Volkswagen beetle – Automobiles Review

Volkswagen calls it a day: Puebla plant has released the last Beetle machine

2019 Volkswagen Beetle After numerous generations and countless models, the Volkswagen Beetle calls it a day. There’s one final vehicle produced at the Mexico Puebla plant – a Denim Blue coupe – which will be on display at VW’s museum in Puebla as a tribute to manufacturer’s rich and influential heritage.

Originally introduced as “Type 1”, there were more than 5 million units sold solely in the US. Back in 1998 there was created a “New Beetle”, which adopted the so-called modern retro design language. It presented a well-known silhouette and new gadgets and was rather well-accepted among fans and enthusiasts. In 2011 the manufacturer presented a third (and current) generation, which also caught the eye of customers – there are about 500,000 machines sold at this moment.

Sold both in coupe and convertible trims, the second and third generation Beetles have been produced in 23 different exterior body finishes, 32 interior design ideas and 13 engine configurations. There are a total of 19 special editions, including the Dune, Denim, Coast and PinkBeetle. All of these second and third generation machines have been produced in the VW de Mexico, Puebla plant and have been sold through 91 markets worldwide.

After the celebration, the final Beetle will be at VW’s museum in the city of Puebla, Mexico. The last car features custom dashes, keys and quilted seats. It will join America’s collection of historic vehicles.

2019 Volkswagen Beetle

Source: Volkswagen

July 11, 2019

VW announces Beetle’s end. Here are the Final Edition models

2019 Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition Volkswagen announces end production of the Beetle. As you might well now, the rich heritage will be honored with a special edition model and some sweet additions that will keep the legend alive.

Available in coupe and convertible body styles, Final Edition models include exclusive features and premium additions that no one Beetle has offer ever before. The 2003 Ultima Edition are the first to be offered – coming in two colors, exclusive side mirror design, heated and washed nozzles and revised sunroof. On the other hand, Final Edition models can be specified in Pure White, Deep Black Pearl and Platinum Grey body finishes.

2019 Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition

There are also special wheel design that complete the exterior concept idea – we are indeed talking about 17-inch aluminum alloys with a 15-spoke design. Buyers can also specify their Beetle with neat 18-inch white aluminum –alloy wheels in a disc design.

In terms of interior, Final Edition models are geared with KESSY keyless access and push-button start, leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel and stainless steel pedal caps. Driver and passengers will also be pleased to know that there are Climatronic automatic climate control, glossy black central console, unique Safari Uni color dashpad with classic kaeferfach glovebox and three-color ambient lightning.

All 2019 Beetle models, both convertible and coupe, will be powered with a 2.0-liter TSI power unit that generates a total of 174hp and 184lb-ft of torque. This unit is paired to a six-speed automatic gearbox and altogether contribute to EPA-estimated fuel economy rates of 26mpg city, 33mpg highway and 29mpg combined.

2019 Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition

Stick with us for further information!

Source: Volkswagen

September 14, 2018

Barely touched and barely driven 1974 Volkswagen Beetle seeks its new owner!

1974 Volkswagen Beetle A 42-year old Volkswagen Beetle that covered just 90 kilometers has been discovered in time warp condition and will be sold at Silverstone Auction’s Classic Race Aarhus Auction in Denmark on 28th and 29th of May.

The special vehicle was supplied new by G. Terragni Volkswagen, Genoa Italy, on the 23rrd January 1974 and its first and only owners was an elderly man, named Armando Sgori. This was his first motorcar ever and did not this particular one. However, being deeply religious, he used the vehicle to go to his local church every weekend, which was indeed the only road that the Beetle has ever known.

1974 Volkswagen Beetle

Beetle’s last outing was back in 1978, when it retired to a barn, where it remained untouched for almost forty years. And recently discovered, the little and sweet Beetle has been lightly recommissioned and will be offered at auction.

With a blue exterior finish and black leather interior, the vehicle also offers its original features, even the original oil and original set of tires. Also remaining are the original books and invoice, along with unwrapped tool kit. How cool is that?

Finished in blue with a black leather interior and all its original features, this left-hand drive, manual example still holds the original oil in the engine and is shod with its first set of tyres. The original books and invoice, along with its unwrapped tool kit, are also supplied with the car.

