(http://siteadmin.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/9597_image.jpg)
Updated New Beetle Revealed
Get out your magnifying glass. You'll have to look closely to catch the many modest changes making up the 2006 version of Volkswagen's New Beetle. Start with new, squared off bumpers and fenders, with matching, angular running boards. The headlights have been elongated, and the taillights are larger, with new, integrated turn signals. To create an across-the-brand look, the '06 Beetle gets the new honeycomb grille found on other new VW products, such as the Jetta. A matching, small honeycomb grille has been integrated into the rear fascia, as well, which make it even harder to tell whether a Beetle is coming or going. Overall, explained product strategist David Koth, the goal was to give "a little more edge" to the otherwise spherical Bug. Under the hood, the Jetta's new 2.5-liter in-line five-cylinder engine replaces the old 1.8-liter powertrain. The new engine is mated to either a five-speed stick or six-speed automatic, and the 150-hp package is expected to deliver 0-60 times in the low 8-second range. Inside, VW has made a number of modest changes, including a new gauge cluster, and improved cupholders, which should address one of the most frequent complaints about the Beetle. The '06 model will debut in September. Koth said the automaker expects to sell about 40,000 two-doors and convertibles this year, about half the New Beetle's peak volume in 1999. Despite ongoing rumors of the car's demise, he insisted a final decision has not yet been made.
That's it?
Whatever, who among us is ever going to buy one :P
Wow! That's so much different! :rolleyes: :P
QuoteWow! That's so much different! :rolleyes: :P
It's an excuse to re-market it, reminding people that it's still around.
QuoteQuoteWow! That's so much different! :rolleyes: :P
It's an excuse to re-market it, reminding people that it's still around.
I figured as much...what are the sales of the Beetles like, Ifcar? Are they still making a profit or are the sales plummiting?
If you put them right next to each other, you can see the differences a little better.
It wouldn't be wise for VW to drastically change the Beetle anyway, because it would cease to be a Beetle.
(http://img264.echo.cx/img264/9602/beetle0wv.jpg)
(http://siteadmin.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/9597_image.jpg)
QuoteQuoteQuoteWow! That's so much different! :rolleyes: :P
It's an excuse to re-market it, reminding people that it's still around.
I figured as much...what are the sales of the Beetles like, Ifcar? Are they still making a profit or are the sales plummiting?
VW and profit are becoming increasingly distant, and the New Beetle isn't doing much to bridge that gap.
QuoteIf you put them right next to each other, you can see the differences a little better.
It wouldn't be wise for VW to drastically change the Beetle anyway, because it would cease to be a Beetle.
(http://img264.echo.cx/img264/9602/beetle0wv.jpg)
(http://siteadmin.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/9597_image.jpg)
The main difference is the wheels and the lower front fascia...that's pretty much it... (the yellow blinker is different, but that isn't all that significant)...
Ifcar...do you think they might drop the Beetle altogether soon? Since profits are falling and that car especially isn't doing so hot...what do you think? Maybe they need to drop bad/unselling cars and make the better ones even better or something.
The New Beetle hasn't really had to have much work done on it since 1998 (this facelift, the convertible introduction in 2003 (?), and the Turbo S introduction in 2001 (?) have been the only changes), so anything they sell now is profit, unless they sell them at a loss. I doubt they'll kill it anytime soon, but it will prove to be a difficult car to redesign, and I doubt they'd take the trouble. It'll be around for at least three more years IMO.
QuoteQuoteIf you put them right next to each other, you can see the differences a little better.
It wouldn't be wise for VW to drastically change the Beetle anyway, because it would cease to be a Beetle.
(http://img264.echo.cx/img264/9602/beetle0wv.jpg)
(http://siteadmin.thecarconnection.com/images/gallery/tmb/9597_image.jpg)
The main difference is the wheels and the lower front fascia...that's pretty much it... (the yellow blinker is different, but that isn't all that significant)...
It was never intended to be an extensive modification.
QuoteThe New Beetle hasn't really had to have much work done on it since 1998 (this facelift, the convertible introduction in 2003 (?), and the Turbo S introduction in 2001 (?) have been the only changes), so anything they sell now is profit, unless they sell them at a loss. I doubt they'll kill it anytime soon, but it will prove to be a difficult car to redesign, and I doubt they'd take the trouble. It'll be around for at least three more years IMO.
Yeah...I was thinking along those lines too...maybe another 3-5 years...I wonder what they'd do after that. Another small car?
QuoteQuoteThe New Beetle hasn't really had to have much work done on it since 1998 (this facelift, the convertible introduction in 2003 (?), and the Turbo S introduction in 2001 (?) have been the only changes), so anything they sell now is profit, unless they sell them at a loss. I doubt they'll kill it anytime soon, but it will prove to be a difficult car to redesign, and I doubt they'd take the trouble. It'll be around for at least three more years IMO.
