New Beetle 2 is happening

[Olly_K]

Some thirteen years after the New Beetle was launched, it seems as though it is due a change.
Ever since the launch of the Ragster concept car back in 2005, we've been wondering whether or not the new New Beetle will actually ever go ahead.
Going on passed actions taken by VW regarding the New Microbus concept, we figured the New Bug design would follow the suit and never happen.
Well now it's been suggested that it will happen and could be with us by 2010. http://www.volksworld.co.uk/imageBank/cache/n/new_bug_01_e_9379006072dbfb117a9d33544533e0e6.jpg
The guys on Winding Road (http://www.windingroad.com/) Magazine have got together a good insight on what to expect and released a series of images claimed to be pretty damn near what we will see once the New Bug is launched, (apparently leaked from VW) which could be be as early as the November 2008 Los Angeles Motorshow.

Although still immediately recognisable as the New Beetle, this redesigned version has had a tweak to pretty much every panel.
What do we think of the new look? Well feelings are mixed here in the office.
We quite like the new slab sided line of along the doors to the boot and the redesigned front and rear valances sit well with us.
The bonnet however looks very odd with ridge running up its center, which we guess was a move to resemble the bonnet of the original Beetle.
You may also note the front and rear lights seem to have been relocated into a more upright position resulting in raised housing within the wings.
As for the new roof line, it does look somewhat to angular, especially toward that back window. It almost looks like a roof chop gone slightly wrong. We guess this is something to do with the new ragtop, which is another welcome feature!
The cabriolet model looks very nice too!
Another improved area is the overall length of the car, moving from 98.8 inches long to 101 inches. This extra length is noticed mainly by those who sit in the back as not only do they get more leg room, they no longer scuff their head on the roof lining!

[Nedi]

i can't find the section with pics of new beetle i put search in can't see it, am i doing it wrong?

i'm not keen on the current newer beetle than mine with flattened side wings, the idea of the beetle is to keep it curvy, so i can't believe they're making it more square. that be a shame if they do more crazy ideas

[ellie]

I love the design of the present new beetle, if its not broken then dont fix it I say. The curves on the beetle are what make her special, in my eyes anyway.

[Jampot]

I kind of agree about the outside, but some new more fuel-efficient engines would not go amiss. :)

[ellie]

Im sure with you on that one and my hubby would agree to :) . Im out in my girl whenever I get the chance and she sure doel like the fuel lol.

[Shamrockez]

I kind of agree about the outside, but some new more fuel-efficient engines would not go amiss. :)
Where'd I put my smug smilie from Wolfsburg :lol:

[Barnster]

Does the latest Beetle really need changing? I drive a 2001 Beetle and I love the curved lines on it. That said, the current face-lift version looks just as good. However, VW need to keep it simple or before we know it, we'll end up with a PT Cruiser!

[Funkmaster Red]

Personally speaking i prefer the design of the 1st new beetles, much rounder. The rsi and later models have those shaved edge wings with the angles which i just don't think are as nice. In my opinion, the oldest (split window) bugs were the best and got worse with progression. Still any new bee is better than the majority of other car designs but then i am biased! :) Saying that, i do like the bonnet with the v shaped lines in it... I wonder if it will fit the older models? hmmm

[Kitten]

Personally I dont like the new style, I agree I prefer the rounder ones, the facelift 06 onwards was ok. IMO the only thing the newbee needs is a 6th gear and a little better build quality. But the latter isn't that much of a prob as its a beetle and its quirky. :D

New design looks like change for change sake. :(

[Dub-Diva]

We had a "W" reg newbie - year 2000 I think and I loved the body lines on that - newer shapes seem too "angular" for me...


oh, and there is a 6th gear...






reverse :laughing:




errrrrmmm... I'll get my coat :exit:

[Kitten]

We had a "W" reg newbie - year 2000 I think and I loved the body lines on that - newer shapes seem too "angular" for me...


oh, and there is a 6th gear...






reverse :laughing:




errrrrmmm... I'll get my coat :exit:

EEk my turn to spit tea..... :laughing: :laughing: LOL:laughing: :laughing:

[Ilovemybeetle]

My Hubbie says it's designed to resemble a mini. Don't like it at all.

[berty]

untill i see it face to face i cant really say!! although i do feel if they change it to much then vw will be doing the wrong thing!! they will lose so many dedicated bug lovers!!

