Beetle – Page 2 – Automobiles Review

Volkswagen GRC Beetle Debuts at Global Rallycross Series

Andretti Rallycross Volkswagen Global Rallycross Beetle, or simply the GRC Beetle is currently under preparation for the seventh and eighth rounds of the 2014 Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship. The team at Andretti Rallycross will be racing at the Port of Los Angeles this weekend. In addition, it will also debut the exciting Global Rallycross Beetle that will also take part in tea’s 2015 Championship chase. This two-race event is a new challenge, being the only double header weekend in the 2014 season.

The driver under the number No. 77 7UP Volkswagen will be Scott Speed. He is hoping of taking advantage of twice the number of championship points being on offer. Currently, after six rounds, he is third in points behind Nelson Piquet Jr. and Ken Block.

In the driver championship Tanner Foust is in a close battle with Sverre Isachsen and Bucky Lasek for seventh position. He will be behind the wheel of the No. 34 Rockstar Energy Drink Volkswagen, which is now pushing for podium finishes in the last four races of the season and will also debut team’s new car.

His Beetle is driven by Volkswagen‘s 1.6-liter four-cylinder TSI turbocharged and intercooled engine, which generates 544 horsepower (440 kW) and makes the Volkswagen very competitive. The Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle boasts unique appearance and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Source: Volkswagen

September 19, 2014

Dotz Shift Shows a Sporty Volkswagen Beetle

Dotz Shift Volkswagen Beetle shines in brand new “shoes” that lend it even more dramatic and sporty appearance than before. Precisely, its new wheels are called “shine” and are delivered by the talented wheels and rims specialists at Dotz Shift. They are the sporty choice for compact and mid-sized cars due to their impressive design. Just take a look at the star pattern, formed by even slender, edgy double spokes. This makes the wheels look lightweight and at the same time aggressive, while the deep lip adds a racing touch.

There is also a recessed center, which allows for four- and five-hole connections without affecting the design. The newly developed asymmetrical inlay in the rear ring of the deep lip is something typical for Dotz Shift. In addition, the elegant high-gloss paint further emphasizes the spoke edges and underlines the three-dimensional design.

This Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with direct-injected 1.8T engine. The unit produces a maximum of 170 hp (127 kW) and 249 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 2,750 rpm. The powerplant is also economical and returns 33 mpg on the highway. It is mated to a five-speed manual gearbox. The 5-speed manual gearbox will return an estimated 24 mpg in the city; 33 mpg on the highway and 27 mpg on the combined cycle.

Source: Dotz Shift

September 4, 2014

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition Goes On Sale

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition has been shown in the beginning of June when it celebrated its world debut this year at the Auto Mobil International (AMI) in Leipzig. It is now ready to go on sale, with its very elegant design and packed with a lot of additional equipment. In terms of exterior the convertible can be distinguished by its electrically powered soft top in Sioux brown. It also has a cover in a matching color.

Volkswagen is offering a total of seven exterior body colors to choose from. Moreover the exterior design of the car is complemented by “disc” type wheels in the size of 18 inch that are painted in Galvano Grey color. In the same color are also the door mirror caps. What indicate the exclusive special edition are of course the Karmann labels on the front wings.

Beetle Cabriolet Karmann is based upon the “Design” trim level. Inside, the car features sports seats wrapped in Alcantara in Sioux brown with side inner bolsters. Futhermore, the interior adds a dashpad with “Beetle compartment” in a matt structured aluminium look. The pedals are also in aluminium.

Next, the head restraints, leather steering wheel, gear shift lever and handbrake grip are all wrapped in leather and feature grey decorative stitching. What rounds out the package are the wind deflector and “ParkPilot” parking distance control.

This Volkswagen special edition is a tribute to the Karmann coachwork makers. They have produced numerous Volkswagen cars from 1949 to 1980, from the Beetle Cabriolet and the Scirocco I and II through to the Golf Cabriolet.

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition driven by the 1.2l TSI engine with manual gearbox, produces 105 hp (77 kW) and has a starting price of €25,250.

Source: Volkswagen

July 14, 2014

Volkswagen Confirms Beetle Dune Goes Into Production [VIDEO]

Volkswagen Beetle Dune is all about wind, dunes and sea. But this is not the main subject that we want to discuss but rather the video that Volkswgen has just released. As we have predicted earlier last week, the car is going to get a transformation of a concept into a production model. And the footage which you can watch below confirms that. In it you can see the only Dune in existence so far, but starting in 2016 we will see more of these on the road. There is also a statement that the Beetle Dune will also be available as a convertible.

