Volkswagen Debuts the New Masculine Infused Beetle

[Cory Wolfe]

Volkswagen Debuts the New Masculine Infused Beetle

http://www.cheersand...kswagen-beetle/

Wolfsburg / Shanghai / Berlin / New York – When the first Beetle rolled off the production line, it was called simply the Volkswagen — "the people's car" — but its distinctive shape inspired nicknames across the globe: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or 甲壳虫! In total, 21.5 million cars were sold. More than 60 years later, in 1998, the "New Beetle" rekindled the spirit and imagination of the original to a new generation of Volkswagen owners. The second generation version sparked another round of uplifting and joyous enthusiasm known as Beetle Mania. Today, the Beetle opens a new chapter in its remarkable story. The third generation of the internationally beloved Beetle is celebrating a transcontinental world debut simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin and New York.

Updating an icon

Only someone who knows and respects the Beetle's heritage could produce a new generation of this storied vehicle. The task for Volkswagen engineers was clear. They had to develop a modern interpretation of the Beetle, with all the benefits of today's technologies and efficiencies, and the driving characteristics that define the Volkswagen brand. The result had to remain affordable and stay true to the Beetle's spirit and great heritage. The design of the new Beetle presented another challenge. How does one reinvent a look that is so recognizable and unique? Volkswagen Group Design Chief Walter de Silva and Volkswagen Brand Design Chief, Klaus Bischoff, welcomed the task and set an ambitious objective: "Design a new original!" The designers wanted to develop the new car around the earliest Beetle profile rather than the 1998 New Beetle. They wanted a car that respects the past but looks toward the future. And that is what they created.

Exterior

The 2012 Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented. Placing the original Beetle and the 21^st Century Beetle next to one another, it's clear that the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical, but the overall look is bolder and more dynamic. The Beetle also breaks free of the design geometry defined by three semi-circles (front wing, rear wing, domed roof above it). "The Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front hood is longer, the front windshield is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism," explains Klaus Bischoff. The 2012 Beetle is 71.2 inches wide (3.3 inches wider), 58.5 inches tall (.5 inches lower) and 168.4 inches long (6 inches longer). The new focal point is the C-pillar. The development team also increased the car's track widths and wheelbase. All of this gives the Beetle a powerful appearance with muscular tension. Another feature is the rear spoiler that is integrated into the design (standard on 2.0L TSI engines with 200 hp). The top surface of the rear spoiler is black, while the underside is painted in body color. The Beetle is sportier, offering both turbo-charged TDI® Clean Diesel and turbo-charged gasoline engines, in addition to dual exhaust, performance-handling packages, 19-inch wheels, sport seats and new, sleeker styling. Volkswagen will offer a panoramic roof, a range of audio options, including the Fender® Premium Audio System, and a customization program for the 2012 Beetle with a large number of personalization options, including a wide variety of colors and wraps along with an annual theme model.

Interior

The 21^st Century Beetle offers an agile, driver-oriented coupe experience with a quality of materials that goes beyond all class limits. The car's styling, ergonomics and quality interact to create a new, friendly car with a highly individual nature. The shape and use of color in the painted or carbon-look dashboards harkens back to the design of the first Beetle. Three round instrument gauges are arranged in front of the driver (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) providing all key information at a glance. A multifunction display is integrated in the speedometer in middle position. The steering wheel is specially designed with optional painted accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line. Framed by two air vents, the selected audio/navigation system is optimally located in the driver's visual field on the dashboard. Within easy reach, climate controls are situated just below. Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glove box integrated into the dash. The lid folds upward, while the standard glove box opens downward. Another classic feature: the optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system: oil temperature, clock with stopwatch function and boost pressure gauge. The "cathedral ceiling" dome roof of the New Beetle has been replaced with a sleek and sporty roofline. Front and rear passenger headroom remains plentiful. In the rear seating area, the longer roof section results in more space. The trunk is significantly larger, offering 10.9 cubic feet of space. A split-folding rear seat and a wide opening trunk lid ease loading and unloading.

Engine and Transmission

The 2012 Beetle will offer three engines: the 2.5L gasoline five cylinder, the 2.0L TDI® Clean Diesel and the 2.0L TSI® turbocharged gasoline engine. Transmission choices will include a 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic on 2.5L models. Volkswagen's acclaimed DSG® 6-speed dual-clutch transmission will be offered on the TDI Clean Diesel and 2.0L TSI turbocharged gasoline models, while a 6-speed manual will come standard. The 2012 Beetle 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever. The quiet, four cylinder 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel engine produces 140 hp and 236 lb.-ft of torque. It meets all U.S. emission limits and offers manufacturer estimates of 40 mpg highway, 29 mpg city, and 33 mpg combined. Fuel economy values are also improved up to 10 percent over prior 2.5L five cylinder engine models. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, it offers manufacturer estimates of 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional 6-speed automatic offers manufacturer estimates of 22 mpg city, 29 mpg highway. The five cylinder engine produces 170 hp and 177 lb.-ft of torque. The Beetle 2.0L TSI is the sportiest model offered. With 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft of torque, power delivery will remain smooth and direct across the rpm range. The four cylinder turbo engine is estimated to provide 30 mpg highway fuel economy. To ensure that power is applied properly in challenging conditions, the 2.0L TSI model features the XDS® cross differential (limited-slip) system. The system electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction

Premium Features

The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be available in two trim lines "Design" and "Sport." Each has a unique character. The Beetle can also be customized with a wide choice of optional features. Key features include:

