Volkswagen beetle

2011 TOP 5 Tunings of Small Cars

We have seen this year some incredible tunings which have left a big impression in our mind. However, some of the greatest tunings were made on … the tiniest car segment. In this top 5 are presented some of the most remarkable tunings made on small cars such as Smart for two and Volkswagen Beetle. The selection is based on the overall outlook of the car, i.e. the tuned exterior, the improvements made to enhance its performance, and of course – on the interior.

SMART FORTWO DISCO BALL

Number five in our chart is for this incredible tuning of the Smart ForTwo electric vehicle. The car was transformed into a disco ball and it draws the immediate attention and admiration of the viewer. The show car is completely covered in reflective glass tiles from the roof to the tires. Of course the tuning wasn’t made purposeless, but the Smart was used in the art film Pixel City. The whole idea came from the experimental band Apparatjik. We should admit that it sounds and looks more than interesting. However, there was no tuning concerning the interior or the power of the car. For this reason we award this cute little fellow with the last place.

Smart ForTwo Disco Ball

Exterior:	[rating:6/6]
Interior:	[rating:1/6]
Performance:	[rating:1/6]

ABT VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

This place goes for ABT’s Beetle. The power of this car is boosted up to 240PS (176 kW). And the styling package consists of a new front bumper, a rear diffuser with oval exhaust pipes and a pair of side skirts. In addition there are also headlight brows and some nice graphics.

There’s nothing done in the interior and for this reason the tuning gets the number 4 in the chart.

ABT Volkswagen Beetle

Exterior:	[rating:4/6]
Interior:	[rating:2/6]
Performance:	[rating:4/6]

VILNER SMART FOTTWO SQUARE STYLE

Here we have another Smart ForTwo. However this version of the car was completely transformed both inside and outside by the Vilner Tuning Company. Vilner used orange foil with patterns of stitching for the exterior with full chrome panles and orange soft for the alloy wheels, mirrors and other details. The interior boasts new two-tone leather upholstery, new trim for the dashboard, roof and door panels. In addition ForTwo also received special floor mats. Having all this in mind, undeniably the Vilner Smart ForTwo is a real eye-catcher!

Vilner Smart FotTwo Square Style

Exterior:	[rating:5/6]
Interior:	[rating:6/6]
Performance:	[rating:1/6]

ROMEO FERRARIS CINQUONE STRADALE

The second place goes to the version of Romeo Ferraris Abarth 500 Cinquone Stradale race car. The small vehicle has the same exterior as the race car, which includes an aerodynamics package consisting of new bonnet with two air scoops for engine cooling, new front bumper with a big central air intake, integrated wide body fenders and skirts and finally a new rear bumper with central exhaust tips. The power is enhanced up to 300PS (220 kW), which is just 60PS (44 kW) less than the race car. The interior boosts are a complete roll bar, and a lot of carbon fiber as well as carbon race seats with OMP 4-point seatbelts.

Romeo Ferraris Cinquone Stradale

Exterior:	[rating:3/6]
Interior:	[rating:4/6]
Performance:	[rating:6/6]

COVEREFX MINI COOPER WORKS

This astonishing and at the same time extremely different conversion of Mini Cooper Works was made by CoverEFX, the well known Germany-based tuner. The upgrades here are in both performance and styling. At first sight this adorable Mini Cooper Works immediately draws the attention. The exterior here consists of fully foil-finished body in black leather style. Moreover, as you can see, there are added thousands of hand glued small gold elements. The “Mini” is backed by sleek 17-inch OZ LM Wave lightweight alloys in the same black/gold style fitted with Toyo R888 84W tires in the dimensions 205/40 R17. The tuners have also modified the performance of the car which boosts the power to to 252 horsepower and 382 Nm

In the terms of power, CoverEFX is offering two stages of performance boosting for the MINI Cooper Works: Stage 1 features an ECU remap to 252 horsepower (185 kW) and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft.). In addition there is mounted a 2.5-inch exhaust unit with Milltek downpipe, sports catalyst and extra large sports air filter.

