Let us count the ways: 10 things to love about the 2012 Beetle

Posted on 12 December 2011 by

The all-new Volkswagen Beetle is a modern take on the most lovable car the world has ever known. It’s been redesigned from the inside out, and with so many changes, you may have missed a few new features. Fear not, Beetle fans, for we’ve outlined 10 things to love about the 2012 Beetle.

  1. It boasts a more powerful, sporty look. In the words of VW design brand chief Klaus Bischoff, “The Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness.” Nice work, Klaus.
  2. It offers two engine options. Choose between the 2.5L gasoline five-cylinder model and the 2.0L TSI turbocharged gasoline engine—you can’t go wrong.
  3. It has several transmission options. The 2.5L models come with a 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic. Our acclaimed Direct-Shift Gearbox® 6-speed dual-clutch transmission is an option on the 2.0L TSI turbocharged model, while the 6-speed manual transmission comes standard.
  4. It comes with a Kaeferfach glove box. As a nod to the classic Bug, the new Beetle features a second glove box—the Kaeferfach—just above the main glove box.
  5. You can add Heritage wheels. Available in 17- and 18-inch options, our aptly named Heritage wheels harken back to the classic Beetle.
  6. Four words: Fender Premium audio system. The sound system is optional, but once you experience its nine speakers, 400 watts of power and crystal-clear sound, you’ll realize that it’s a must-have.
  7. An MP3/iPod adapter is standard. Speaking of audio, it’s easy to connect your MP3, iPod or iPhone to the audio system. You’ll never need to clutter your car with CDs again.
  8. You can match the interior trim to the exterior paint job. If you match your socks to your car’s floor mats, you may want to consider this option.
  9. You can add custom graphics. With Second Skin, a partnership between Volkswagen and Original Wraps, you can add graphics and racing stripes that will make your Beetle look like it’s going fast even when it’s standing still.
  10. The Beetle R is coming to America. Speaking of going fast, the Beetle R, a racing-inspired version of the Beetle, is coming soon. Stay tuned to the Beetle Blog for more info.

Tell us: what’s your favorite thing about the 2012 Beetle?

The “R” stands for racing: Beetle R Concept debuts at the Frankfurt Auto Show

Posted on 15 September 2011 by

The all-new Beetle, set to hit the US market any day now, has Bug fans on the edge of their driver’s seats. But because we love to dream—and inspire you to do so as well—we thought it would be fun to spend some time creating an even sportier model. If the sound of jaws hitting the floor at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt was any indication, we did a pretty bang-up job of it.

The Beetle R Concept is just that—a concept vehicle that combines the flat-out cool factor of the new Beetle with the racing-inspired speed of models like our Golf R. The end result is…well, take a look for yourself.

You’ll see that the bumpers have been widened and redesigned for improved aerodynamics. You’ll also notice the new 20-inch Talladega alloy wheels with five triple spokes, the same design that can be found on the upcoming 2012 Golf R. And don’t miss the matching pair of chrome dual exhaust pipes with a rear diffuser to keep the Beetle R grounded at high speeds (not that you’d ever dream of going above the speed limit in this thing).

Speaking of speed limits, you can keep track of everything this car is doing courtesy of the redesigned instrument panel, which has a central tachometer to keep the most important information front and center. As the revs pulse upward, you‘ll be pushed—oh so comfortably—into the luxurious Nappa leather-upholstered seats embossed with the R logo.

You may also have noticed something else speeding up; that would be your heart rate. Take a few deep breaths—you’ll be fine. And remember: the Beetle R is just a concept at this point, but by all means, dare to dream of the day when it will be available in the US.

Reinventing an icon: Meet the design masterminds behind the 2012 Beetle

Posted on 14 September 2011 by

Ever heard of the Volkswagen Beetle? Of course you have—it’s the world’s most famous car. Ever heard of Boris Grell, Susanne Gerken and Christian Lesmana? Well, now you have. They’re the three designers who were tasked with bringing the beloved Volkswagen Beetle into the 21st Century. No small feat, to be sure, but the trio were more than game.

But where does one even begin? Well, as Boris, the Beetle’s interior designer, said, “For me, a good design is timeless.” He added, “You get the feeling that the car now appeals to the whole world somehow…. The fact that people everywhere are excited about the car, I think that’s a really great feeling.” (Editor’s note: he actually said it in German, which sounded even cooler.)

For Susanne, who designed the car’s color and trim, the original Beetle served as a big inspiration, especially in her choice of materials. But what is it that truly makes it worthy of the Beetle name? According to exterior designer Christian, “I would say that it has a certain appeal; that’s what makes a Beetle.“

Watch the video for a behind-the-scenes look at the reinvention of an icon.