Yeah...I was thinking along those lines too...maybe another 3-5 years...I wonder what they'd do after that. Another small car?
Nothing, I suppose. Outside of the US and Canada, VW has several smaller-than-Golf cars already, and they and the Golf could take over the New Beetle's small niche easily enough if they had to.
QuoteQuoteQuoteThe New Beetle hasn't really had to have much work done on it since 1998 (this facelift, the convertible introduction in 2003 (?), and the Turbo S introduction in 2001 (?) have been the only changes), so anything they sell now is profit, unless they sell them at a loss. I doubt they'll kill it anytime soon, but it will prove to be a difficult car to redesign, and I doubt they'd take the trouble. It'll be around for at least three more years IMO.
Yeah...I was thinking along those lines too...maybe another 3-5 years...I wonder what they'd do after that. Another small car?
Nothing, I suppose. Outside of the US and Canada, VW has several smaller-than-Golf cars already, and they and the Golf could take over the New Beetle's small niche easily enough if they had to.
Yeah...and if they don't spend the millions of dollars it takes to design and produce a new car that could help their financial situation as well as taking off one of the cars altogether and losing some of the debt-creating vehicles...(Beetle)
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteThe New Beetle hasn't really had to have much work done on it since 1998 (this facelift, the convertible introduction in 2003 (?), and the Turbo S introduction in 2001 (?) have been the only changes), so anything they sell now is profit, unless they sell them at a loss. I doubt they'll kill it anytime soon, but it will prove to be a difficult car to redesign, and I doubt they'd take the trouble. It'll be around for at least three more years IMO.
Yeah...I was thinking along those lines too...maybe another 3-5 years...I wonder what they'd do after that. Another small car?
Nothing, I suppose. Outside of the US and Canada, VW has several smaller-than-Golf cars already, and they and the Golf could take over the New Beetle's small niche easily enough if they had to.
Yeah...and if they don't spend the millions of dollars it takes to design and produce a new car that could help their financial situation as well as taking off one of the cars altogether and losing some of the debt-creating vehicles...(Beetle)
Continuing to sell the current New Beetle wouldn't put them deeper in debt, unless it got to the point where it sold so poorly that it was too much trouble to sell it, or unless they sell them at a loss (which would make no sense). And I doubt it will get to that stage soon.
When is an all new Beetle, if there will be one, due to come out?
QuoteWhen is an all new Beetle, if there will be one, due to come out?
If there is one, I wouldn't expect to see it for at least three years.
Why dont they move it downmarket to the Scion area and make it more (I forget the word, but thats what some people call the Aztek and Scions; no not ugly) and cheaper?
QuoteWhy dont they move it downmarket to the Scion area and make it more (I forget the word, but thats what some people call the Aztek and Scions; no not ugly) and cheaper?
the word you're looking for could be..."different"..."revolutionary"...
QuoteQuoteWhy dont they move it downmarket to the Scion area and make it more (I forget the word, but thats what some people call the Aztek and Scions; no not ugly) and cheaper?
the word you're looking for could be..."different"..."revolutionary"...
No, it means it can haul-OH, practical.
Why not just get a roomier Golf instead? The only reason is the styling, but as we saw with the Prowler and T-Bird, styling doesn't sell cars.
Take away the rear mounted air cooled engine and RWD from the Beetle and all you're left with is a useless bubble car.
The beetle has taken on the "cute car" brand...
QuoteWhy not just get a roomier Golf instead? The only reason is the styling, but as we saw with the Prowler and T-Bird, styling doesn't sell cars.
Take away the rear mounted air cooled engine and RWD from the Beetle and all you're left with is a useless bubble car.
I'm not absolutely sure, but I believe the new Beetle has its engine in the front.
QuoteThe beetle has taken on the "cute car" brand...
They are trying to make it less cute with this redesign.
QuoteQuoteWhy not just get a roomier Golf instead? The only reason is the styling, but as we saw with the Prowler and T-Bird, styling doesn't sell cars.
Take away the rear mounted air cooled engine and RWD from the Beetle and all you're left with is a useless bubble car.
I'm not absolutely sure, but I believe the new Beetle has its engine in the front.
That's what I implied with my post. I think the new one is a useless bubble car.
QuoteQuoteWhy not just get a roomier Golf instead? The only reason is the styling, but as we saw with the Prowler and T-Bird, styling doesn't sell cars.
Take away the rear mounted air cooled engine and RWD from the Beetle and all you're left with is a useless bubble car.
I'm not absolutely sure, but I believe the new Beetle has its engine in the front.
You're not absolutely sure? :lol:
QuoteQuoteQuoteWhy not just get a roomier Golf instead? The only reason is the styling, but as we saw with the Prowler and T-Bird, styling doesn't sell cars.