The concept version of the car was revealed in January at North American Auto Show. In the video below, you can see this Beetle rolling on the road in sunny Sylt, Germany. This model is based on the current production Beetle. It delivers 210 horsepower (155 kW) via its turbocharged petrol engine. The unit is matched with a six-speed DSG gearbox.

The front-wheel driven Beetle has been raised by 50 mm compared with a standard one. This allow 19-inch wheels fitment, which are then shod with large tyres. A rear-mounted ski-rack on the other hand can accommodate skis as well as sandboards. Inside, the customers will enjoy the 7.7-inch touchscreen positioned in the center console.

httpv://youtu.be/GtEAnJ3s9wM

Source: Volkswagen via YouTube

July 3, 2014

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Gets New Premium Package

2014 Volkswagen Beetle was introduced to the market in the beginning of the year. The car is equipped with direct-injected 1.8T which has replaced the previous 5-cylinder 2.5 liter one. The unit produces a maximum of 170 hp (127 kW) and 249 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 2,750 rpm. The powerplant is also economical and returns 33 mpg on the highway. It can be mated with five-speed manual gearbox or six-speed automatic. Other innovations for MY2014 include the new electric power steering.

From July, those who are looking to get a 2014 Beetle will have a new option to consider: the Premium Package. The pack is offered on both Coupe and Convertible trims equipped with the aforementioned engine or the TDI Clean Diesel engine. The Premium Pack adds features new to the Beetle, as well as equipment previously only available on the Beetle R-Line trim.

To be more precise, the front will get Bi-Xenon automatic headlights, which will light up the way of the car. Three exterior color options are new and come exclusively with the pack. They are namely: Oryx White, Platinum Gray and Deep Black.

The Premium Beetle will also get a sport suspension, grey door sills and mirror caps and R-Line bumpers with foglights, and rain-sensing windshield wipers. What rounds out the exterior are the 8″ Disc wheels in Galvano Grey, which are featured in the TDI, and the 19″ Torando wheels in White for the 1.8T.

Inside, the iconic Volkswagen is getting also enhanced. Unique seating surfaces with leather inserts and contrast stitching is the first thing one sees when they enter the car. The other new features here are: Climatronic Automatic Climate Control, RNS 510 with navigation and satellite radio, auto-dimming rearview mirror, Fender Sound System and iPhone 5 cradle.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle with Premium Package has a starting price of $27,355 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

June 30, 2014

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept Takes To The Road

Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept was revealed in January at North American Auto Show and we didn’t expect to see or hear from it soon, but miracles happen. The car has currently made reappearance on the road in sunny Sylt, Germany. And although it remains a concept car, everything about it is feasible which makes it practically a production vehicle. And this is the reason we expect to see it very soon hitting the market.

Beetle Dune concept stands on the current production model. It actually uses the same 210 horsepower (155 kW) turbocharged petrol engine, which, if you remember well, is coupled with a six-speed DSG gearbox. The latter provides power to the front wheels.

The first thing that this Shiny little Volkswagen Beetle evokes in us is fun. And the engineers and designers have ensures that the driver will definitely have fun on any terrain. In particular, the body has been raised by 50 mm compared with a standard Beetle. In addition, this one runs on 19-inch wheels shod with large tyres, lending the car an all-terrain look.

A reminiscence of the classic Beetle makes the rear-mounted ski-rack. It is the perfect accessory not only for the ski-season, but also for the hot summer, because it can hold sandboard. There are some visual gimmicks that define the concept; just take a look at the front bumper honeycomb air intakes and LED turn indicators.

Also, inside things have been made production-friendly. The only specific interior element the additional passenger grab handle in place of the glove-box. There is also a 7.7-inch touchscreen positioned in the center console. What’s left is to expect to see this little jewel soon debuting as a production vehicle.

Source: Volkswagen

June 24, 2014

Andretti Rallycross Volkswagen Beetle GRC Delivers 544 Horsepower

Andretti Rallycross Volkswagen Beetle GRC is an eye-catching addition to the Global Rallycross series and more importantly it delivers the astonishing 544 horsepower. The car was revealed by Volkswagen’s Andretti Rallycross team and it will race later this year at the Red Bull Global Rallycross championship. It will be driven by Tanner Foust and Scott Speed. In fact, the team enters the third round of the season, and has already achieved two victories for Scott Speed driving the No. 7 7UP Volkswagen Polo.

To be more precise, this Beetle is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder TSI turbocharged and intercooled engine, which makes the 544 horsepower (440 kW). This means that this Volkswagen will be very competitive. The Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle with the No. 34, boasts a unique appearance and includes state-of-the-art technology.

This rallycross car is a pure expression of the third-generation Beetle. It is designed and engineered from the outset as a GRC car and includes a sequential six-speed transmission, with a fixed-ratio all-wheel-drive system. The latter features multiplate limited-slip differentials both at the front and rear.

