Next-Generation New Beetle More Like a Hatchback?
February 19, 2007 – 9:45 am by Dan Volkens
Filed under Concepts, Volkswagen New Beetle
I just came across these concept sketches of the possible next-gen New Beetle via GermanCarBlog.com.
I don’t know about you guys, but this sketch doesn’t carry any Beetle heritage to me at all. Well, maaaaybe the rounded fenders and roof a little bit. As a matter of fact, if I saw these sketches without knowing what they were intended to be, I’d think it was another concept approach for the Golf/Rabbit platform. Whaddya think?
* Images Courtesy Auto Motor und Sport via German Car Blog
Next-Generation New Beetle More Like a Hatchback?
February 19, 2007 – 9:45 am by Dan Volkens
Looks more like an Audi TT to me.
That kind of reminds me of a combination between a Dodge Caliber and a Honda Civic circa 2001.
I rather like it, but I agree, not the typical Bug design.
I can kind of see some Beetle in that second sketch, but definitely nothing in the first.
I think they’ve over committed to the Sirocco design. The presence and character of the Beetle gets diluted with each redesign.
Definitely looks like the scirocco/corrado line. Isn’t VW working on a new Scirocco…could this be a sketch for that design?
Hey Murph, they sure are. You can see some pics of it here.
I hope they make it, I like the style, compared to what they have now. But it should defiantly not replace the beetle style.
I HATE IT!!!! if anything was hoping they would do a retro vw bug theme with the hub caps, chrome trim and vent window,,,i have two new beetles, the 2000 gls and the 2003 convertible and love them both, this new design concept isnt the bug, agree with other comments referring to the sciroco and god forbid the Dodge Caliber,,,
looks like someone morphed a ford focus and the current beetle. yawn
I can’t belive my eyes. It sucks !
the new beetle stopped being a beetle when it became fwd. the whole point to the beetle was how much fun it was to drive with basic porsche technology. now its getting closer and closer to a golf.. might as well just bag the beetle unless they decide to bring it back to an adforable porsche version.
a dope new beetle would be a boxter platform with classic bug styling from he 40′s and 50′s.. the current beetle looks like a 70′s rip off which isnt the beetle its a beetle that copies a bug that aquired safety regulations.. i think they could pull off a design that is retro like the mini or mustang but is safe as well.. they failed and look to continue to fail..
I like the design it still retains aspects of the old but more of a modern feel. I would buy one in a minute.
VW, Please don’t change the Beetle design. You have a much desired car now. You are making a huge mistake here.
Kill the beetle (when sales finally run dry, or it’s too expensive to build). Letting it die leaves room for what we really want….and retro Karhman Ghia.
I have had a 2006 VW New Beetle since Oct of ’08 w/no problems. Loaded, Sunroof, MP3….so much fun to drive. Had a “lil red ’66 w/the engine in the rear when I was younger; froze to death in the winter, but still had fun. Could turn on a dime :) A Beetle is a Beetle by any other name. None other like it.
PS and oh yeah….I’ve got a 2005 Ford Focus, and it IS boring. Gets 35 mpg, tho. The Beetle gets 24 mpg w/the windows and sunroof open, and 30 mpg w/ the windows rolled up. I need to get a life, and not sweat the small stuff. (Isn’t the engine in my 2006 New Beetle a modified Golf engine? (2.5) Is the chassis a Golf chassis?
Nice LRusso, I’m not sure what engine is in the newest beetle. If it’s the 2.5, that’s the new standard economy engine from VW. However, I think the Beetle is built on its own chassis (don’t quote me though). The Golf/Jetta etc. are all built on that one chassis.
i hate it too!!! The current style of the beetle is what makes it so different to any other car in my opinion and if they change it, then its just going to look like any ol’ small car out there. i can see the beelte-ness in it, but i think its ugly! Please dont let them make it look this way!! maybe they could make a hybrid model or a powerful model and just change it a little bit, but just not the body style.