Unfortunately there is nothing done to improve the interior. Nonetheless the CoverEFX MINI stands out as a true masterpiece, with own individuality and impact, and this is the reason it wins the first place in our chart.

Stay tuned for next weeks 2011 TOP 10 Tunings!

CoverEFX MINI Cooper Works

Exterior:	[rating:6/6]
Interior:	[rating:3/6]
Performance:	[rating:5/6]

December 22, 2011

Volkswagen Beetle R Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show

Volkswagen will exhibit the Beetle R Concept at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The car made its official debut in Frankfurt earlier this year. The US was the biggest market for the previous New Beetle, and that’s likely to remain the same with the new vehicle.

Beetle R comes with redesigned front and rear bumpers. The front has three air intakes in a black high-gloss finish and the rear has a diffuser and four tail-pipes – two either side. Above this sits a large spoiler with a gloss black finish on top and body-coloured finish beneath.

Along the sides flashes of gloss black give the Beetle R a distinctive look: it can be found on the door mirror caps (just as on the Golf R and Scirocco R), the door handles, the 15 mm wider side sills and also on the roof.

The Concept stands on 5-spoke Talladega 20” alloy wheels, which will be familiar to drivers of the Golf R or Scirocco R.

The interior comes with racing seats covered in black Nappa leather and dashboard accented in high gloss black. The instrument panel highlights the Beetle R’s sporting intent: the tachometer is in the middle and the speedometer to the side, while atop the dashboard are three auxiliary instruments: an oil temperature gauge, chronometer and turbo boost pressure indicator, all with distinctive blue needles.

There is no data about the engine, but Golf R and Scirocco R, use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit with 270PS and 265PS, so the power will be around that number.

Source: Volkswagen

November 16, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Beetle Price – £16 490

Volkswagen UK has announced the price list for the new 2012 Beetl.

Firstly, two engines will be available: the small 1.2 litre TSI with 105PS mated to a 7-speed DSG gearbox and a 1.4 litre TSI with 160PS mated to a 6-speed manual.

There are three trim levels: Beetle, Design and Sport. The standard equipment includes air conditioning, remote central locking, an RCD 310 CD system with DAB radio and rear Isofix seat preparation.

Design adds 17” alloy wheels in a choice of two styles, Bluetooth telephone preparation with MDI iPod connectivity, front fog lights, an alarm, an RCD 510 DAB CD/radio, multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel and body-coloured door and dashboard panels.

The top-of-range Sport specification brings 18” alloys in a choice of two styles, tinted glass, cruise control, sports seats, parking sensors, gloss black door mirrors, dashboard and door panel and 2Zone electronic climate control.

The options list includes Keyless Access, satellite navigation systems, a panoramic sunroof and bi-xenon headlights.

Check out the price list, below!

2012 Volkswagen Beetle:

Trim level	Engine derivative	CO₂, g/km	Combined mpg	Price, £ RRP OTR
Beetle	1.2-litre TSI 105 PS 7 spd DSG	137	47.9	16,490

Design	1.2-litre TSI 105 PS 7 spd DSG	137	47.9	18,895
Design	1.4-litre TSI 160 PS 6 spd manual	153	42.8	19,470

Sport	1.4-litre TSI 160 PS 6 spd manual	153	42.8	21,220

Source: Volkswagen

October 20, 2011

New vs Old – what changed through the years?

Most of you have strong memories from your father’s or grandfather’s car. “One day I will have one for myself”– we thought. Unfortunately most cars have no more than 10 years on the production line meaning that whatever it was that you fancied as a kid is now about 30-40 years old and looks like(or actually is) scrap or costs an amount of money with a lot of zeroes. Luckily someone thought of all these enthusiasts. So, who did?