This Beetle utilizes all-around strut-type suspension, with ZF dampers and needs 9.1 inches of travel to cope with the rigors of the off-road portion. It also comes equipped with 14.0-inch diameter front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes, four-piston aluminum calipers, and runs on 17-inch wheels shod with 240/640-R17 Yokohama competition tires.

An outsize rear wing, widebody fenders, and aggressive front fascia is what defines the No. 34. The rallycross car has an overall length of 168.8 inches, and a width of 71.7 inches. It weighs 2668 pounds which mean that it perfectly complies with the series regulations. This combination of reduced weight, high horsepower, and all-wheel-drive traction, promises that we will see the Beetle GRC sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in an incredibly quick 2.1 seconds. Or just, this is what Volkswagen promises.

Source: Volkswagen

June 23, 2014

ABT Volkswagen Beetle Cabrio

ABT has presented their latest project based on the sexy Volkswagen Beetle. The tuning specialists offer both styling and performance improvements.

There petrol range includes 1.2 liter TSI, 1.4 liter TSI and 2.0 liter TSI. The smallest is boosted to 140HP (103 kW) and 220Nm (163 lb-ft). The middle power unit now has 210HP (154 kW) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. The powerful 2.0 liter TSI is offered with two stages. Stage I has 240HP (176 kW) and 340Nm (252 lb-ft) and Stage II offers 260HP (191 kW) and 350Nm (259 lb-ft).

The diesel range comprising of 1.6 liter TDI and 2.0 liter TDI is boosted to 125HP (77 kW) and 285Nm ; 170HP (125 kW) and 370Nm, respectively.

Other highlights include a big brake system with 345 x 30 mm discs, steel flex lines and black callipers bearing the ABT logo, a set of 20” DR gun-metal alloy wheels or the ER-C and CR models and various colours and sizes.

“The ABT Aero-Kit is therefore harmonious. It uses a front spoiler, head and tail light covers, rear panel and rear skirt set with a two-pipe exhaust system that make this Beetle different indeed, while still appearing very natural,” said CEO Hans-Jürgen Abt.

ABT Beetle Convertible – Data and Facts

ABT ENGINE TECHNOLOGY

Engine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 cc capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER New Generation
Performance: 260 HP/191 kW (standard: 210 HP/154 kW)
Torque: 350 Nm (standard: 280 Nm)

Engine: 2.0 TSI, 1.984 cc capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER New Generation
Performance: 240 HP/176 kW (standard: 200 HP/147 kW)
Torque: 340 Nm (standard: 280 Nm)

Engine: 1.4 TSI, 1.390 cc capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER New Generation
Performance: 210 HP/154 kW (standard: 160 HP/118 kW)
Torque: 280 Nm (standard: 240 Nm)

Engine: 1.2 TSI, 1.197 cc capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER New Generation
Performance: 140 HP/103 kW (standard: 105 HP/77 kW)
Torque: 220 Nm (standard: 175 Nm)

Engine: 2.0 TDI, 1.968 cc capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER New Generation
Performance: 170 HP/125 kW (standard: 140 HP/103 kW)
Torque: 370 Nm (standard: 320 Nm)

Engine: 1.6 TDI, 1.598 cc capacity
Performance tuning: ABT POWER New Generation
Performance: 125 HP/92 kW (standard: 105 HP/77 kW)
Torque: 285 Nm (standard: 250 Nm)

ABT AERODYNAMICS

ABT front spoiler
ABT head light covers
ABT tail light covers
ABT rear panel
ABT rear skirt set

ABT EXHAUST TECHNOLOGY

ABT 2-pipe rear muffler

ABT WHEELS CR, DR and ER-C in 18 to 20 inches

Available also as complete set of wheels with sports tires in sizes 235/45 R18, 235/40 R19
or 245/30 R20

ABT SUSPENSION

ABT suspension springs (lowering approx. 30mm at the front, 35mm at the rear)

ABT BRAKE TECHNOLOGY

ABT brake system, front axle, 345 x 30 mm, callipers painted black with ABT logo

Source: ABT

June 12, 2014

Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition

Volkswagen has unveiled the Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition at 2014 AMI Leipzig. The model is paying tribute to the body manufacturing company, which has produced thousands Beetle Cabriolets between 1949 and 1980.

Outside, the Beetle Cabriolet Karmann boasts a set of new 18” Disc design alloy wheels fitted with low-profile tires and central chrome caps. The special model will be available in seven colors and feature a unique Sioux Brown power folding soft top.

