Volkswagen New Beetle
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The Volkswagen New Beetle is a compact car introduced by Volkswagen in 1997, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front, driving the front wheels, with luggage storage in the rear. It received a facelift in 2005 and was in production until 2011, nearly fourteen years since its introduction.
In the 2012 model year, a new Beetle model, the Beetle (A5), replaced the New Beetle. Various versions of this model continued to be produced in Puebla, Mexico, until the final car left the assembly line on 10 July 2019.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
History
Template:Multiple image At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a "retro"-themed concept car with a resemblance to the original Volkswagen Beetle. Designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio,<ref name="metro-thomas">Template:Cite journal</ref> the concept car was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Polo. A red cabriolet concept was featured at the Geneva Motor Show, also in 1994.
Production design approval was reached in mid-1995, with a design freeze resulting in 22 months of development time for production.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In October 1995, the Volkswagen Concept Two was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, essentially an early preview of the production model due in early 1998.Template:Citation needed
Strong public reaction to the Concept One convinced the company that it should develop a production version which was launched as the New Beetle in 1997 for the 1998 model-year, based on the Golf IV's larger PQ34 platform.<ref name="ltvvwc-2003">Template:Cite web</ref> 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). For the 1998 model year, only the TDI compression-ignition engine was turbocharged; the spark-ignition engines were only naturally aspirated. In June 1999, Volkswagen introduced the 1.8T, which was the first turbocharged spark-ignition engine offered for the New Beetle. Volkswagen created a web site dedicated specifically to the 1.8T.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> A convertible was added for the 2003 model-year to replace the Volkswagen Cabrio. However, the New Beetle Convertible was never offered with a compression-ignition engine in North America. The third-generation Beetle Convertible, the successor to the New Beetle Convertible, was offered with the TDI compression-ignition engine in the USA but not in Canada, though, making it possibly the only diesel convertible car offered in North America.
The New Beetle carries many design similarities with the original VW Beetle: separate fenders, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps, and large round taillights, as well as a high rounded roofline. It was assembled in VW's Puebla factory in Mexico.
In June 2005, Volkswagen announced a facelift of the New Beetle featuring revised bumpers, wheels, lamps, VW emblems, sharper lines and a different interior. In the USA it went on sale for the 2006 model year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Specifications
- Dimension:
- Length: Template:Convert
- Width: Template:Convert
- Height: Template:Convert
- Wheelbase: Template:Convert
- Curb weight: Template:Convert
- Luggage volume: Template:Convert
- Luggage volume with rear seat folded: Template:Convert
- Max speed: 161–225 km/h (110-140 mph)
- Acceleration (0–100 km/h | 0-62.5 mph): 6.7-14.6 sec
Body styles
| Chassis code | Typ 1C | Typ 9C | Typ 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body type | Coupé | Coupé | Convertible |
| Region(s) | North America | Europe and others | World |
| Years | 1998–2010 | 1997– | 2003– |
Engine choices
| Model | engine code(s) | engine type | max power at rpm | max torque at rpm | years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| colspan="8" Template:Rh| Petrol engines | |||||
| 1.4 | BCA | Template:Convert I4 DOHC 16V | Template:Convert at 5,000 | Template:Convert at 3,800 | 2001– |
| 1.6 | AWH | Template:Convert I4 SOHC 8V | Template:Convert at 5,600 | Template:Convert at 3,800 | 1999–2000 |
