The New 2011 Volkswagen Beetle: The German Automaker Has More Tricks Up Its Sleeve

Well, Volkswagen has
been at it with the Beetle
for some time. The original
Beetle began in 1938 and
during the next 85 years,
21.5 million were sold.

The newer front-engined
Beetle become available
in the U.S. in 1998, however,
the car's sales have recently
dropped off to fewer than
15,000 units per year.

A new Beetle will become available in 2011. And what will it have to offer
drivers? Like its predecessor, it will be built in Peuble, Mexico. VW's current
offerings from the Mexico plant have excellent fit and finish. Thus, the same
can be expected for this upcoming Beetle!

As compared to the current Beetle, the new car will be 3.5 inches longer
and will have a wider track. It will have a flatter roofline, a more upright
windshield as well as a reduced front overhang. This will result in more
interior space and additional cargo space in the back. The look is that of
the concept Ragster from the 2005 Detroit Auto Show.

Initially, U.S. buyers will be able to choose from three engine choices
including a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder making 170 hp, a 2.0-liter turbo
inline four-cylinder making 200 hp, or a 2.0-liter turbo diesel (TDI)
making 140 hp. The transmissions will be a six-speed manual or up to a
seven-speed duel-clutch automatic.

Things are expected to really get interesting in 2017 when the third generation
Beetle hits the market. As Porsche will be under Volkswagen's wing, the
Beetle may well return to its 4-cylinder horizontally opposed roots with
rear-wheel drive and a mid engine.

Four years ago VW boss, Martin Winterkorn, approached then Porsche
CEO Wendelin Wiedeking about using a boxer engine for a sporty new
Beetle. However, Wiedeking said no (maybe he was concerned about a
mid-engined Beetle eating into Porsche sales!). Now, Wiedeking is gone
and the VW CEO, in a much stronger position, again went to Porsche
located in Zuffenhausen regarding the engine. Thus, it is speculated
that the entry level Porsche Boxster and Cayman will have a horizontally
opposed four-cylinder turbo that would also be shared with the Beetle.

The Volkswagen Beetle - rear-engined, front-engined, and mid-engined.
Those German just don't stop!

Have an auto question or comment? You can email it to me at
Kbusch3@verizon.net. Kyle Busch is the author of "Drive the Best
for the Price..." www.DriveTheBestBook.com