[buggirl]

looks like a MICRA!!!!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO DONT DO IT VOLKSWAGEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

[02newmag]

i hope they dont, cos then ours would be worth nothin

[T1KARMANN]

think ours would be worth more if they stop making it

people will want the more tradition style

i also have 6 forward gears 6 speed trip auto

[public]

The one in the pic reminds me of one of those PT cruiser things.

Don't like it.

Give me the curves anytime.................and on the bug too lol

[Mantis]

That is absolutely beautiful! I love it. I am wanting one. I am inline for a new car payment!

[Mikaela]

That is absolutely beautiful! I love it. I am wanting one. I am inline for a new car payment!

Are you mad

[Mantis]

Yes, maybe a little eccentric & nutty.

[Nighttrain1974]

Sorry but it's butt ugly. The squared off wings of the newer model are bad enough but that really kills it.:slap:

[Gallo]

I Know a guy (actually he's also a member of Beetleteam.com.mx) who works at the Design Area @VWMX (VW México). He just told us that a couple of days ago he saw the Beetle's MkII prototype.

Unfortunately he could not say much about it (because of his Confidentiality Agreement -C.A.-), so theres isn't a pic from the mobile, not a paintbrush image and not even a napkin sketch http://www.beetleteam.com.mx/Smileys/default/ouch.gif.

What he do told us was that it's gonna came out with, at least, three engines: the oooold 2.slow, the 2.5 R5 (150 or 170 HP, uncertain) and the 2.0 TSFI (200 or 215 HP, also uncertain).

About how it looks like, he couldn't told us (again, the damn C.A.). But he said the best way to describe it, would be: a mix between the old Beetle, the NB and the 911 Porsche. I guess that leaves a lot to the imagination. About the image on the Internet, it's just that, someone's sketch using photoshop; he said it might or not look like that.

Besides, we're gonna have to wait about a year and months to see it live and full color.

ohhh, and he guess it ain't gonna be cheap at all.

[Shamrockez]

Glad to hear it's deffo coming out :) thanks for the info :)

[Daphne_The_Bug]

Think Ill stick to my 2003 shape Beetle. I think the new design makes it look too square. The beetle in known for its beautiful curves and should stay that way!

Nat x

[JeremyBeetle]

http://www.luanpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Volkswagen-new-Beetle.jpg

Is this really the next NewBeetle?

If so, it looks much better than most drawings of it are...

http://www.luanpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Volkswagen-new-Beetle.jpg

[raze1303]

http://www.luanpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Volkswagen-new-Beetle.jpg


Is this really the next NewBeetle?

If so, it looks much better than most drawings of it are...





I'd buy that,over the Scirrocco :) ,for the same money

[Ilovemybeetle]

Think Ill stick to my 2003 shape Beetle. I think the new design makes it look too square. The beetle in known for its beautiful curves and should stay that way!

Nat x
Couldnt agree more!

[vis-tuning]

Might have to upgrade the race car!!!

[Haylhoo]

I really can't decide whether I like this or not - I think i'd like it as a car in it's own right, but not sure I like it as a replacement to the current NBs.

First impression - looks like someone dropped a NB on it's roof and flipped it over. Really not sure about the flat roof design, as said above it does resemble the new Mini - which I really like but not sure i'd combine the 2 cars lol.

[Botty31]

I love it !!

[JeremyBeetle]

http://www.luanpa.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/Volkswagen-new-Beetle.jpg

Is that a swage line on the door or just a reflection?



...

[Lady Bluebell]

see I was never too sure about the 06 change, but I do like it alot now and I think it makes it look a bit nicer but the new changes are not so nice, hmm we will have to see how it looks at least this current bug shape will be up 2 at least 2011 maybe?

[Gallo]

Sadly, the End is near http://www.beetleteam.com.mx/Smileys/default/llorar.gif.

Saturday, October 14, 2010; 13:00 Mx City Time: VW Mx produced the last NB MKI's chassis. It'll take about 4 weeks, for this chassis, to get the assembly line and became the last NB finished. The Cab's production stopped 2 weeks ago.

One minute of silence in advance for the MKI http://www.beetleteam.com.mx/Smileys/default/triste.gif.

[1958 Harry]

So the last Mk1 NB is going to be produced in a couple of months time :(

I didn't realise the Cab's production had stopped already! That means I'll never own a brand new NBC :(

I dont think the new 'bug' will look as beetleish as this one - IF they produce it.

