, and lead Americans back into VW showrooms as the company pushes to be one of the most dominant import makes in the U.S. in the company of Honda, Toyota and Nissan.

"The U.S. is the most important market for Beetle, and it is a critical part of the new chapter we are trying to write for Volkswagen in the U.S. and worldwide," said Jonathan Browning, chief executive of Volkswagen of America.

The 2012 Beetle is bigger than both its predecessors. In fact, it's more than three inches wider and six inches longer than the previous New Beetle. It is also slightly lower to the ground. Under the hood, the standard engine is a 2.5 liter, producing 200 horsepower, with turbo-charged 2.0 liter gas and diesel engines offered as well. The New Beetle TDI (diesel) is expected to get 29 mpg city/40 mpg highway, with a combined fuel economy of 33 mpg. Both an automatic and manual transmission will be offered.

The sleeker, sportier version of the Beetle, a departure from the New Beetle introduced in 1998, was created to not only broaden the car's appeal in the U.S., but also to be a bigger seller in China and Europe.

Style That is Womb-like

Starting with the original and continuing with the first reinterpretation launched in 1998 -- the "New Beetle" -- the ovoid car has always been a lovable study in arches and circles. Some psychologists even posit that our love of the Beetle has to do with feeling like we are back in the womb. This 21st century design continues in that tradition (how could it not if it's to be called Beetle?), but with some attention to styling that is meant to attract more men to the car than the last model. The 1999 New Beetle was so bulbous in appearance, it was practically the vehicular interpretation of a breast. And men, it turns out, may like a breast, but they don't much want to be caught driving one. More than 70% of the New Beetle buyers were women.

"We started with the original Beetle for inspiration in the studio," says Volkswagen chief designer Klaus Bischoff. "We started from scratch, not from the New Beetle and created a much sportier, more masculine car."

The hope is that the new Beetle will also lure younger buyers. The average age buyer for the 1999 New Beetle was also old enough to have driven one of the originals to Woodstock. Now that Baby Boomers who grew up as kids with original Beetles are well into their fifties and older, this New Beetle needs to attract some of the American Idol generation -- the ones that say "Who?," when a contestant is compared with Janis Joplin.

[aussie muscle]

looks the same as the previous 'new beetle'... that is: ugly

[Poetic Justice]

Really not all that new is it?

[csv8]

Originally Posted by SCUD

Really not all that new is it?

Just like the BF Mk2 and the FG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

[Polyal]

That looks heaps better than the old one, more streamline and modern...

Dont know about the womb comment though..that would put me off...LOL

[Wretched]

still not a car that I like but it does look more mature and refined.

[kinksta]

It looks sooo much better! From every angle! Sit this one and the previous, next to each other, and this one looks fairly different...

[auxr]

Looks pretty good to me - 2.5 litre, alleged 200 horsepower at the back, turbo option - can it go round a corner - can some of the goodies filter down from Porsche, brake packages etc.

This may be something to keep an eye on.

[lockieoc]

Originally Posted by auxr

Looks pretty good to me - 2.5 litre, alleged 200 horsepower at the back, turbo option - can it go round a corner - can some of the goodies filter down from Porsche, brake packages etc.

This may be something to keep an eye on.

I doubt it as Porsche like to keep all the gear completely seperate from VW. It will most likely pick up some gear from the Audi side. I believe that the Bettle is based on the Golf platform so it should be able to handle through corners ok and there is the possibilty for a AWD variant but i doubt it.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by csv8

Just like the BF Mk2 and the FG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

Yer yer yer..





Have you ordered your new Silk VE Calais yet?

[Wretched]

Originally Posted by lockieoc

I doubt it as Porsche like to keep all the gear completely seperate from VW. It will most likely pick up some gear from the Audi side. I believe that the Bettle is based on the Golf platform so it should be able to handle through corners ok and there is the possibilty for a AWD variant but i doubt it.

Not entirely correct.
Porsche are now leading development of all sports cars and big luxury sedans within the VW group.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/11012082...cars-and-large

[outback_ute]

Originally Posted by auxr

Looks pretty good to me - 2.5 litre, alleged 200 horsepower at the back, turbo option - can it go round a corner - can some of the goodies filter down from Porsche, brake packages etc.

This may be something to keep an eye on.

It won't be rear-engined. I wonder if it is based on the current Golf or US Jetta platform?

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by csv8

Just like the BF Mk2 and the FG !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!

Stop posting

[BAxtER]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Yer yer yer..





Have you ordered your new Silk VE Calais yet?

He would rather a Calais over a G6E/T?.....

[csv8]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

Stop posting

What ? no sense of humour????????

[fou_bleu]

Originally Posted by outback_ute

It won't be rear-engined. I wonder if it is based on the current Golf or US Jetta platform?