1974 Volkswagen Beetle

The 1974 Volkswagen Beetle is part of the Classic Race Aarhus Auction, hosted by Silverstone Auctions and Lauritz.com at the prestigious motorsport festival in Denmark.

Source: Silverstone Auctions

May 16, 2016

Volkswagen Beetle Denim: More Attractive than the Dune?

Volkswagen Beetle Denim Exterior Volkswagen Beetle Denim is here to pay tribute to the legendary Beetle Jeans model from the 70s. The car has just been launched in the United States with the aim to offer a modern take on the model. Since it is a special edition, it is logical that it will be produced in a limited run. Precisely, its exclusive design elements have been added to the 2,000 production units.

Under the hood, the famous Bug hides 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI engine. It is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, helping the car generate no less than 170 horsepower (125 kW) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque.

Exterior

Just like any other Beetle, this one has the characteristic stance with the iconic posture and reminiscence of not-forgotten past. This limited edition will be offered in two exterior colors, including Pure White or Stonewashed Blue. The latter is featured in our gallery below. Volkswagen said that the production run will be split equally between the two colors, meaning that each will have 1000 numbers.

SEE ALSO: 2016 Volkswagen Dune Is Here!

It is inevitable to see that the convertible top has been finished in Dark Blue. But what amazes is that the fabric for the top seems exactly like denim jeans. Don’t worry; this is a brand new textured fabric that just resembles denim.

Interior

Volkswagen Beetle Denim Interior

Inside, the Beetle looks as cool. The cabin features exclusive design with unique light-blue-and-silver dashboard and jeans-inspired seat pockets with small Beetle tabs in red. What is more, the light blue denim-color cloth seating surfaces also include white piping and dark blue leatherette accents.

The occupants of this special edition Volkswagen will also enjoy goodies such as company’s new MIB II infotainment system. It will offer them the convenience of higher resolution, faster processing speeds, and crisper graphics. In addition, the 5.0-inch resistive touchscreen display comes with wide variety of standard features like the AUX-in, SD card slots, and a USB multimedia interface with iPhone and iPod device connectivity, reverse camera display, and Bluetooth technology for compatible devices.

Who’s among the first 1000 for the Stonewashed Blue Beetle Denim? Or do you prefer the Dune?

Source: Volkswagen

November 17, 2015

The Super Bug or How KBR Motorsport and SEK-Carhifi Made the Most Inspiring Volkswagen Beetle

KBR Motorsport & SEK-Carhifi Volkswagen Beetle Front and Side View KBR Motorsport and SEK-Carhifi has gathered together to create the most inspiring Volkswagen Beetle we have seen so far. It is not coincidental that they also call it the ‘Super Bug’. A lot of modifications have been happening here and we can’t wait to tell you all about them. What you have to know in the beginning is that the KBR Motorsport took care of the classic tuning of the Beetle, while the SEK Carhifi team installed a custom high-end sound system using Ground Zero and Pioneer components.

KBR Motorsport’s Classic Tuning

The first thing that the experts had to do was to install big round wheel arches with huge wheels to fill them out. Therefore they chose 9.5J x 20-inch Oxigin 14 Oxrock multi-spoke alloy wheels in black finish with white foil, and then they have shod them with 235/30ZR20 Hankook Ventus S1 Evo tyres.

Furthermore, the Beetle also received better red front brakes and four-pot alloy brake calipers that clamp vented discs with surface grooves. The rear brakes are standard. They have been only painted in red to match the front ones. H&R coil-over suspension kit lowered the car further.

KBR Motorsport and the Fierce BMW M3 Clubsport Rear View

Under the hood of the VW, sits the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It was fitted with a turbo-back three-inch diameter stainless steel sports exhaust to reduce back-pressure, before remapping the ECU. Thanks to the engine dyno, it now shows 265 hp (195 kW) and 415 Nm (306 lb-ft) of torque.

KBR Motorsport did also another thing, this time regarding the interior. They have replaced the factory front seats with figure-hugging Recaro Sportster CS sports seats whose backs are color-coded white to match the car’s bodywork and interior trim panels.

SEK Carhifi and the Custom Audio Installation

KBR Motorsport and the Fierce BMW M3 Clubsport trunk

The sound system delivered and installed by the experts at SEK Carhifi is more than spectacular. The 1,700 W sound system is actually Pioneer’s dashboard mounted flagship AVIC-F77DAB Navigation/AV head-unit, which feeds its audio signals to the three power amplifiers via a Ground Zero GZCS 6-8DSP eight-channel DSP unit housed in the passenger footwell.