• Radio-CD and radio-navigation systems. Standard in the Beetle is the RCD 310 sound system with 8 speakers (includes dual tuner). The premium VIII top audio system is the RCD 510 with integrated CD changer, interface for SD cards and touchscreen. For the first time ever, navigation will be offered in the Beetle, with the RNS 315 featuring a 5-inch touchscreen, CD player and SD card slot.
• Panoramic roof. The transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof is 80 percent larger than on the previous model. The insulating glass blocks 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy.
• Fender Premium Audio System. The 2012 Beetle will also offer concert quality sound with an optional Fender Premium Audio System equipped with an additional subwoofer and 400 watts of output power. Embedded in the vehicle design is proprietary Panasonic® speaker technology. The system covers the cabin with directional sound from front door speakers that generate imaging beyond the capabilities of traditional speaker designs. It cuts through the noise and other distractions with front dual voice coil speakers, with extended range for all musical genres. Those choosing this sound system also receive adjustable interior ambiance lighting.
• Keyless Access. Volkswagen's automatic keyless entry and starting system, which allows the driver to operate without a door or ignition key,is appearing for the first time in the Beetle. When one of the front door handles is touched, the system detects access authorization from a transmitter, then unlocks the Beetle and starts the engine with the push of a button.
• BI-XENON^TM headlights and LED daytime running lights. For the first time, the Beetle will be offered with Bi-xenon headlights. These will be available on future Beetle models, framing the xenon module on the outer perimeters of the headlights and serving as the daytime running lights and parking lights.

[Intrepidation]

I actually really like how this new Beetle came out. Looks much less like a half circle and has a lot more definition to it. Wheels look nice too.

[PurdueGuy]

I like the car, but the wheels look terrible IMO.

*edit* looked through more pictures - the wheels look "ok" in at some angles, but not great. In the picture above, they look way out of proportion to the car to me.

Edited April 18, 2011 by PurdueGuy

[Satty]

Like

[Delta Force79]

I like this Beetle alot, I've always had a soft spot for the original in my heart and this one captures the feel of the original better than the old New Beetle did IMO. I love the roofline and raked windsheild as well as the new interior. Great job VW.

[Croc]

Definitely an improvement. Less of a bubble.

[ocnblu]

Excellent job, VW. Very sexy... NOT "cute" any more. And that interior is fantastic, a HUGE improvement. Love the Audi TT and Porsche influence. Bravo!

[Blake Noble]

I was never much for the New Beetle, but I like this one. It not only smacks of the original car, but a little bit of the Porsche 356 as well.

[regfootball]

the interior theme doesn't mesh w/ Beetle to me, aside from the idea that its a nice interior by itself. it's an upgrade.

i like this better than i thought.

really the whole thing falls apart with the crappy 5 cylinder. again, vw wants to force you into the turbo or diesel. instead of just giving you a good basic 4 pot to start with.

it is a nice option to have this now though, a slightly more practical Beetle. I'd prob take this over a golf 3 door.

Edited April 19, 2011 by regfootball

[ocnblu]

If you compare the dash of the 2012 with, say, a 1967, you will see this dash is a truer fit to the original than the 4-foot deep, bulbous, cheap plastic one that is on the current car. Old Beetles had flat dashes.

It is so much nicer than the outgoing car, I agree totally with VW's assertion that this car goes up against the Mini, and acquits itself very well against BMW's effort.

[Intrepidation]

I still wish we'd get the Scirocco, but this is the first VW we get since the CC that I really like.

[FUTURE_OF_GM]

Not bad at all!

Much better than the previous one an almost as cool as the original.

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the wheels!

+1 to Dodgefan, The CC was the last VeeDub I liked as well, until now.

[frogger]

I really like it. Not enough to buy one but I'm a fan of it, including the wheels.

[G. David Felt]

Nice, never was a fan as the Bug has always been for small people. Clearly you can see in the black image the influence of Porsche as it looks like a bloated one. Nice car, but not for me. I hope the Bug Fans love it and wish them all the best.

[Chris_Doane]

It feels odd to be saying this about a Beetle...but....I like it.

It's now a car that a man could actually be seen in!

[G. David Felt]

It feels odd to be saying this about a Beetle...but....I like it.

It's now a car that a man could actually be seen in!

Yes I do believe a man could be seen in it without being considered part of our wonderful rainbow crowd.

[Chris_Doane]

It feels odd to be saying this about a Beetle...but....I like it.

It's now a car that a man could actually be seen in!

Yes I do believe a man could be seen in it without being considered part of our wonderful rainbow crowd.

Ha, well Im part of that crowd and I would not have been caught dead in the current one.

[Delta Force79]

Another subtle nod to the original beetle is the design of the taillights which are shaped like the originals, just turned on their side.

[Intrepidation]

Much better than the circles the old one had.

[GMTruckGuy74]

I like it, and it would definitely be a cool little commuter car for the week.

My dad's a fan of the original Beetle, though he's never liked the new ones that much. Maybe I'll show him this one and see what he has to say.

[z28luvr01]

FYI - I asked about the possibility of a convertible Beetle, and their reply was, "Note the lack of a frame around the door glass. *wink*"

[daves87rs]

I like!

[A Horse With No Name]

I actually really like how this new Beetle came out. Looks much less like a half circle and has a lot more definition to it. Wheels look nice too.

Agreed. Volks is on a roll...

I like!

MeToo!

[A Horse With No Name]

FYI - I asked about the possibility of a convertible Beetle, and their reply was, "Note the lack of a frame around the door glass. *wink*"

As a fan of ragtops...all I can say is...heck yes....

[carman21]

Its much nicer than the goofball Beetle it replaces.

[Chris_Doane]

Vert Beetle was a given.

Apparently a Beetle R, with the Golf R powertrain, is also. Though maybe downrated some since it'll likely be FWD.

Super Beetle MkII, anyone?

[Intrepidation]

That'd be sweet.