NEW YORK CITY, New York--The Beetle has returned, with a new testosterone-boosted attitude aimed at dispelling forever the girlie-car image incurred by its bubble-headed predecessor. Unveiled on a New York City sound stage to a throbbing electronic-pop beat (musician and former Ashlee Simpson-squeeze Pete Wentz played DJ) the Beetle is still instantly recognizable as the car that has sold over 23 million worldwide over six decades.
It's a daunting prospect meddling with the identity of an icon that's long been woven into the cultural fabric. "You don't change a car like that on a whim" said Director of Marketing Luca De Meo. The objective was to resurrect the spirit of the "people's car"—indestructible and affordable, and to reconnect driver's emotions the way the original and much-loved Bug did, while bringing the vehicle into the 21st Century in a global market.
Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design, claims it was a welcome challenge that necessitated throwing away everything and redesigning the car from scratch. Longer, lower, wider, the massaged Beetle gains an infusion of sporty sleekness hinting at its Porsche roots with a touch of Audi TT thrown in.
The Bug has received a welcome dollop of power too—with a 200-hp turbo model and available DSG gearbox—a Beetle first. Increasing its appeal to enthusiasts (and males in general), the TSI comes with an XDS front electronic differential for nimble handling and an integrated spoiler on its pert behind.
Other engine choices include the 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel with 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque and the 2.5L 5-cylinder gas engine with 170 hp and 177 lb-ft. Transmission choices are a standard 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic on the 2.5L model. Both the 2.0 TSI and the TDI come standard with a 6-speed manual, while the much-lauded DSG is available as an option.
The lines are "more dynamic and sporty" with a pushed-back cabin reflecting on the original Ferdinand Porsche design. The outline has been streamlined thanks to a longer hood, lower greenhouse and a wheelbase that's been stretched by 150 mm. The lower, wider stance adds a touch of aggression, while its wider track increases stability. Wheels have been increased to 17" and 18", 19" for the sporty turbo, and they fill the bulging fenders nicely.
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| The Beetle has returned, with a new testosterone-boosted attitude aimed at dispelling forever the girlie-car image incurred by its bubble-headed predecessor. (Photo: Lesley Wimbush/Auto123.com) |
It's a daunting prospect meddling with the identity of an icon that's long been woven into the cultural fabric. "You don't change a car like that on a whim" said Director of Marketing Luca De Meo. The objective was to resurrect the spirit of the "people's car"—indestructible and affordable, and to reconnect driver's emotions the way the original and much-loved Bug did, while bringing the vehicle into the 21st Century in a global market.
Klaus Bischoff, Head of Design, claims it was a welcome challenge that necessitated throwing away everything and redesigning the car from scratch. Longer, lower, wider, the massaged Beetle gains an infusion of sporty sleekness hinting at its Porsche roots with a touch of Audi TT thrown in.
The Bug has received a welcome dollop of power too—with a 200-hp turbo model and available DSG gearbox—a Beetle first. Increasing its appeal to enthusiasts (and males in general), the TSI comes with an XDS front electronic differential for nimble handling and an integrated spoiler on its pert behind.
Other engine choices include the 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel with 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque and the 2.5L 5-cylinder gas engine with 170 hp and 177 lb-ft. Transmission choices are a standard 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic on the 2.5L model. Both the 2.0 TSI and the TDI come standard with a 6-speed manual, while the much-lauded DSG is available as an option.
The lines are "more dynamic and sporty" with a pushed-back cabin reflecting on the original Ferdinand Porsche design. The outline has been streamlined thanks to a longer hood, lower greenhouse and a wheelbase that's been stretched by 150 mm. The lower, wider stance adds a touch of aggression, while its wider track increases stability. Wheels have been increased to 17" and 18", 19" for the sporty turbo, and they fill the bulging fenders nicely.
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| The cabin's been overhauled for a much more fun and "individual" look. (Photo: Volkswagen) |