| 1.6 | AYD / BFS | Template:Convert I4 SOHC 8V | Template:Convert at 5,600 | Template:Convert at 3,800 | 2006–
2009 |
| 1.8 T | AGU | Template:Convert I4 DOHC 20V turbo | Template:Convert at 5,700 | Template:Convert at 1,750-4,600 | 1998–2000 |
| 1.8 T | APH /AVC /AWC /AWU /AWV /BKF | Template:Convert I4 DOHC 20V turbo | Template:Convert at 5,800 | Template:Convert at 2,000-4,200 | 1999–2002 |
| 1.8 T | AUQ | Template:Convert I4 DOHC 20V turbo | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | 2001–2002 |
| 1.8 T | AWP | Template:Convert I4 DOHC 20V turbo | Template:Convert at 5,500 | Template:Convert at 1,950-5,000 | 2002–2004 |
| 2.0 | AEG | Template:Convert I4 DOHC 16V | Template:Convert at 5,400 | Template:Convert at 2,800 | 1998–2003 |
| 2.0 | APK / AQY | Template:Convert I4 SOHC 8V | Template:Convert at 5,200 | Template:Convert at 2,400 | 1998–2001 |
| 2.0 | AZJ /BDC /BEJ /BER /BEV /BGD /BHP | Template:Convert I4 SOHC 8V | Template:Convert at 5,200 | Template:Convert at 3,200 | 2001–2003 |
| 2.3 V5 | AQN | Template:Convert VR5 DOHC 20V | Template:Convert at 6,200 | Template:Convert at 3,300 | 2000–2005 |
| 2.5 | BGP | Template:Convert I5 DOHC 20V | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | 2006– |
| 2.5 | BPR /BPS | Template:Convert I5 DOHC 20V | Template:Convert at 5,000 | Template:Convert at 3,750 | 2006– |
| 3.2 RSI | AXJ | Template:Convert VR6 DOHC 24V | Template:Convert | Template:Convert | 2000–2003 |
| colspan="6" Template:Rh| Diesel engines | |||||
| 1.9 TDI | AGR / ALH | Template:Convert I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Injection pump) | Template:Convert at 4,000 | Template:Convert at 1,900 | 1998–2004 |
| 1.9 TDI | ATD /AXR /BEW | Template:Convert I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Pumpe-Düse) | Template:Convert at 4,000 | Template:Convert at 1,800-2400 | 2000–2005 |
| 1.9 TDI | BJB / BKC / BXE / BLS | Template:Convert I4 SOHC 8V turbo | Template:Convert at 4,000 | Template:Convert at 1,800 | 2003– |
| 1.9 TDI | BSW | Template:Convert I4 SOHC 8V turbo (Pumpe-Düse) | Template:Convert at 4,000 | Template:Convert at 1,800-2,200 | 2005–2006 |
Safety
The New Beetle achieved five stars in the 2011 Euro NCAP tests compared to four stars in the 2000 Euro NCAP tests scoring 25 points (33 to reach five stars).
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (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.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
United States models
Engine choices include the Template:Convert 2.0 L inline-four for the base model, the Template:Convert 1.9 L TDI turbodiesel inline-four (discontinued after the 2006 model year due to more stringent emissions requirements), and the Template:Convert 1.8 L turbo inline-four for the Turbo and Sport models.
The Turbo S model (sold 2002–2004) included the 1.8 L turbo but with Template:Convert. It also included a sport suspension, six-speed manual transmission, aluminum interior trim, revised front/rear fascias, and bigger wheels and tires. A close relative of the Turbo S was the 2002–2004 Color Concept. This limited edition variant was available in limited exterior colors, with interior door panel inserts, seat inserts, floor mat piping, and wheel opening inserts color-matched to the exterior paint. Wheel color inserts, diameter, and style varied with model year. It came standard with the Template:Convert 1.8 turbo gasoline engine, 5-speed manual gearbox, speed-activated rear spoiler, power windows/sunroof/door locks, heated leather seats, and fog lamps.
All 1.8L Turbo and Turbo S inline-four models were equipped with a retractable rear spoiler which was not available on the 1.9 L TDI inline-4, 2.0 L inline-four and 2.5 L inline-five models.
For the 2006 model, the exterior was slightly redesigned with more angular bumpers and wheel wells, and these models were fitted with the 2.5 L 5-cylinder engine with Template:Convert which was also fitted on the Rabbit and Jetta, later becoming the sole engine option. The New Beetle would not be given the upgraded 2.5 L engine (engine code CBTA/CBUA) that 2008 and later Jettas and Rabbits received.