Chevrolet Camaro

The first Camaro was built back in 1966/1967. Very long front end, massive rear tires and wide arches made the Camaro look really inspiring. It also had engines to make the picture even better. Top versions boasted 8 cylinder engine, 7+ litres and more than 400 hp. How about 5.2 seconds for 0-60 and less than 13 seconds for a quarter mile – impressive results for its time and not only. So back to reality, what is available today? In 2009 the fifth generation Camaro was introduced.

Having plenty of new gadgets and modern stuff, it has something very important – the spirit of Camaro – 550 hp, V8 and shares a lot of the curves from its predecessor – same large arches, same aggressive and appealing look – you can simply never mistake this car. If you want to celebrate Camaro’s 45^th anniversary, wait for the special edition in 2012 – one-of-a-kind badges, unique interior and something more maybe.

Volkswagen Beetle

This model has about 73 years of history and has played a huge role in German car manufacturing as a whole. This car was ordered by Adolf Hitler and its task was to be a car for the people (Volks Wagen – German). Being almost airtight, this car could even stay afloat for a couple of minutes and its aircooled flat-4 engine turned to be very suitable for the conditions in Africa’s deserts. The beetle was not meant to beat records.

The 1200 model was capable of 100 km/h in 37 seconds and the diesel model with 1,3 N/A did 100 in 1 minute! What not too many people know is that the last year of manufacturing of the Beetle as we know it from black and white pictures is 2003 – In Mexico. The entirely new Beetle was announced in 1997 and the design was definitely inspired by the original. Apart from this however it does not share too much – Engine is in the front, the car is FWD. What is more, this is no more a car for the people – the top model costs $ 58 000 – not something everyone can afford.

Mini Cooper

The original was introduced in 1959 and was a great hit back then. This was a really small car with wheelbase of just 2 metres and the FWD set up would save a lot of space for passengers and luggage. There is a reason why this car was voted the second most influential car of the 20^th century after the Ford Model T.

The weight distribution and the size of the car made it also very successful in sports. Not too many cars have won the Monte Carlo rally 4 times in a row. A famous car magazine awarded the Mini “Car of the century” in 1995. More than 5 000 000 were sold on the market making it the most successful UK car for the moment. The main drawback of the Mini Cooper is its safety – it also has some awards about this – in the negative aspect. In 2000 BMW (the new owner) presented the new Mini. Take a magnifying lens, look at the old one and you will see the new one. Exterior is quite similar, yet the new one is really sleek and has modern curves and styling. In terms of power the new generation offers a good range of engines 75-204 hp. Similar to the original, the new Mini Cooper will try to participate in the world rally championship and be just as successful. Good luck!

July 12, 2011

Cars in movies – top 5

Each car enthusiast has a movie that makes them smile just thinking of it. You will have the opportunity to read a little more about some of the most cherished cars used in movies.

Number 5

AUDI A8 W12- Transporter 2

This car is taking a serious part in the plot of the movie. Jason Statham needs to chase the bad guys all over the place and the Audi is a serious partner in his mission. The movie is abundant with stunts that the A8 has to perform. Thanks to the massive twelve-cylinder 6.0 liter engine and some driving skill of course, it almost looks easy to do.

Number 4

Nissan Skyline R34- The Fast and the Furious

One of the fastest cars in the world, the dream of the PlayStation generation. The Skylines used in the movie are GTRs but not quite – the purpose of these cars was to draw attention and being all wheel drive, the grip was too much for burnouts and fun. That’s why the Skylines used, had their front driveshafts excised and the magic was done. As you already know the GTRs are claimed 280 hp from the factory, which is ridiculous for a 6 cylinder 2.6 twin-turbo engine. Still one of the two fastest skylines used in the movies is claimed 505 hp, which is enough to do 12 seconds in the quarter mile run. The main car used in the movie has been equipped with HKS tuning parts, JIC’s suspension and 3 NOS bottles, neither of which had something to do with the engine. Being so full of “extras”, AWD and AWS removed, the performance is not quite as what is expected from a skyline though.

