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Volkswagen New Beetle

The Volkswagen New Beetle was introduced by Volkswagen in 1998, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front driving the front wheels and luggage storage in the rear. In May 2010, Volkswagen announced that production of the New Beetle will cease in 2010.[1]

Contents

Concept 1

At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the J Mays-penned "Concept 1" with lines heavily influenced by the original Beetle. It was equipped with "large diameter" 17 inch wheels (with the VW logo, just like the original Beetle hub cap) with low-profile tires. Also, in the concept car, there was a "zero emission" hybrid design.

First generation

2001-2005 New Beetle convertible

In 1998, Volkswagen launched the New Beetle, designed by the company's California design studio. The New Beetle is related to the original only in name and appearance (including the absence of a car emblem script with the exception of the VW logo): under the hood, it is a modern car in every way, based on the Volkswagen Group PQ34 platform (Volkswagen Golf Mk4). A convertible was added in 2001 to replace the Volkswagen Cabrio.

The New Beetle carries many design features related to the old Beetle: separate wings, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps and large round tail lights, as well as a high rounded roofline that provides enough headroom for tall drivers. It is assembled currently in VW Puebla factory in Mexico.

Specifications

Body styles

Chassis code Typ 1C Typ 9C Typ 1Y
Body type coupe coupe convertible
Region(s) North America Europe and others World
Years 1998- 1998- 2001-

Engine choices

TDI diesel engine in 2006 New Beetle
Model engine code(s) engine type max power@rpm max torque@rpm years
Petrol engines
1.4 BCA 1,390 cc (1.39 L; 85 cu in) I4 DOHC 16V 75 PS (55 kW; 74 hp) @5000 126 N•m (93 lb•ft) @3800 2001-
1.6 AWH 1,595 cc (1.595 L; 97.3 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) @5600 145 N•m (107 lb•ft) @3800 1999•2000
1.6 AYD / BFS 1,595 cc (1.595 L; 97.3 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V 102 PS (75 kW; 101 hp) @5600 148 N•m (109 lb•ft) @3800 2000-
1.8 T AGU 1,781 cc (1.781 L; 108.7 cu in) I4 DOHC 20V turbo 150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp) @5700 210 N•m (150 lb•ft) @1750-4600 1998•2000
1.8 T APH /AVC /AWC /AWU /AWV /BKF 1,781 cc (1.781 L; 108.7 cu in) I4 DOHC 20V turbo 150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp) @5800 220 N•m (160 lb•ft) @2000-4200 1999-
1.8 T AUQ 1,781 cc (1.781 L; 108.7 cu in) I4 DOHC 20V turbo 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) 235 N•m (173 lb•ft) 2001-?
1.8 T AWP 1,781 cc (1.781 L; 108.7 cu in) I4 DOHC 20V turbo 180 PS (130 kW; 180 hp) @5500 235 N•m (173 lb•ft) @1950-5000 2002•2004
2.0 AEG 1,984 cc (1.984 L; 121.1 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) @5400 165 N•m (122 lb•ft) @2800 1998•2001
2.0 APK / AQY 1,984 cc (1.984 L; 121.1 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) @5200 170 N•m (130 lb•ft) @2400 1998•2001
2.0 AZJ /BDC /BEJ /BER /BEV /BGD /BHP 1,984 cc (1.984 L; 121.1 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V 116 PS (85 kW; 114 hp) @5200 172 N•m (127 lb•ft) @3200 2001-
2.3 V5 AQN 2,324 cc (2.324 L; 141.8 cu in) VR5 DOHC 20V 170 PS (130 kW; 170 hp) @6200 220 N•m (160 lb•ft) @3300 2000•2005
2.5 BGP 2,480 cc (2.48 L; 151 cu in) I5 DOHC 20V 150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp) 209 N•m (154 lb•ft) 2006-
2.5 BPR /BPS 2,480 cc (2.48 L; 151 cu in) I5 DOHC 20V 150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp) @5000 228 N•m (168 lb•ft) @3750 2006-
3.2 RSI AXJ 3,189 cc (3.189 L; 194.6 cu in) VR6 DOHC 24V 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) 320 N•m (240 lb•ft) 2000•2003
Diesel engines
1.9 TDI AGR / ALH 1,896 cc (1.896 L; 115.7 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Injection pump) 90 PS (66 kW; 89 hp) @4000 210 N•m (150 lb•ft) @1900 1998•2004
1.9 TDI ATD /AXR /BEW 1,896 cc (1.896 L; 115.7 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Pumpe-Düse) 101 PS (74 kW; 100 hp) @4000 240 N•m (180 lb•ft) @1800-2400 2000•2005
1.9 TDI BJB / BKC / BXE / BLS 1,896 cc (1.896 L; 115.7 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V turbo 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @4000 240 N•m (180 lb•ft) @1800 2003-
1.9 TDI BSW 1,896 cc (1.896 L; 115.7 cu in) I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Pumpe-Düse) 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) @4000 240 N•m (180 lb•ft) @1800-2200 2005-