It's built off the Jetta.

Overall I much prefer it over the previous model, but that said I don't really care about it either way! lol

[SEZ213]

Originally Posted by Polyal

That looks heaps better than the old one, more streamline and modern...

Dont know about the womb comment though..that would put me off...LOL

I saw the thread, thought 'this looks interesting' so I started reading...got to the 'womb-like' and stopped...I'm not interested anymore...

[Gman_86_xr6]

hmmf.

At least it isn't based on a '97 Golf platform anymore, I assume. Still it will be a ridiculously overpriced retro pussbucket and the wannabee yuppies will lap it up. Just like the last one.

[lockieoc]

New York Reveal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scHmkn7ktuQ

Not to bad really.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by BAxtER

He would rather a Calais over a G6E/T?.....

yes... wants a v8 apparently.. Last time I seen his Silk Ghia it was only a 6 banger...

[geckoGT]

At least they are getting rid of that stupid flower sticking out of the dash.

[BFZ Wagon]

Looks like its been squished down a bit. The back end treatment has a bit of a 'Chrysler Crossfire' look to it. Will be interesting to see how well it sells.

[csv8]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

yes... wants a v8 apparently.. Last time I seen his Silk Ghia it was only a 6 banger...

Still is the 6 banger!! I am hoping for a miracle, come october and a G8E will be available!!!! otherwise..the Calais V V8 could be in the garage!!!!
TMR VERDICT | OVERALL

It’s very quick, very spacious, very comfortable and, for a big sedan not tuned specifically as a sports model, a very good handler. If these are your priorities, the V8 Calais V is a good buy.

While buyers are not spoiled for choice in this very specific price/trim/power niche, the Ford G6E Turbo is all of these things and more. Enjoying a small price advantage, it’s our pick in this two-car battle.

If you lean to the Holden however, consider the Calais V Redline Edition ($2500 premium) for better suspension and big Brembo brakes

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by csv8

Still is the 6 banger!! I am hoping for a miracle, come october and a G8E will be available!!!! otherwise..the Calais V V8 could be in the garage!!!!
TMR VERDICT | OVERALL

It’s very quick, very spacious, very comfortable and, for a big sedan not tuned specifically as a sports model, a very good handler. If these are your priorities, the V8 Calais V is a good buy.

While buyers are not spoiled for choice in this very specific price/trim/power niche, the Ford G6E Turbo is all of these things and more. Enjoying a small price advantage, it’s our pick in this two-car battle.

If you lean to the Holden however, consider the Calais V Redline Edition ($2500 premium) for better suspension and big Brembo brakes

Originally Posted by geckoGT

At least they are getting rid of that stupid flower sticking out of the dash.

And the G6ETurbo smashes it in every department. My old man had the last of the real auto holden V8's, a non AFM VE and it had nothing on his G6ET.. He wouldnt swap 2 Calais for the G6ET..

Have you driven a G6ET? you need to!

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

And the G6ETurbo smashes it in every department. My old man had the last of the real auto holden V8's, a non AFM VE and it had nothing on his G6ET.. He wouldnt swap 2 Calais for the G6ET..

Have you driven a G6ET? you need to!

And what has that got to do with my comment about the flower hanging out of the dash on the current VW Beetle?

[Bobman]

I drove one of the 1999 models in 2002 and it was, err, interesting to drive and be seen in

The dashboard was weird where the front of it appeared to be so far away from the windscreen.

[Smoke Pursuit]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

And what has that got to do with my comment about the flower hanging out of the dash on the current VW Beetle?

Quoted you by accident Lynton, must have hit the second quote button.

Sorry mate!

[geckoGT]

Originally Posted by DASH GT

Quoted you by accident Lynton, must have hit the second quote button.

Sorry mate!

Thought it was either that or I had seriously missed something. I don't mind the look of it, much better than the current model. On the YouTube link someone has put a comment that it looks like a mini, I don't see how.

I think it is still going to have one downfall in that it will be front engine and FWD, not in the same spirit of a true beetle and the source of criticism from beetle fans worldwide. I can however see the new styling and the lack of the flower being a hit with male drivers. What sort of manufacturer instantly halves their potential market by designing the car to only appeal to one sex, crazy.

[LeadFoot81]

The 'corporate' opening on the front bumper reminds me of the Beetles I used to see kicking around when I was a kid (the opening is located where the small chrome/black plastic bumpers used to sit)

I reckon this model looks more expensive and sporty than the last one which looked cheap and cheerful.

[LeadFoot81]

Originally Posted by geckoGT

On the YouTube link someone has put a comment that it looks like a mini, I don't see how.

The headlights are very similar, but that's it.