Volkswagen New Beetle

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Volkswagen New Beetle

Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Parent company	Volkswagen Group
Production	1998–present
Assembly	Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
Predecessor	Volkswagen Beetle
Successor	None
Class	Small family car
Body style(s)	3-door hatchback, 2-door convertible
Layout	front engine, front-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group A4 (PQ34) platform
Engine(s)	petrol engines: 1.4L I4 16 valve 1.6L I4 1.8L I4 Turbocharged 2.0L I4 2.3L VR5 20 valve 2.5L I5 20 valve 3.2L VR6 32 valve (RSI) 1.9L I4 TDI
Transmission(s)	5-speed manual, 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic tiptronic
Wheelbase	2515 mm (99 in)
Length	4129 mm (163 in)
Width	1721 mm (68 in)
Height	59.5 in (1511 mm) (1998-2000), 1498 mm (59 in) (hatch 2003-present), 59.1 in (1501 mm) (convertible)
Related	Audi A3 Mk1 Audi TT Mk1 SEAT León Mk1 SEAT Toledo Mk2 Škoda Octavia Mk1 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 Volkswagen Jetta/Bora
Designer	J Mays, and Freeman Thomas

Volkswagen New Beetle is introduced by Volkswagen in 1998, drawing heavy inspiration from the design of the original Beetle. Unlike the classic Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front and luggage storage in the rear.

Contents 1 Concept 1 2 First generation 2.1 Specifications 2.1.1 Engine choices 2.1.2 Safety 2.2 Dune 2.3 Beetle RSi 2.4 Ragster concept 2.5 Anniversary Edition 2.6 Triple White (Convertible) 2.7 Other concepts 2.8 Awards 3 Second generation 4 References 5 See also 6 External links

[edit] Concept 1

At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the J Mays-penned "Concept 1" with lines heavy 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.

[edit] First generation

Strong public reaction persuaded the company to move the car into production,^{[citation needed]} and in 1998 Volkswagen launched the New Beetle, designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at 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 A4 platform (Volkswagen Golf Mk4).

Still, it carried 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.

A convertible version of New Beetle started production in 2003, 5 years after launch, after many buyers had aftermarket conversions.

In the United States, the engines were the 2.0 liter inline-4, for the base model, the 1.9L TDI, turbodiesel inline-4 (discontinued in 2006 due to more stringent emissions requirements), and the 1.8 liter 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 150hp 2.5L I5 20V base engine, as seen on the A5 Jetta V and Rabbit V.

The New Beetle is assembled currently in VW Puebla factory in Mexico. Houston, Texas and Wilmington, Delaware are their points of entry to the United States.

[edit] Specifications

These specifications relate to the 2.0 litre petrol engine (gasoline). While the non engine-related specifications generally apply to other motorizations as well, variations may occur with engine type.

• Engine: Transverse-mounted water cooled I4; 1984 cc; fuel injection (available in both petrol and diesel version)
  • Max power: 115 PS (113 hp/85 kW) at 5,200 rpm
  • Max torque: 165 N·m (122 lb·ft) at 2,600 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic
• Brakes: disc brakes on all four wheels
• Dimension:
  • Length: 4129 mm (162.6 in)
  • Width: 1721 mm (67.8 in)
  • Height: 1498 mm (59 in)
  • Wheelbase: 2515 mm (99 in)
  • Curb weight: 1230 kg (2712 lb)
• Max speed: 177 km/h (110 mph)
• Acceleration (0-96 km/h | 0-60 mph): 13.2 s

[edit] Engine choices

designation	engine code(s)	engine type	displacement	max power	max torque	years
Petrol engines
1.4	BCA	I4 DOHC 16V	1.4 L (1390 cc, 85 cu in)	75 PS (74 hp/55 kW) @ 5000 rpm	126 N·m (93 lb·ft) @ 3800 rpm	2001-
1.6	AYD	I4 SOHC 8V	1.6 L (1595 cc, 97 cu in)	100 PS (99 hp/74 kW)	145 N·m (107 lb·ft)	1999-2000
1.6	AWH / BFS	I4 SOHC 8V	1.6 L (1595 cc, 97 cu in)	102 PS (101 hp/75 kW) @ 5600 rpm	148 N·m (109 lb·ft) @ 3800 rpm	2000-
1.8 T	AVC / AWC / AWU /APH / AWV	I4 DOHC 20V	1.8 L (1781 cc, 109 cu in)	150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @ 5800 rpm	220 N·m (162 lb·ft) @ 2000 rpm	1999-
1.8 T	AUQ	I4 DOHC 20V	1.8 L (1781 cc, 109 cu in)	180 PS (178 hp/132 kW)	235 N·m (173 lb·ft)	2001-?
2.0	APK / AQY	I4 SOHC 8V	2 L (1984 cc, 121 cu in)	115 PS (113 hp/85 kW)	170 N·m (125 lb·ft)	1998-2001
2.0	AZJ	I4 SOHC 8V	2 L (1984 cc, 121 cu in)	115 PS (113 hp/85 kW) @ 5400 rpm	172 N·m (127 lb·ft) @ 3200 rpm	2001-
2.3 V5	AQN	VR5 DOHC 20V	2.3 L (2324 cc, 142 cu in)	170 PS (168 hp/125 kW)	220 N·m (162 lb·ft)	2000-2005
2.5	BGP	I5 DOHC 20V	2.5 L (2480 cc, 151 cu in)	150 PS (148 hp/110 kW)	209 N·m (154 lb·ft)	2006-
3.2 RSI	AXJ	VR6 DOHC 24V	3.2 L (3189 cc, 195 cu in)	225 PS (222 hp/165 kW)	320 N·m (236 lb·ft)	2000-2003
Diesel engines
1.9 TDI	AGR / ALH	I4 SOHC 8V	1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in)	90 PS (89 hp/66 kW)	210 N·m (155 lb·ft)	1998-2004
1.9 TDI	ATD / AXR	I4 SOHC 8V	1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in)	100 PS (99 hp/74 kW)	240 N·m (177 lb·ft)	2000-2003
1.9 TDI	BJB / BKC / BXE / BLS	I4 SOHC 8V	1.9 L (1896 cc, 116 cu in)	105 PS (104 hp/77 kW) @ 4000 rpm	240 N·m (177 lb·ft) @ 1800 rpm	2003-

