VW could spawn multiple new Beetles including up! variant
A decade on from its revival, it has been unclear whether Volkswagen would ever build successor to the New Beetle. After all, how do follow up such an iconic retro shape? It now appears that Volkswagen may not only build a new New Beetle, but also expand the lineup into a mini-brand of its own. The sixth-generation Golf is set to debut in 2009 and its platform could be the basis for the next New Bug around 2010-11. Motor Trend is even speculating that it might be available with a hybrid powertrain. Based on the success of unique-looking hybrids like the Prius, a hybrid-only Beetle would actually make sense from a marketing perspective. A second potential vehicle could be a bug-shaped car based on the up! concept that debuted last year. Recent rumors had the production up! switching from the concept's rear-engine layout to a more conventional front-engine, front-drive setup. If they do keep the engine out back, a Beetle based on this platform truly would be a successor to the original.
Gallery: Volkswagen up! concept
Gallery: Tokyo 2007: Volkswagen Space up!
[Source: Motor Trend, via Autoblog]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Rick 7:00PM (7/11/2008)
I love the Space up! 4 door version. Love it.
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radhoo 12:46PM (7/11/2008)
it looks different. Seems like a mix of Golf 5 and Smart.
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jeffzekas 2:23PM (7/11/2008)
VW threw away the baby with the bathwater, when they built the new "Beetle" with front-wheel drive! Okay, yes, I owned a '58 Beetle and a '66 Karmann Ghia, so my bias is obvious. And the fact that my original Beetle went 250,000 miles with no problems, while my uncle's Rabbit (nee Golf) was constantly breaking down, does give me a different perspective. Listen, VW Executives: make a RELIABLE automobile, with true, German quality, and folks will buy it. But, build the car with sub-standard quality labor (such as in the Puebla, Mexico plant), and that car will fail. Here's an idea: the East Germans need jobs, and they are hard-working... How about building the new-new-beetle in East Germany, using skilled, German workers? I'd sure like to buy a "German car" made in Germany!!!
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Parson 12:06AM (7/12/2008)
Here Here; Bravo !!
I am a Volkswagen fanatic! I want a new GERMAN built Volkswagen.
At US AutoShows, if you check inside the doorposts of the cars on the VW Stand, There ARE Volkswagens from Germany mixed with Brazilian, Mexican and Eastern European built VWs' !!!
I will only buy it if the sticker says "Made in Germany" !!!
(Why can't I buy a German T5 Kombi Transporter in the USA? It breaks my heart.)