Number 3

Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works – The Italian Job

Complicated relations, a lot of money, a lot of thrill and a couple of Mini Coopers as a final touch. In the plot several old friends are trying to get to a huge amount of gold. For the purpose they need small, maneuverable and still fast cars. The Mini Cooper turns out to be the best option for the job. The Aero body kit makes the cars look stunning. Did you know that gasoline-powered vehicles were not allowed in the subway system of LA, that’s why a couple of electric cars were built for these scenes? In total 32 Minis were used in the movie, some of them specially customized to make some of the incredible stunts possible.

Number 2

Volkswagen Beetle – Herbie Fully Loaded

This is a car with a lot of history in the movie world. It has participated in a couple of Disney movies starting in 1968 – The Love Bug. What is strange and interesting about Herbie is that it is almost a human being – has his own thoughts, soul and drives himself. 30 Beetles were used for the footage of the last movie of the series – “Herbie Fully Loaded”. One of the beetles has a 200hp engine that is capable of getting the car to over 135 mph. Unfortunately having all the effects of modern cinema, the car looks normal no more. It moves its bumper, blinks, gives out noises etc. Unlike the first movies from the series, where you could just feel that there was something special about the car, some kind of emotion, without making it look human.

Number 1

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 ‘Eleanor’ – Gone in Sixty Seconds

The dream machine from “Gone in 60 seconds”. Alike the movie, this car is a true masterpiece and quite a mystery. The car is named Eleanor, but initially the plan was not to use a mustang at all. At first the idea was to have a GT40 grabbing the attention. However, it turned out that building one would cost a fortune even considering what the purpose was. Basically it was all making a car from scratch – literally. The car was first put on paper and then various specialists started creating the separate parts and adapt them to fit the Mustang. What not too many people know is that the side exhausts are not functional and neither are the side air feeds. The car in the movie is shown so fast that the driver was scared of it and would talk to it prior to driving. The car ended up in a private collection, $216 700 were paid for the beauty. Still, there are garages that can build another one for you for some (in) decent amount of money.

July 4, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Beetle RS

Looks like Volkswagen Beetle will have its RS version, which is going to feature a high-performance turbocharger kit with bigger intercooler, larger injectors, CAI and of course ECU re-map.

The exterior is dramatically changed, actually, 2012 Beetle RS looks like Porsche GT3 RS, which is not bad, at all.

Still, the project car doesn’t have plates and registration, so it will be created as autoshow concept. The tuning team didn’t have enough time, because the new Beetle Rs had to be presented to dealers this week, so that they can see, what can be done on the new car.

2012 Beetle RS stands on VMR710 20” x 9J ET35 wheels fitted with Continental ExtremeContact DW 245/35 ZR20 tires. The suspension is also improved – H&R from Golf VI GTI. The vehicle is fitted with a Borla exhaust for better performance and sound, of course.

Stay tuned for more information!

Source: VW Vortex

June 13, 2011

2012 Volkswagen Beetle US Price – $18 995

Volkswagen US has priced the new 2012 Beetle at just $18 995 for the entry-level model featuring 2.5 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with 172PS (127 kW) and 240Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque.

It offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. The gearbox choice is between 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic. The engines returns 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway and 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, respectively for manual and automatic.

The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable 17” alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. The options list includes additional glovebox, Bluetooth technology, iPod connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol TSI has a decent power of 203PS (149 kW) and 280Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. It is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox and DSG dual-clutch is available as an option. The fuel economy rating is 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city.

2012-Volkswagen-Beetle

The second level of equipment 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” alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard and alloy pedals.

In 2012, Volkswagen Bettle will be available with 2.0 liter TDI engine with 142PS (104 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque. The pricing will be revealed close to launch. This will be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg.