World Debut of the Volkswagen Beetle R Concept

Posted on 13 September 2011 by

Design study shows the potential for an even sportier version of the 21st Century Beetle

Wolfsburg / Frankfurt, September 13, 2011 — At Volkswagen, the letter “R” promises top-notch performance, a claim validated by the 266-hp Golf R and the 261-hp Scirocco R. In a world debut at the IAA in Frankfurt, Volkswagen is now showing a third variation of this sporty theme: the Beetle R Concept, based on the 21st Century Beetle. Like the Golf R and Scirocco R, the R version of the Beetle was also created at Volkswagen subsidiary Volkswagen R GmbH, located near Wolfsburg.

The Beetle R Concept is still a design study. Those who are familiar with the Beetle Turbo (200 hp) know that the car could offer even more performance, similar to that of the Golf R and Scirocco R.

A Beetle with juice

Visually, the Beetle R Concept, painted in “Serious Grey”, offers a glimpse of what a production version might look like. The concept is equipped with 20-inch “Talladega” aluminum-alloy wheels—the same design used on the Golf R and Scirocco R, although those cars wear 18- and 19-inch rims. R-design blue brake calipers are easy to spot through the Beetle’s wheels, which feature five triple spokes.

The designers completely reworked the front and rear bumpers, which are widened by 1.2 inches. In front, the bumper essentially consists of three air intakes, which are highlighted in contrasting “Black High Gloss”. The middle intake supplies the engine with air, while the outer two cool the brakes. The front spoiler, also painted in “Black High Gloss”, is designed as a flat splitter (with a chrome strip), just like those used in motorsports. To maintain temperature regulation of the engine within an optimal range, even under extreme conditions, vents are found on the right and left sides of the hood.

The rear bumper also has air exhaust vents that are integrated aerodynamically with a diffuser in the lower bumper area. Together with the rear spoiler—which is significantly larger than the Turbo’s—the diffuser helps create optimal downforce at the rear. A visual and acoustic highlight is the exhaust system with its two sets of dual chrome tailpipes.

On each side, the bumpers transition into free-standing fenders that are also widened by 0.6 inches per side. The side sills are styled in “Black High Gloss”; a high-end chrome trim strip is incorporated here. Also painted in “Black High Gloss” are the roof, the upper part of the trunklid connecting to it, the door mirror housings and door handles.

Super sporty interior

As is usual on R models, the interior also makes an immediate impression. In the front, the driver and passenger sit in motorsport bucket seats with what are referred to as Ergopads made of gray nubuck leather. The seats are upholstered in black Nappa leather. The R logo is embossed on the seats and the seat seams and piping are in “Space Blue”.

The “Black High Gloss” that was already used on the exterior is also found in the interior as well, used as a contrasting color for things such as the dashboard accents and decorative elements around the shift grip. The interior designers also styled the instruments to be R-specific. The instrument cluster, with its sports car-like central tachometer and the auxiliary instruments laid out above the center console are both modified here. The door sill plates are upgraded with the R logo. Meanwhile, brushed aluminum is used for all pedal caps. The fabric floor mats have blue and black double borders to match the blue-piped upholstery.

First Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Passat by Brian Ongaro, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Boardwalk Auto Group

Posted on 11 June 2011 by

2012 Volkswagen Passat. Born in Germany. Built in America.

I was fortunate to have the opportunity to head out to Volkswagen’s Dealer meeting in Las Vegas this past week, as we got to experience the 2012 Volkswagen Passat and 2012 Beetle. I wanted to share a few quick notes with our readers on my first drive of the 2012 Passat.

The most exciting part of this new mid-sized sedan is that it’s manufactured in the United States, but is still designed and engineered in Germany. The new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee is absolutely the most advanced state-of-the-art facility of its kind. We drove the car on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, as well as several autocross tracks they set up and the handling and control blew everyone away. I have driven some of the best vehicles manufactured in the world and the driving experience and quality equaled cars costing twice as much as the 2012 Passat. The Fender Audio System is the best sounding car audio system I’ve ever heard. Period.

The TDI model gets an amazing 800 miles to a tank of gas! It has 2” more rear legroom than any other mid-sized sedan and they demonstrated that fact with a dealer that was 6’8” in the front seat and another behind him that was 6’2”. He had room to sit comfortably in the rear seat with room to spare. The 2012 Passat has one-touch control on all four windows and dual-zone climate controls as standard features, which you typically would never get (even as an option) on other vehicles in this price range.