The 6.5-inch mid-bass units replace the OE speakers in the door panels. Alubutyl dampening has been applied to the latter in order to eliminate any spurious resonances. Moreover, opening the rear hatch reveals that the luggage compartment which now houses 10-inch diameter Ground Zero GZPW 10SPL subwoofer. Its power comes from a single 600 W GNZA 1.2250XII monoblock amplifier mounted under the boot floor.

And this is how you create a Super Bug! Want to improve anything?

Source: KBR Motorsport

October 27, 2015

Scott Speed and Tanner Foust are Ready For the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship Event

Scott Speed and Tanner Foust are ready for the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship race with the Beetle GRCs. The event starts this weekend in Fort Lauderdale. Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team will start its second season this weekend in Ft. Lauderdale.

At the same time, that Scott Speed will begin the Red Bull Global Rallycross season, Volkswagen team will enter its fourth year as a sponsor for Discovery Channel’s SHARK WEEK. In fact, Mr. Speed will be competing with number 41 SHARK WEEK Volkswagen Beetle GRC.

For this year’s season, the team decided to change the engine specs and now, the Beetle comes with 2.0-Liter turbocharged and intercooled TSI four-cylinder engine, that produces 553 hp (406 kW) and 465 lb-ft, instead of the old 1.6-liter TSI engine, that granted the racers with 544 hp (400 kW) and 385 lb-ft.

Furthermore, both drivers have been invited to the Summer X Games in Austin, TX and now, the golden medalist Scott Speed will have to defend his 2014 title.

And there is one more good news. VARX Supercars app will provide all fans with different kind of information about the event. Now, users will be informed about schedules, session results, timings, scores and everything else, they need to know about the race. In fact, the app is free to use.

Source: Volkswagen

May 28, 2015

Volkswagen Adretti RallyCross Crew Is Preparing for the Upcoming Competition

After competing in the inaugural season, Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team is ready to compete in the Global RallyCross Championship. In 2015 the team will fight its place in the competition with the two Beetle GRC vehicles, which, as you know, debuted in 2014. The vehicle itself is based on the GRC car and features six-speed transmission, further-tuned drive system, upgraded slip differentials.

For the upcoming season, VW crew decided to make some changes on the car specifications and the end result is a Beetle, geared with 2.0-Liter TSI powerplant, capable of producing 553 hp (406 kW) and 465 pound-feet of torque. Impressive, isn’t it? This time, the team, that engineered the car, decided to focus on the higher power output and torque, along with some weight equalization tweaks.

The redesigned Beetle comes with incredible response and capabilities. Overall, the car is nearly 170 inches long and 70 inches wide. It weighs 2866 pounds. The combination of weight reduction, high power and all-wheel drive results on an incredible sprint, that from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is 2.0 seconds. Impressive, isn’t it?

And there is good news for the VW team. Scott Speed is returning to take part of the championship after he recorded three victories in 2014 season. As you know, Speed participated in Formula 1 races back in 2006 and 2007 and in NASCAR races in 2008 to 2013. And as you know, he is known for his incredible rally skills and stunt drives.

We all wish him the best of luck and success!

Source: Volkswagen

April 30, 2015

New York Salutes Four Beetle Concepts

Four Beetle Concepts Shown in NY Not one but four Beetle concept cars are debuting at the New York Auto Show today. The iconic Volkswagen is represented via two unique coupe variants and two cabrio versions. Precisely the first two are called Concept R-Line and Pink Edition, while the open top versions are Cabriolet Denim and Wave.

As the name suggest, blue has been chosen for the Denim convertible concept. In fact, the In ‘Stonewashed Blue Metallic’ has been combined with a soft top that also comes in the same hue but it is significantly darker. This reminds me of the most popular trousers in the world (jeans) given that even the fabric of which the top is made recalls jeans’ texture.

Another interesting historical fact is that back in 1970 the world saw the debut of the first ‘Jeans Bug’ that carried the same denim theme. There were two other versions of the model that followed in 1980s and 1990s.