[Gallo]

The last NB was finished last Friday. This is a pic from the goodbye ceremony; and these are the last two MKI, a Cab and a Black Orange.


http://i843.photobucket.com/albums/zz351/Gramial/nbcelebration.gif

http://www.beetleteam.com.mx/Smileys/default/chears.gif

[Shamrockez]

awwww :(

Are the last 2 being kept by a museum?

[Gallo]

awwww :(

Are the last 2 being kept by a museum?

According to the guy that works at VW Mx, the last one (the Black Orange) is gonna be taken to Wolfsburg, to the AutoMuseum.

[Shamrockez]

Ah, that's good then :)

[1958 Harry]

Sad day :(

I assume you can still buy a brand new beetle but you will just be ordering what's left?

[Gallo]

Sad day :(

I assume you can still buy a brand new beetle but you will just be ordering what's left?

Yeah, there's stock for a cuople of months.

[sunflowerbug]

Not sure about the new look, too much like the Mini. I agree with the previous posts that the earlier Newbies were the best. I prefer the more curvy look, it's what the Beetle is all about.

[Nighttrain1974]

So the last Mk1 NB is going to be produced in a couple of months time :(

I didn't realise the Cab's production had stopped already! That means I'll never own a brand new NBC :(

I dont think the new 'bug' will look as beetleish as this one - IF they produce it.

The last Mk1 was produced when they started to produce the horrendous facelift models with those squared off wings, even the ones with the indicators in the mirrors is debatable, that's more like a mk1.5. :slap: to the designers for that offence to the eyes.

Let's hope they don't mess it up again.

[1958 Harry]

You do realise the facelift bugs were loosely based on the RSI, If you look at the front bumper and arch profiles they are very similar.

[Nighttrain1974]

You do realise the facelift bugs were loosely based on the RSI, If you look at the front bumper and arch profiles they are very similar.

Yep, and they're ugly as sin as well.

[Gallo]

Yep, and they're ugly as sin as well.

It's a matter of likes.

[LEZ3432]

for once I actually agree with NT :D

[Nighttrain1974]

It's a matter of likes.

Exactly. And i don't like them.

for once I actually agree with NT :D

Don't get me wrong i like the kit (or variants of) on other cars, Daryl's and G&V's cars for example, but I saw one for the first time at DC10 and well, they are butt ugly in the flesh.

[1958 Harry]

I think the original NB was better looking as well, however I dont think the final generation was 'ugly as sin' as tbh they dont look that different, where they look the most different is the rear lights, especially as to a lot of people who know nothing about NB's usually they dont notice the difference between the two.

Still horses for courses and all that.

And un fortunately they have to modernise it otherwise it wont sell. Tbh the same can be said for the first and second generation New Mini (lets not get into a debate over whether we like them) imho the first shape looked a lot better and in proportion than the 06 on ones.

The times have passed where VW could make the same car for 40 years and it still sell unfortunately, and as VW missed a trick with our generation of NB lets hope the new one (if/when its realeased) has decent modern engines, decent handling, more modern technology and this time they market it properly to make it a true challenger to the Mini.

[Gallo]

[quote=Nighttrain1974;172295]Exactly. And i don't like them.

haha, neither do i.

[Nighttrain1974]

I think the original NB was better looking as well, however I dont think the final generation was 'ugly as sin' as tbh they dont look that different, where they look the most different is the rear lights, especially as to a lot of people who know nothing about NB's usually they dont notice the difference between the two.

Still horses for courses and all that.

And un fortunately they have to modernise it otherwise it wont sell. Tbh the same can be said for the first and second generation New Mini (lets not get into a debate over whether we like them) imho the first shape looked a lot better in in proportion than the 06 on ones.

The times have passed where VW could make the same car for 40 years and it still sell unfortunately.

Agree about the mini, especially the woeful Clubman. (where's the vomit smiley?)

As for the last gen it's the arches and rear lights for me that kills it. Too square and look like eyes respectively.

[1958 Harry]

I have to say for me the rear lights is what lets it down on our 07, they look cheap and are stupid shapes. if I could find something to change em to something more decent it would clean up the rear end a lot.

[Nighttrain1974]

I have to say for me the rear lights is what lets it down on our 07, they look cheap and are stupid shapes. if I could find something to change em to something more decent it would clean up the rear end a lot.

The one thing i do like is the front indicators on the later models, a lot neater.

The biggest thing about the RSI that annoys me though is this.