Take away the rear mounted air cooled engine and RWD from the Beetle and all you're left with is a useless bubble car.
I'm not absolutely sure, but I believe the new Beetle has its engine in the front.
You're not absolutely sure? :lol:
He was being cautious. ;)
QuoteQuoteQuoteWhy not just get a roomier Golf instead? The only reason is the styling, but as we saw with the Prowler and T-Bird, styling doesn't sell cars.
Take away the rear mounted air cooled engine and RWD from the Beetle and all you're left with is a useless bubble car.
I'm not absolutely sure, but I believe the new Beetle has its engine in the front.
You're not absolutely sure? :lol:
Good catch. :lol:
QuoteQuoteThe beetle has taken on the "cute car" brand...
They are trying to make it less cute with this redesign.
<_< Changing the front fascia isn't gonna change the look of the car all that much... :rolleyes:
QuoteQuoteQuoteThe beetle has taken on the "cute car" brand...
They are trying to make it less cute with this redesign.
<_< Changing the front fascia isn't gonna change the look of the car all that much... :rolleyes:
I didnt say they were making it not cute...they were making it less cute.
For some reason, I think that the Beetle looks a lot like the Porsche 911. :blink:
QuoteFor some reason, I think that the Beetle looks a lot like the Porsche 911. :blink:
How?? :rolleyes:
QuoteFor some reason, I think that the Beetle looks a lot like the Porsche 911. :blink:
Definitely not. But Ferdinand Porsche did design the VW Buggie.
QuoteQuoteFor some reason, I think that the Beetle looks a lot like the Porsche 911. :blink:
Definitely not. But Ferdinand Porsche did design the VW Buggie.
but the original and the New beetle are a LOT different styling wise.
(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
Quote(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
I think few people would pay 50K for a Beetle.
QuoteQuote(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
I think few people would pay 50K for a Beetle.
Why not? I would. 500hp twin-turbo 2.8l V6, and 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, plus AWD. It's like a 911 Turbo at less than half the cost.
QuoteQuoteQuote(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
I think few people would pay 50K for a Beetle.
Why not? I would. 500hp twin-turbo 2.8l V6, and 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, plus AWD. It's like a 911 Turbo at less than half the cost.
No offense, but if I drove one of those, I'd kick my own ass and save everyone else the trouble.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuote(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
I think few people would pay 50K for a Beetle.
Why not? I would. 500hp twin-turbo 2.8l V6, and 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, plus AWD. It's like a 911 Turbo at less than half the cost.
No offense, but if I drove one of those, I'd kick my own ass and save everyone else the trouble.
why not? just take off the wing and the stickers and you'll have a true sleeper.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuote(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
I think few people would pay 50K for a Beetle.
Why not? I would. 500hp twin-turbo 2.8l V6, and 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, plus AWD. It's like a 911 Turbo at less than half the cost.
No offense, but if I drove one of those, I'd kick my own ass and save everyone else the trouble.
why not? just take off the wing and the stickers and you'll have a true sleeper.
People don't like sleepers quite as much as you guys apparantly think, that is part of the reason the GTO was such a failure for MY2004.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuote(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
I think few people would pay 50K for a Beetle.
Why not? I would. 500hp twin-turbo 2.8l V6, and 0-60 in 4.2 seconds, plus AWD. It's like a 911 Turbo at less than half the cost.
No offense, but if I drove one of those, I'd kick my own ass and save everyone else the trouble.
why not? just take off the wing and the stickers and you'll have a true sleeper.
People don't like sleepers quite as much as you guys apparantly think, that is part of the reason the GTO was such a failure for MY2004.
well, i like sleepers. just my personal taste. :)
QuoteQuoteQuote(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
I think few people would pay 50K for a Beetle.
It's like a 911 Turbo at less than half the cost.
Not only that, it looks like they stole the wheels of one...
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuote(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
I think few people would pay 50K for a Beetle.
It's like a 911 Turbo at less than half the cost.
Not only that, it looks like they stole the wheels of one...
And it looks like they stole the brake calipers too.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuote(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
I think few people would pay 50K for a Beetle.
It's like a 911 Turbo at less than half the cost.
Not only that, it looks like they stole the wheels of one...
And it looks like they stole the brake calipers too.
Maybe they stole that wing off one too...
I dont think they want that far...
Well it does look pretty similar to some wing I saw on some Porsche...like an older 9-- car.
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteQuote(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle_lead1.jpg)(http://motortrend.com/features/performance/112_0106_beetle2_lead2.jpg)
VW should build this thing, and price it at about 50k. That's the way to sell all the Beetles. :praise:
I think few people would pay 50K for a Beetle.
It's like a 911 Turbo at less than half the cost.
Not only that, it looks like they stole the wheels of one...
And it looks like they stole the brake calipers too.
Rims are off of a 993 Turbo, and i'm pretty sure that the red calipers are just Brembos.