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SubscribeVolkswagen's third generation Beetle unveiled
By Mike Hanlon
23:05 April 18, 2011
Volkswagen's third generation Beetle
Image Gallery (22 images)The new Volkswagen Beetle greeted audiences across the world in a truly global launch today. The "people's car" entered its third generation simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin and New York, with 22.5 million units sold over 73 years. The new Beetle comes with a choice of three engines: a more fuel-efficient version of the 2.5L five cylinder petrol engine, a 2.0L TDI and a 2.0L TSI turbocharged petrol engine, the latter two offered with an optional six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.
The sporty 2.0L TSI also comes with an XDS cross (limited-slip) differential which electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of wheel spin, feeds additional torque to the wheels with most traction. The newest Beetle is 3.3 inches wider and six inches longer and will hit showrooms in North America in September, Europe in October and Asia next February.
In keeping with automotive trends, the new Beetle will be offered with an extensive range of personalization options, including a panoramic roof, extensive audio system choice (including a premium 400W system from Fender), and an annual theme model.
The transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof is 80 percent larger than on the previous model with the insulating glass blocking 99 percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy – at least this one won't cook you quite as thoroughly as many panoramic roof models.
The standard RCD 310 sound system comes with eight speakers while the optional RCD 510 comes with an integrated CD changer, an SD card slot and touchscreen. After three quarters of a century, the new Beetle is the first with an optional navigation system – the RNS 315 has a 5-inch touchscreen, CD player and SD card slot.
The top-of-the-line 400 watt Fender Premium Audio System offered is touted as "concert quality" and uses Panasonic directional sound speaker technology and adjustable interior ambiance lighting.
It's also the first time a Beetle has had keyless entry and Bi-xenon headlights. In its original air-cooled, rear-engined, rear-wheel drive configuration, the original Beetle became the longest-running single design automobile in history.
Pricing?
Fil Magnoli
- April 19, 2011 @ 06:54 am PDT
It's turning into a 911 or a cross between a TT and 911.
Justin Scheller
- April 19, 2011 @ 07:24 am PDT
It may be time to buy a V-Dub..
Gerald Calvin Bohmer Jr
- April 19, 2011 @ 07:45 am PDT
Where the blue motion edition or electric one?
myale
- April 19, 2011 @ 09:56 am PDT
At last, an answer to the question
"What do you get when you cross a 2nd-generation Beetle with a PT Cruiser?"
DavidB
- April 19, 2011 @ 09:57 am PDT
The original VW "beetle" was a revolutionary vehicle with dozens of remarkable innovations. This is a conventional vehicle, a non-revolutionary, non-innovative styling exercise. It's just marketing.
Where is the production 1L?
William H Lanteigne
- April 19, 2011 @ 10:59 am PDT
Isn't this really the 4th generation bug?
The 1968 version of the Beetle was substantially different from the cars that came before. Most noticeable were the changes to the bumpers, but there were also the highback seats, the interior trim, the hood and trunk shape and the shape of the rear lights. The 12 volt battery was introduced mid-year 1967, so that doesn't count.
Albert Sudonim
- April 19, 2011 @ 12:14 pm PDT
Looks great. My 1st VW was a 1964. The new one may have a regular back seat.
Ferry Porsche's designs live on and on.
I'll get in line for this new Beetle!!
john.jbfin
- April 19, 2011 @ 01:06 pm PDT
If they want to make "A People's Car" It should be easy to work on, get great milage around town and sell for well under 10,000. Oh ya, and get rid of that dam plastic thermostat housing.
dccyo
- April 19, 2011 @ 02:13 pm PDT
Yes, it does look like a Porsche, and I believe it is trying to compete with the BMW mini, by the looks of the specs.
ron.earth
- April 19, 2011 @ 02:39 pm PDT
I think it looks neat. It would be neat if it was a rear engined water cooled engine. :)
BigWarpGuy
- April 19, 2011 @ 06:06 pm PDT
It is next to 'Phaeton' big VW's marketing mistake. "Beetle" has gained great popularity because it was "simple and honest". It did exactly what was needed to customers: reliable and cost-effective transport. Instead of to resurrect a small cost-effective car that is so much asked by buyers, VW tries to sell off a much oil-thirstier and expensive car. It neither competes to Porsche as it has happened with "Phaeton" nor to "Smart" where it could succeed as small and fuel-efficient car. Probably, it was "Beetle's" last chance... What a pity:-(
fr0gzzi
- April 19, 2011 @ 08:54 pm PDT
its coolio
Peter Ziggy Jensch
- April 20, 2011 @ 12:10 am PDT
looks like an old Porsche from rear three-quarters!
cute tho!
Deepak Ku Parida
- April 20, 2011 @ 02:37 am PDT
Is this designed by VW partner Porsche? Expected much much more....
So sad...anyway its VW, so accepted..
jacob.kuriakose
- April 20, 2011 @ 05:08 am PDT
The Beetle is becoming to look like almost every vehicle on the road except for a few outer design features, and rather than a true people's car it is, as with the new Mini, a bloated fashion symbol of the better off who can afford it. Doesn't even have the character of the original.
f1e5a9 As previous comments have stated, looking more like an upper market Porsche, and if that is the market they are trying to complete with then usre enough it's no longer a peoples car. The last new peoples car that VW introduced was the VW Gulf. Don't care for the style of that vehicle yet it did take off and become truely popular with the average people.The Beetle is going down another road and, personally, i have no interest.
write on
- April 21, 2011 @ 12:43 am PDT
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Is it just me or are Beetles really starting to look like Porsches (is that spelt correct)