2012 Volkswagen 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. It also features 3-year/36 000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.
2012 volkswagen beetle

Source: Volkswagen US

June 8, 2011

VW to premiere 2012 Beetle in NY and Shanghai

Volkswagen has exclusively announced that the public premiere of the 2012 VW Beetle will be celebrated almost simultaneously at two of the most famous motor shows around the globe, the New York Auto Show that starts on April 22, and the Shanghai Motor Show which will open its doors for the fans at April 19. (more…)

March 18, 2011

VW Beetle BlackOrange breaks the grey world to pieces

Volkswagen is launching an exclusive special edition Beetle “BlackOrange”, which break to pieces the grey everyday world of autumn. This attractive high-contrast programme is available for both the hatchback and the cabriolet versions of the new VW Beetle. (more…)

November 20, 2009

New Beetle-Fans are celebrating a double birthday

There are just a couple of weeks left before the big double birthday party: Volkswagen New Beetle fans from all over Europe are going to be celebrating the tenth anniversary of the cult car line; at the same time the New Beetle Sunshine Tour is starting its fifth run in July. Alongside the production models, special paint jobs or completely new body work will all be on display at our grand review drive along the Baltic Sea coastline. The birthday tour starts midday on Saturday, July 19, at the Volkswagen Center in Lübeck. Its goal? A beach party featuring New Beetles on the beach grasslands at Grömitz. (more…)

June 24, 2008

VW Beetle 2006 - Front Angle
Volkswagen of America, Inc. revealed its “new” VW Beetle and VW Beetle convertible which has a subtle but stylish new look that fashionably updates, yet maintains, the core emotional appeal of the iconic new Beetle design, first launched in 1998.

The 2006 VW Beetle and the convertible will be launched in September of this year and will come standard with a more powerful new 2.5 liter, five-cylinder engine that creates 150 horsepower (versus the four-cylinder, 2.0 liter that created 115 hp).

Another significant technical update is standard traction control with Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP).

Styling changes for the 2006 VW Beetle include bolder, slightly sharper bodylines, especially at the wheel wells and bumpers that are tailored for a more modern overall impression. New details include a larger, more oval headlight treatment, new taillights, and new bumper designs; inside, the freshening involves a new instrument cluster design with chrome applications to the instruments and also the air vents.

Volkswagen said it will release more details on the 2006 models later this summer. The automaker showed the 2006 VW Beetle in conjunction with its 50th anniversary as a subsidiary in the U.S.

May 24, 2005

VW Beetle Ragster

2005 VW Beetle Ragster It’s a statement, an automotive way of life. More than 800.000 drive one, the Volkswagen with the perhaps most famous design in the world: the New VW Beetle Ragster. For the North American International Auto Show in Detroit the German company presents the hot potential of the design classic – with a study on 2005 VW Beetle Ragster. Its most visible characteristic: a drastically dropped roof with a large ragtop.

Ragtop + Speedster = Ragster The development team based the Ragster on the reinforced convertible, shortening the A-pillars by about 90 millimeters and creating a set u-shaped roof fixing for the Ragtop’s frame. It becomes instantly clear where the „Hot Rod“ with its ragtop and speedster dimensions got its name.

New design: The Ragster shows new visual ways. And this does not only hold true for the top. The fenders, bumpers, headlights, tail lights and 19” aluminum rims are all newly designed as well and more progressive and sporty than ever. Newly designed interior: Racing car bucket seats, sports car type steering wheel with integrated engine start button (right side) and ragtop control (left side), center console and the extremely clean designed cargo area.

Power? Anything goes: The drive – A powerful gasoline engine or a high torque TDI are imaginable. Although it has yet to be determined which motor will be built and if the study will be produced in series – Anything goes. Just as in Concept 1, the study on the New VW Beetle Ragster, which also started in Detroit. – A great place for a world premiere…

January 10, 2005

Tag: Volkswagen beetle