Safety

The car achieved 4 stars in the Euro NCAP tests scoring 25 points (33 to reach 5 stars).

The IIHS gave the New Beetle a Good overall score in their frontal crash test. 2004 models come standard with side airbags, however the IIHS rated the Beetle Poor in their side impact test.[2]

US models

Engines choices include the 2.0L inline-4 for the base model, the 1.9L TDI, turbodiesel inline-4 (discontinued after the 2006 model year due to more stringent emissions requirements), and the 1.8L Turbo inline-4 for the "Sport" model, which included a sport suspension, and bigger wheels and tires.

For the 2006 model, the exterior was slightly redesigned with bigger bumpers, and fitted with a 150 hp 2.5L I5 20V base engine, as seen on the A5 Jetta V and Rabbit V.

Special editions

Beetle RSi (2001-2003)

VW New Beetle RSi

It is a limited (250 units) version of New Beetle. It included a 225 hp 3.2 liter VR6 engine, a 6-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4motion, Remus twin-pipe exhaust. It was rumoured Porsche tuned the suspension but this was carried out in-house at VW Individual. The suspension was greatly altered at the rear, with geometry more geared to the race track and a rear cross brace behind the rear seats, 80 mm (3.1 in) wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, large rear wing, and 18x9 OZ Superturismo wheels with 235/40ZR-18 tyres. Inside, it was trimmed in carbon fiber, billet aluminum, and bright orange leather. The front seats were Recaro racing buckets. Notable disadvantages found were loud cabin noise and low rear tire life.

Curiously, in Mexico, although being a country very attached to Volkswagen, there are RSis that have not been sold since 2001. This is probably due to its US$58,000 price tag, and because Mexico is the country where most Beetle RSis stayed (20 cars).

Ragster concept

The VW New Beetle Ragster Concept at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show

At the 2005 North American International Auto Show, the Volkswagen New Beetle Ragster concept car was introduced. It was supposed to be a preview of the future design of the New Beetle.[citation needed] The base of the Ragster (the name denoting a cross between a "ragtop" and a speedster) was a New Beetle Convertible modified with a new roof, giving it a much lower roofline, and a unique paint job with silver double stripes. The interior differs from the original New Beetle, being a 2+2, and having distinctive control dials. The Ragster's rear-view mirror is mounted on its dashboard, a retro feature, reminiscent of the first Type 1s.

Final edition (2010)

Announced at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2010 Final Edition New Beetle features Aquarius Blue paintwork, with the hardtop receiving a black painted roof and the convertible sporting Campanella White painted side panels. In addition to unique 17" wheels, both models will be powered by a 2.5 litre engine mated to a semi-automatic "Tiptronic" transmission. Other additions include sports suspension and "Final Edition" badging inside and out. Both models arrive with integrated fog lights and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard. The production will run 1500 units of each model

This edition marks the end of production of the current generation New Beetle.[3]

Awards

The Volkswagen New Beetle was Motor Trend's "Import Car of the Year"[4] for 1999.