In contrast, the Wave concept comes painted in ‘Habanero Orange Metallic’. This specific color expresses the American spirit on the East and West coast beaches in North America. The spirit can be also felt when one steps inside the car, where fabric patterns from the 50s and 60s served for an inspiration for the design of the centre seat panels. In addition, the car also sports a genuine wood dashpad which comes in a surfboard style.

Ladies beware! There are no excuses for not owning a Beetle anymore, because Volkswagen has also released the Beetle Pink Edition in ‘Fuschine Metallic’ paint scheme. It is very stylish and sweet. And despite the expectations that the interior will have the same color, it has elements in black, chrome and aluminium.

At last, the R-Line concept is what comes to defend the sportive attitude of the Beetle. It is driven by a 2.0-litre TSI engine which boasts 220 hp (162 kW). This one is painted in a color called ‘Oryx White Pearl Effect’, but has more to that to impress with. Take for instance the independent bumpers and the black wrap-around body paneling. Black was also the choice for the diffuser and a large rear spoiler. The sportiness is continued inside via the sport bucket seats and leather-carbon look highlights.

In this range of concepts Volkswagen has literally offered a color for the most capricious taste. The question is: which one suits you the best?

Source: Volkswagen

April 1, 2015

Tanner Foust Racing ENEOS RWB Volkswagen Beetle with SEMA Premiere

Volkswagen Beetle is conquering SEMA in a special form which is a result of the collaboration between Volkswagen rallycross driver Tanner Foust and famed Porsche tuners RAUH-Welt Begriff. As a basis they have used the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle R. The car has been subjected to customization and now is about eight inches of wider thanks to the distinctive RAUH-Welt Begriff wide body kit.

As a matter of fact both companies have been in talks over the past decade to do a project together. The result now is at hand, although this Beetle may seem like an unusual choice for a shop known worldwide for its work with Porsche 911s. However, the historic connections between the two cars made it a good fit … of course – through some innovation.

Starting with the wheels, this VW sits on custom Motegi Racing Traklite wheels. They come in the format of 18×10 inches at the front and 18×12 inches at the rear. They have been built specially with a one-off stepped lip.

The Tanner Foust Racing ENEOS RWB Beetle also includes brand’s R-Line accessories. This means that it gets upgraded shift knob and pedal set. What is more, additional accessories are in development.

There are no words on engine modification, but there sure are going to be some. At the top of the engine range of the production R-Line sits the 2.0 TSI, which produces 200 horsepower (147 kW) and we definitely expect to see this poweplant getting supercharged.

Source: Tanner Fous

November 4, 2014

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Gets new Retro Classic Trim

2015 Volkswagen Beetle Classic is a limited edition model which is set to appear only at the North American market scene. Volkswagen of America has also announced that the iconic model in a new trim is ready to go on sale this week. This new addition to the Beetle range enhances its value story by the addition of a host of more equipment.

Beetle Classic runs on 17-inch “Heritage” aluminum-alloy wheels, which lend it old-school visual appearance. Thanks to them the car looks more closely to the original bug from the mid 50s. In addition, this particular model adds rear spoiler and will be offered in three exterior paint finishes: Pure White, Black Uni, and Reflex Silver.

The Classic trim has an understated retro look inside: there we see leather-wrapped shifter knob and handbrake lever, multifunction steering wheel, two-tone brown “Sioux” leatherette and checked cloth seating surfaces and comfort front seats with driver’s side lumbar support. The historic mini model also gets some special technical characteristics in term of equipment such as Sirius XM Satellite Radio, an RNS 315 navigation system and a six-speed automatic transmission.

This coupe is powered by the 1.8-liter turbocharged and direct-injection TSI four-cylinder engine. It produces 170 horsepower (125 kW) and 240 Nm (177 pound-feet) of torque. The Beetle 1.8T Coupe has an EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating of 33 mpg with the six-speed automatic transmission.

Volkswagen will also offer a Beetle Classic Convertible, which will go on sale early in 2015. It will have the same equipment as the coupe and will be driven by the same powertrain. The EPA estimated highway fuel economy rating here is at 32 mpg. 2015 Beetle Classic Coupe has a starting price of $20,195 USD, while the Convertible – $25,995 USD.

Source: Volkswagen

September 24, 2014

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

Tag: Volkswagen beetle

Exterior

Interior

KBR Motorsport’s Classic Tuning

SEK Carhifi and the Custom Audio Installation