(continued from above)
When the first Beetle rolled off the production line, it was simply called
the Volkswagen - "the people's car" - but its distinctive shape inspired
nicknames across the globe: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, or
Maggiolino! In total, 21.5 million cars were sold, making it the most popular
car manufactured off a single platform of all time.
More than 60 years later, in 1998, the "New Beetle" rekindled the spirit and
imagination of the original for a new generation of Volkswagen owners. This
second-generation version sparked another round of "Beetle Mania".
Now, the third-generation of the internationally beloved Beetle is ready for
prime time, going on sale in the United States this fall. There will be two
models at launch: the Beetle and the sporty Turbo. In 2012, a TDI Clean Diesel
will go on sale, which is likely to be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever made.
Exterior Design
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 also breaks free of the
design geometry defined by three semi-circles - front fender, rear fender, and
domed roof above it. The roof profile actually runs distinctly lower and can be
considered a development of the Ragster concept car shown in Detroit in 2005. As
a result, the new Beetle is bolder, more dynamic, and more masculine.
"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 (0.5
inches lower) and 168.4 inches long (6.0 inches longer). The new focal point is
the C-pillar. The development team also increased the car's track widths and
wheelbase. The changed proportions give the Beetle a powerful and dynamic
appearance.
A new feature is the rear spoiler that is standard on the 2.0 Turbo and is
integrated into the design. The top surface of the rear spoiler is black, while
the underside is painted in body color.
Volkswagen Beetle Turbo: Review (2/2)