The interior features sport seats, leather-trimmed steering wheel, aluminium pedals and dash pad with Beetle look in matt aluminium. There is also a wind deflector and the Park Pilot parking distance monitor.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet Karmann Edition is available across entire engine range including the range-topping 2.0 liter TSI with 210HP (155 kW) at 5,300RPM and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) at just 1,700RPM. The engine is connected to a 6-speed DSG sending the power to the front wheels. 0-100 km/h in 7.4 seconds and a top speed of 225 km/h (140 mph).

Volkswagen will also present the new Scirocco, the new Golf GTE1 with a plug-in hybrid drive and the Beetle Dune concept car with a higher-set body and distinctive off-road design.

Source: Volkswagen

June 2, 2014

Volkswagen GRC Beetle To Compete In Red Bull Global Rallycross

Volkswagen and Andretti Sports Marketing have introduced more information about the 2014 Rallycross program. This included the reveal of a new vehicle at the Chicago Auto Show. The brand has announced also that it will run two cars in the series for drivers Tanner Foust and Scott Speed.

At first, the team will compete with modified Polo rally cars, and later will switch during the season to the Volkswagen GRC Beetle. The latter is an all-wheel-drive rallycross car that is built upon the third-generation Beetle and will offer more than 560 horsepower (412 kW) from its turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine.

If you haven’t heard about the Rallycross, well here some info: this is the fastest growing form of motorsports in the United States. The cars which are competing are pitted against each other and the clock in a series of heats on a closed course that’s usually a mixture of dirt and pavement, with a 70-foot jump. What attracts the most is that the action is fast and intense.

Tanner Foust, as mentioned, will sit behind the steering wheel of the Beetle. He is a 2011 and 2012 GRC champion and runner-up in 2013. Foust is also famous for hosting the U.S. version of Top Gear and for his rally driving skills.

The other driver to take part in the rally is Scott Speed, who will be racing the 7UP entry. Speed has competed at the very pinnacle of motorsports, driving Formula 1 for Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2006 and 2007. He also participated in NASCAR between 2008 and 2013.

Red Bull Global Rallycross series begins in May, where a pair of Polo cars driven by Foust and Speed will be competing. The definitive Volkswagen GRC Beetle will appear at the X Games in June.

Source: Volkswagen

February 10, 2014

Volkswagen Beetle Marks 65 Years In The United States

Volkswagen is celebrating this month a very special anniversary. Exactly 65 years ago the iconic Beetle arrived for the first time in the United States. In January 1949 Volkswagen Type 1, or Beetle, was shipped to New York City by the Dutch businessman Ben Pon, Sr.

The same year, the car attracted buyers, marking the first time that Volkswagen vehicles were sold in the U.S. The Beetle became later a cultural milestone for the entire generation. For 65 years, the brand managed not only to sell Beetle’s around the country but also to offer eleven different models with great success. As a matter of fact, in 2013 the German company sold 407,704 vehicles in the U.S. alone.

Back in the days, Americans were drawn to the affordability and practicality of the car. They also were so charmed by its unique design, size, and fuel efficiency. 1977 marked the last Type 1, which was rolled off the production line, and the next new Beetle was introduced more than a decade later – in 1998. The vehicle paid styling homage to its predecessor. However, it featured water cooled engine and was mounted at the front.

A redesigned third-generation Beetle entered the North American market in 2011 and offered powerful and fuel-efficient engines, better handling, as well as more technology and safety features.

A week ago Volkswagen announced the pricing of 2014 Beetle, which now comes equipped with 1.8T engine that substitutes the 5-cylinder 2.5 liter one. 1.8T is direct-injected ad produces 170 hp (127 kW) and 249 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 2,750 rpm. The powertrain is matched with a 5-speed manual gearbox.

Source: Volkswagen

January 31, 2014

2014 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8T – US Price $20,295 USD

Volkswagen US has announced the pricing of the 2014 Beetle 1.8T. The new engine replaces the 5-cylinder 2.5 liter unit and has the same power and more torque.

The direct-injected 1.8T has 170HP (127 kW) available at 700 fewer RPM and 249Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque at 2,750RPM. As you may suggest, the turbocharged engine is more economical than the 5-cylinder. The new one will return 33 mpg US on the highway with the 6-speed automatic gearbox, which is 4 mpg more. The city mileage is now 25 mpg US (from 22 mpg) and the combined fuel economy now stands at 28 mpg US.

The 5-speed manual gearbox will do 24 mpg US in city; 33 mpg US on the highway and 27 mpg US on combined cycle.

Other innovation is the new electric power steering, which replaces the old hydraulics one.

2014 Volkswagen Beetle 1.8T is priced from $20,295 for manual and $21,395 for automatic models. The convertible is $25,170 available only as automatic. The prices exclude $820 destination charge.

Source: VW US

January 23, 2014

Tag: Beetle