THE NEW VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
BRUCE HUBBARD
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
Who has never had a story or loved the “hippy VW”. From the Beeltle to the Hippy Van. I certainly remember driving a Beetle in the winter with no heat trying to clear the windshield to drive. When it rained the windshield wipers were too slow to stop the rain from allowing me a free view. To own a VW Beetle was an adventure. The air cooled engine “world car” was one of the best vehicles ever produced. Sure it did not have power or the best brakes, best windshield wipers, or ever dynamic stability control or traction control. But what a wonderful vehicle it was and is today.
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. Today Volkswagen is trying to be the “Worlds Car”. By that I mean they want it all. They want to own the number one spot. Looks to me as if they will be able to do that. As I stated in other articles manufacturers stated to m once a customer bought an AUDI they could never get them as a customer.
Remember 15 to 20 years ago no one would buy an Audi thanks to a “flawed” report on the superior German company. Audi was one of the finest automotive companies who brought vehicle to USA. Today I believe Audi rules the high end market over BMW, Lexus, Acura and Mercedes . Look at the world class interiors and the design inside and out. They are the best. Now lets look at performance and handling of the high end vehicles.
Volkswagen has proven to North America that not just their premier gasoline engines but their TDI clean Diesels are the best.
If I was to buy any vehicle it would be a diesel and the best are Audi or Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes.
BMW just won an award for their diesel which came in part with their affiliation with BMW and Mercedes.
The Beetle could be another Mini fighter. Add Fiat’s 500 with even the high end Abarth or Mopar version I can imagine the Beetle to have a performance version of the Beetle.
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.
Only someone who knows and respects the Beetle’s heritage could produce a new generation of this storied vehicle. .
The designers at VW developed the new car around the earliest Beetle profile rather than the 1998 New Beetle. The 2012 Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented. Placing the original Beetle and the 21st 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 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 FenderPremium 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.
The 21st Century Beetle Volkswagen states is 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. I agree after my first experience in the Beetle.
The shape and use of color in the painted or carbon-look dashboards is just like the design of the first Beetle.
Three round instrument gauges are arranged in front of the driver 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 allows for even the six footer to enter the cabin. . 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.
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.
As I stated before 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.
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:
Standard in the Beetle is what the buyers wish for audio 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.
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. I do not care about that but I love that the sun hits me 100% of the time.
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.
The Beetle will be offered with Bi-xenon headlights.
The 2012 Beetle features Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System, which initiates automatic safety protection in some types of collisions — the electrical supply to the fuel pump is shut off, the doors unlock and the hazard lights switch on. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard, as are driver and front passenger airbags and Side Curtain Protection® airbags in front and rear.
The 21st Century Beetle is also covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty – three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
belt.
Bruce Hubbard
Auto Advisor Group
Brucehubbardphotography.ifp3.com
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