Other highlights for me include a base price of under $20K, which is $7k cheaper than what the Passat sells for in Europe. Lastly, one of the demonstrations showing the superior construction of the 2012 Passat, one of the VW representatives stood on the window frame of an opened door and jumped up and down. This was one of many demonstrations of the strength and quality in this vehicle.

After many years of driving AMG Mercedes and other high-line vehicles, it takes a lot to impress me. The 2012 Passat impressed me beyond my high expectations and I look forward to sharing my notes from my first-hand experience with the 2012 Beetle. Watch out Dallas. Two new Volkswagens are about to hit the Dallas streets and the competitive bar has been raised and all other manufacturers are on notice.

All-new 2012 Beetle starting at less than $19,000 coming to McKinney Volkswagen

Posted on 07 June 2011 by

When we revealed the all-new 2012 Beetle in April, it was love at first sight for Beetle fans. And, as it turns out, you can put a price on love: Volkswagen announced that the 2012 Beetle will have a starting MSRP of only $18,995. The all-new Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented, an agile, driver-oriented coupe that offers exceptional features and premium options, all at very competitive pricing.

Because Beetle fans love to customize their cars, the 2012 Beetle offers a host of premium features like Bluetooth® technology, slide and tilt panoramic roof, keyless access with push-button start, leather seating surfaces, and BI-XENON™ headlights and LED daytime running lights. The Beetle will also offer the new Fender® Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen.

The 2012 Beetle will be available in a variety of models at launch, including models with powerful and efficient 2.5L and 2.0 TSI® turbocharged engines. The forthcoming TDI® Clean Diesel Beetle will offer an estimated 40 mpg on the highway. All Beetles come with Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System and all covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.

For more information, visit the 2012 Beetle pricing press release.

The Iconic Volkwagen Beetle Hits McKinney With A Base Price Of Just $18,995.

Posted on 06 June 2011 by

The highly customizable Beetle offers German craftsmanship and sophistication and a sporty new attitude

  • Powerful, Efficient 2.5L and 2.0 TSI® Turbocharged Engines at Launch
  • Forthcoming TDI® Clean Diesel Model Will Offer an Estimated 40 mpg Highway
  • Longer, Lower, and Wider than the Previous Beetle
  • Sporty Features Include 19-inch wheels, Performance-Handling Packages, and Sport Seats
  • Available Premium Features include Bluetooth® technology, Slide and Tilt Panoramic Roof, Fender® Premium Audio System, Keyless Access with push- button start, leather seating surfaces, and BI-XENON Headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights
  • No-Charge, Three-Year/36,000-Mile Carefree Maintenance® Program

Herndon, VA Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 21st Century Beetle, the third generation of the classic people’s car. The new Beetle will start at just $18,995, offering an agile, driver-oriented coupe that respects the Beetle’s past yet looks to the future.

The 21st Century Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented, a nod to the heritage and character of Volkswagen and our remarkable history, said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. This new interpretation of the original Beetle holds true to the traditional spirit of the car, with all the benefits of modern technologies and efficiencies.

The 2.5L model, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, has a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine and offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. When outfitted with the five-speed manual transmission, the mileage is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional six-speed automatic offers EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. Desirable options include a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces.

The sportiest model the 2.0L TSI will have a starting MSRP of $23,395. This model uses Volkswagen’s critically acclaimed 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. As well as providing sparkling performance, the four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city.

The 2.0L has a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the option of Volkswagen’s DSG© dual-clutch automatic transmission. It takes the standard equipment found on the 2.5L and adds Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard, and alloy pedals.

In 2012, a TDI Clean Diesel model will become available, powered by Volkswagen’s highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This will be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg.

The 2012 Beetle features sportier, more dynamic, and bolder styling than the previous model. It is also 3.3 inches wider, 6.0 inches longer, and 0.5 inches lower, giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a broad appeal. The Beetle will be available in three trim lines, some of which include the transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof that is 80 percent longer than on the previous model.

The Beetle comes standard with the RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers; an optional premium VIII audio system features a CD changer, interface for SD cards, and a touchscreen. The Beetle will also offer concert-quality sound with an available Fender® Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.

The Beetle includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collisions. The Beetle is also covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagen models come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

Notes:
This press release and images of the new Beetle are available at media.vw.com.

TDI, TSI, DSG, VW, Volkswagen, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. Carefree Maintenance is a registered trademark of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. BI-XENON is a trademark of Hella USA. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Fender is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

All fuel economy values (mpg) are forecast manufacturer values for the USA. EPA estimates not available at the time of publication.