Special editions
Beetle RSiTemplate:Anchor (2001–2003)
The RSi is a limited 250 unit version of the New Beetle. It included a Template:Convert 3.2-litre VR6 engine,<ref name="sportauto-online.de">Template:Cite web</ref> a 6-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4motion, Remus twin-pipe exhaust. It was rumored Porsche tuned the suspension but the suspension tuning was actually carried out in-house at VW Individual.Template:Cn 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, Template:Convert wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, large rear wing, and 18x9 OZ Superturismo wheels with 235/40ZR-18 tires. Inside, it was trimmed in carbon fiber, billet aluminum, and bright orange leather. The front seats were Recaro racing buckets.
Ragster concept (2005)
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.Template: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,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> a retro feature, reminiscent of the first Type 1s.Template:Citation needed
Anniversary Edition (2008)
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The anniversary edition was released in 2008 for the Mexican and Australian markets, and celebrated the 10th anniversary of the New Beetle. Based on the Beetle Miami, the car featured the exclusive body colour of "Campanella white", with a black roof and door mirrors, and featured a '10' logo stripe on the side. The interior was also modified, featuring black and white leather seats with a '10' logo on the headrest and in the footwells, with a decoration showing the production number of the Beetle. The car had a 1.6 litre petrol engine. 310 New Beetle Anniversary Editions were produced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Blush (2009)
The Blush is a limited New Beetle convertible with a special "white gold" exterior paint and "Bordeaux red" convertible top, with burgundy leather seats matching the convertible top color. Neither the white gold exterior nor interior colors were available on other 2009 New Beetle convertibles. 1500 New Beetle Blush convertibles were produced.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Final edition (2010)
Announced at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2010 Final Edition New Beetle featured 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-inch wheels, both models were powered by a 2.5-liter engine mated to an automatic "Tiptronic" transmission. Other additions included sports suspension and "Final Edition" badging inside and out. Both models arrived with integrated fog lights and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) as standard.
The "Final Edition" marked the end of production of the New Beetle.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> It was succeeded in 2011 by the Beetle (A5).
BlackOrange Edition (2010)
In 2010, Volkswagen Australia offered a final limited edition variant named as BlackOrange Edition. Two-color combinations were available: Black gloss exterior with silver mirrors, silver alloy wheels and silver decals for the lower flanks of the body, or Red Rock metallic exterior with black roof/mirrors, black alloy wheels and black decals for the lower flanks. All BlackOrange Editions came with 17-inch alloy wheels, sports suspension, leatherette seat upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, tinted rear side/rear windows, aluminium pedals and leather-bound steering wheel/gear knob.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Awards
The Volkswagen New Beetle was Motor TrendTemplate:'s "Import Car of the Year"<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> for 1999.
Sales
| Year | Production | |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchback | Cabriolet | |
| 1997 | 415<ref name=":0">Template:Cite news</ref> | - |
| 1998 | 107,090<ref name=":0" /> | - |
| 1999 | 160,147<ref name=":1">Template:Cite news</ref> | - |
| 2000 | 149,426<ref name=":1" /> | - |
| 2001 | 115,851<ref name=":5">Template:Cite news</ref> | - |
| 2002 | 94,428<ref name=":5" /> | 7072<ref name=":5" /> |
| 2003 | 50,318<ref name=":5" /> | 60,276<ref name=":5" /> |
| 2004 | 38,847<ref name=":6">Template:Cite news</ref> | 41,271<ref name=":6" /> |
| 2005 | 35,485<ref name=":7">Template:Cite news</ref> | 30,531<ref name=":7" /> |
| 2006 | 43,653<ref name=":7" /> | 30,007<ref name=":7" /> |
| 2007 | 40,124<ref name=":2">Template:Cite news</ref> | 26,752<ref name=":2" /> |
| 2008 | 37,893<ref name=":2" /> | 17,100<ref name=":2" /> |
| 2009 | 24,328<ref name=":3">Template:Cite news</ref> | 12,773<ref name=":3" /> |
| 2010 | 31,533<ref name=":3" /> | 8,640<ref name=":3" /> |
| 2011 | 21,496<ref name=":4">Template:Cite news</ref> | |
See also
References
Notes
Bibliography
General
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Workshop manuals
External links
- Official New Beetle website (dead link - 03/30/2014)
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