[edit] Safety

The car achieved 4 stars in the Euro NCAP tests scoring 25 points out of 33.

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.^[1]

[edit] Dune

It is a concept vehicle inspired by the Baja Bug, which was an old Beetle modified for use in the Baja 1000 race. It includes a 2.3-liter V5 engine rated 150bhp, 6-speed manual transmission, 4Motion AWD, variable height air suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/60R18 tires, integrated navigation system.^[2]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2000 Los Angeles Auto Show.^[3]

[edit] Beetle RSi

Between 2001 and 2003, Volkswagen produced 250 limited edition New Beetles, with the designation RSi, in Mexico for the rest of the World. The RSi was powered by a 225 hp 3.2 liter VR6 engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4motion. It had a Remus twin-pipe exhaust. The suspension was tuned by Porsche, featuring a severely altered rear suspension geometry more geared to the race track, and a rear cross brace behind the rear seats. Visually, the RSi differed in its 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 tyre 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).

The Beetle RSi was designed by Riaz Sherazee, a UK national and graduate of Coventry Automotive Design School.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Ragster concept

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 (a ragster is the cross between a ragtop and a speedster) was a regular New Beetle Convertible. They made some changes, such as chopping the top, penning a new U-shaped roof, and creating 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. Another item of interest is that the Ragster's rear-view mirror is mounted on its dashboard, a retro feature, reminiscent of the first Type 1s. The Ragster's profile^{[clarification needed]} is lower than that of the prior New Beetle.

[edit] Anniversary Edition

‎

For the tenth year of New Beetle production Volkswagen launched the limited edition Anniversary Edition.

The Anniversary Edition is distinguished by its two tone colours of 'Campenella White' and Black roof and mirror housing & 17 inch 'Versus' Alloy Wheels, sports suspension and the interior also features a two tone leatherette colour of white and black with white seam stitching.

[edit] Triple White (Convertible)

Only 3,000 Triple White New Beetles were manufactured. The Triple White New Beetle convertible features a unique Campanella white exterior, a white interior, and white convertible roof cover. The Triple White New Beetle convertible takes its colour palette from the original Super Beetle convertible of the late 1970s. This modern day rendition includes 17-inch 'Oktopus' alloy wheels, a three-spoke leather wrapped steering wheel, white leatherette seats and center armrest. Also included are black carpeting, floor mats and door panels along with Sirius XM Satellite Radio. Another distinctive feature of the Triple White New Beetle convertible is the special front seat headrests ingrained with the New Beetle convertible icon. With the standard automatic transmission, the Triple White New Beetle convertible is priced at $25,990. Two were given to each of 1500 dealers.

[edit] Other concepts

Other designs on the New Beetle include:

• EDAG Biwak — an estate (station wagon) Beetle.

[edit] Awards

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

[edit] Second generation

This article contains information about a scheduled or anticipated future automobile. It may contain preliminary or speculative information, and may not reflect the final version of the vehicle.

According to the Channel4, Volkswagen is planning to launch the successor of new Beetle by 2011. Possible variants included two-seat Beetle roadster, SUV-type Beetle, and the standard hard top.^[5]

MotorTrend 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]

[edit] References

[edit] See also

• Baja bug
• Cal Look
• Punch buggy
• Steyr 50
• Volksrod
• Volkswagen
• Volkswagen Beetle
• Volkswagen Kübelwagen

[edit] External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Volkswagen New Beetle

• Volkswagen.com official New Beetle website
• New Beetle at the Open Directory Project

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Exec. luxury car																							Phaeton
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									Corrado																				Passat CC
Convertible	. . . Golf Mk1 Cabriolet					Golf Mk2 Cabriolet										Golf Mk3 Cabriolet								New Beetle Cabriolet
																											Eos
Compact MPV																										Golf Plus
																								Touran
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																								New Beetle Convertible
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