Potential second generation

Volkswagen is rumored to be planning the launch of a successor to the New Beetle by 2011. Possible variants included two-seat Beetle roadster, SUV-type Beetle, and the standard hard top.[5]

Motor Trend reported Volkswagen would build the next generation of Beetle based on Volkswagen Golf Mk6 and Volkswagen Scirocco platform. It would be styled in California and engineered in Germany. The cutesy bug-eye look, rounded shape, and bulbous roofline would be replaced by a more aggressive style with a sportier stance and coupe-style roof. The vehicle would be released in 2010 as 2011 model.[6]

Car Magazine reported there would be two Beetles, with a smaller version based on the 2007 Volkswagen up! concept, and the bigger version based on the Volkswagen Golf. The exterior would be based on the Beetle Ragster concept.[7]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Volkswagen announces end for New Beetle – Car Reviews, News & Advice". Carsales.com.au. http://www.carsales.com.au/news/2010/small-passenger/volkswagen/new-beetle/volkswagen-announces-end-for-new-beetle-19213. Retrieved 2010-06-27.
  2. ^ "IIHS-HLDI: Volkswagen New Beetle". Iihs.org. 2008-09-25. http://www.iihs.org/ratings/rating.aspx?id=246. Retrieved 2009-08-07.
  3. ^ LA 2009: Volkswagen shows off "Final Edition" New Beetle models
  4. ^ Motor Trend Import Car of the Year Complete Winners List
  5. ^ New Models: Volkswagen Beetle to get more bodystyles
  6. ^ So much for Herbie: 2010 Volkswagen Beetle going full modern
  7. ^ 2011 VW Beetle Details Surface

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type / class 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
city car Lupo Fox
supermini ... Polo/Derby I Polo/Derby/Classic II Polo/Classic IIF Polo/Classic III Polo IIIF Polo IV Polo IVF Polo V
small family car ... Golf I Golf II Golf III Golf IV Golf V Golf VI
... Jetta I Jetta II Vento Bora Jetta V
New Beetle
large family car Passat I Passat II / Santana Passat III Passat IV Passat V Passat VI
exec. luxury car Phaeton
coupé ... Scirocco I Scirocco II Scirocco III
Corrado Passat CC
convertible . . . Golf I Cabriolet Golf III Cabriolet New Beetle Cabriolet
Eos
compact MPV Golf Plus
Touran
large MPV Sharan
off-roader (SUV) Tiguan
Touareg
Founder: Deutsche Arbeitsfront • A marque of the Volkswagen Group • 4motion • G40 / G60
v • d • « previous — Volkswagen Passenger Cars timeline, North American market, 1980•present — a marque of the Volkswagen Group
type / class 1980s 1990s 2000s 2010s
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0
subcompact Fox / Fox wagon
compact Rabbit I Golf II Golf III Golf IV Rabbit V Golf VI
Jetta I Jetta II Jetta III Jetta IV Jetta V
Dasher New Beetle
mid-size Quantum Passat III Passat IV Passat V Passat VI
full-size Phaeton
coupé Scirocco I Scirocco II Corrado CC
convertible Rabbit Convertible Cabriolet Cabrio Eos
New Beetle Convertible
van Vanagon (T3) Eurovan (T4) Routan
pickup Rabbit LX
crossover Tiguan
mid-size SUV Touareg Touareg II
founder: Deutsche Arbeitsfront • A marque of the Volkswagen Group • 4motion • Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. • Electronics Research Laboratory • North American Volkswagen engines

Categories: Volkswagen vehicles | Compact cars | Euro NCAP small family cars | Hatchbacks | Front wheel drive vehicles | Partial zero-emissions vehicles | Convertibles | Retro style automobiles | 1990s automobiles | 2000s automobiles | 2010s automobiles | Vehicles introduced in 1998 | Vehicles with VR engines | Upcoming automobiles

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