Audi TT 3.2 quattro: 247bhp, 320nm torque, 4wd
Golf Mk4 R32: 237bhp, 320nm torque, 4wd
Beetle RSI: 221bhp, 320nm torque, 4wd

Once more the beetle gets the sh1t end of the stick power wise, even though it looks like it can blast the other 2 into oblivion. Oh, and the wheels are tiny for the arches, despite being that wide.

[1958 Harry]

It has always baffled me why the Beetle always got the detuned or old versions of the Golfs engines? Even the 1.8T had 150bhp vs 170bhp in the equivalent Golf.

[Nighttrain1974]

It has always baffled me why the Beetle always got the detuned or old versions of the Golfs engines? Even the 1.8T had 150bhp vs 170bhp in the equivalent Golf.

Something to do with the american market being the biggest and their more strict pollution regime??? would explain the silly short fifth gear as well.

(Good debate btw)

[1958 Harry]

Possibly, but surely they could have done that by fitting a new FSI/TSI engine to em with much lower emissions?

I reckon it was more likely down to cost, a cheap facelift keeping the old (but very good in the case of the 2.0) engines was much easier as VW knew the level of sales of the car would be sustained regardless.

Also by detuning the engines the Beetle would never really be able to challenge the Golfs sales.

[Nighttrain1974]

Possibly, but surely they could have done that by fitting a new FSI/TSI engine to em with much lower emissions?

I reckon it was more likely down to cost, a cheap facelift keeping the old (but very good in the case of the 2.0) engines was much easier as VW knew the level of sales of the car would be sustained regardless.

I reckon you're probably right on that one. Would be nice to see the next gen have some up-to-date tech in it though. The nice 1.4 tsi engine would be a good start, A Gti version with the 2.0Tfsi in would go down a treat as well.

[1958 Harry]

Definately, and a proper GTi type model with decent suspension, sports seats, GTi type performance, etc, etc would also be nice.

Perhaps they could sort of base it around the 70's 'Super Beetles' theme to keep it retro?

[Nighttrain1974]

Definately, and a proper GTi type model with decent suspension, sports seats, GTi type performance, etc, etc would also be nice.

Perhaps they could sort of base it around the 70's 'Super Beetles' theme to keep it retro?

Nah, keep it modern and clean. A bit like the V5's or the R32 really, just enough of a difference so people notice.

[dfernscobra2000]

Is this the New 2011 Beetle??http://C:%5CUsers%5CDavid%20Ferns%5CDesktop

[Shamrockez]

Yes. But any pics are just artists guesses at the moment.

[herbs]

I am not a fan of the new look beetle supposedlly coming out.
What i would like is the same model beetle we have at present, but a hard top convertible please!! :-)

[Gallo]

It didn't happen at Detroit, but......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVSvZztKIj0&feature=player_embedded

[funky monkey]

:eek:

Found some road test images of the 2012 beetle or new, new, new, new beetle if you count all the face lifts the bug has had since launch.

note the lights and bumpers are just the out going models and will be different, well they say anyway. i think the profile looks a little like the ragster but dare i say very much like a PT cruiser, oh dear.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq33/jay_dd/thumbnail.jpg

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq33/jay_dd/thumbnail1.jpg

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq33/jay_dd/thumbnailCACVXCRA.jpg

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq33/jay_dd/thumbnailCANLWXZD.jpg

what do you think??

[Haylhoo]

Bloody awful :(
I'll be sticking with my original shape NB! At least it actually resembles a Bug, this is going a whole new way...

[AnnieKin]

I think its awful to its completly lost the front, and back curves. I do hope when it finally comes out that its better in the flesh. It really lacks character :(

[1958 Harry]

If you look at the shape of the '11 bug and compare it to an air-cooled one you'll see they are a lot more alike in shape compared to the current nb, however, from the pics I don't like the look of it, but I will reserve judgement until I see the finished new nb :)

[funky monkey]

:eek: :eek:

couple more detailed pics. the 2012 Beetle will appear at the Shanhi motor show in April as well as the New York motor show with its final production model.

fingers crossed it will not have this front end. however i like some of the side details.

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq33/jay_dd/vwbeetle_s2_kgp_ed.jpg

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq33/jay_dd/vwbeetle_s4_kgp_ed.jpg

http://i431.photobucket.com/albums/qq33/jay_dd/vwbeetle_s1_kgp_ed.jpg