2012 VW Beetle

I've gotta say, I really like what they did with the backend....Source with write up; http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/18/2012-volkswagen-beetle-revealed/

2012 VW Beetle Spied

Source w/writeup and more pics;
http://www.autoblog.com/2011/01/27/spy-shots-2012-volkswagen-new-new-beetle-caught-undisguised/

Road & Track: Next Gen VW Beetle Spied!

Hmmm, not sure what to think of the 'normal' windshield rake....
Spy photographers have captured images of the next generation New Beetle coupe undergoing road testing in Germany. A lower roofline and re-profiled tail offer hints that Volkswagen is planning to boost the retro appeal of the next Beetle, while also providing a welcome increase in usability and rear passenger comfort.

The New Beetle has always been about nostalgia. Unfortunately, our complaints about the current model sound like we could be writing about the original Beetle, which lasted in the U.S. market until 1980. A cramped rear seat, dated chassis, limited cargo room, and recent sub-par safety ratings have seen the competition go flashing past VW’s retro machine during its 13 year production run.

That’s right, the New Beetle has been on sale (and virtually unchanged) since 1998. If you love the rounded looks and have loads of happy Beetle memories, this comes as great news. But if you’re looking for an economy car that is fun to drive and has a premium feel to it, there are many better choices out there. The Mini Cooper , Scion tC and even the latest version of the VW Golf all make the New Beetle feel its age.

At a glance, these spy images don’t look dramatically different from the current new Beetle. Take a closer look and you’ll spot a longer and lower greenhouse that is less rounded than before. This should offer a much needed increase in rear headroom. The test mule also appears to have a longer tail-end, the rear screen is more vertical than before and there is a noticeable increase in rear overhang.

The new tail treatment should be far more practical, especially when it comes to cargo room. The 2010 New Beetle offers a miserly 12 cubic-feet of luggage space. A 2010 VW Golf is only fractionally better (12.4 cu-ft), but its wide-opening hatch and squarer shape of the cargo space is more convenient to use.

Engines will come from the Golf, which means a 170-bhp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine will be standard with a choice of 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. At present, the New Beetle convertible is an automatic-only offering. We’ll see if that holds true when the newest New Beetle officially arrives early in 2011.

It will also be interesting to see if VW sticks to its recent ‘more for less’ pricing philosophy. The recently updated Jetta and next year’s New Midsize Sedan (most likely badged a Passat) are aggressively priced – in the case of the 2011 Jetta, the base model costs thousands less than the cheapest version of the outgoing model. The current New Beetle is priced at $19,440, a not insignificant sum for a car that puts a premium on form instead of function.

Source;
http://www.roadandtrack.com/future-cars/spy-photos/spy-photos-of-next-generation-volkswagen-new-beetle

Retro Take for 2012 New VW Beetle Design Study

Hmmph....I like it....
There's a lot of speculation going around about whether or not Volkswagen will introduce a second generation of the New Beetle. Either way, independent designers from all four-corners of the world are continuing to offer their take on how a 2012 New Beetle should look like.

This here design study for a New Beetle MkII was penned by our Brazilian friend Eduardo Oliveira, who you may remember from previous concepts like the 2012 Jetta, Hyundai i30 Sedan and Ford Thunderbird CC. Unlike David Cordoso's futuristic-looking proposal (see here) that we showed you back in May, Oliveira's design for the New/New Beetle is far more retro.

Source (with more pic's);
http://carscoop.blogspot.com/2010/06/retro-take-for-2012-new-vw-beetle.html

2012 VW Beetle/Herbie

I've always had a soft spot for Herbie....
Source;
http://www.burlappcars.com/2010/01/2012-vw-beetle.html

2011 New VW Beetle to be more 'Manly'

Well, here's my first VW only post! A friend of mine is a BIG VW fan, so this one's for you Griff!

There has been a leak in the new details of the next-generation Volkswagen Beetle. Car Magazine is said that the 2011 Vw Beetle was going to be divided into two versions. Presently, however, the German carmaker has chosen on a new route. Initially, there would be a couple of Beetles; a diminutive scarcely large enough for a family, patterned on the 2007 Vw Up! model, and a larger version founded on the Golf.

Currently, the automotive group will create the production up! a front-engined vehicle, which means the new Beetle should debut in early 2010 as an altogether separate vehicle. And the distinctly feminine curves will be absent from the next Beetle. Plans call for a more belligerent and manly appearance, which could spell disaster if it pushes the present buyer base away from the car and does not get attention from new buyers.Rather, the car is thought to appear a bit more like the Vw Ragster model from the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. This means that a flat-roofed four-seater, with a hatchback and steep angles should be anticipated. Of course, there are still many versions down the range, as VW is contemplating the conversion of the Beetle into a new brand. Anticipate expanded engine selections, and enhanced drivability with the fresh Beetle.

Source;

http://www.4wheelsnews.com/2011-vw-beetle-new-details-leaked/