Volkswagen New Beetle

 

Products: Volkswagen New Beetle 1998-10

Products: Volkswagen Beetle 2012-up

Inspired by the exterior design of the original Beetle, Volkswagen introduced the New Beetle in 1997. Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has a front-mounted engine with a storage trunk in the rear. In June 1999, Volkswagen introduced the 1.8T, which was the first turbocharged spark-ignition engine offered for the New Beetle. A convertible was added in mid year 2003 to replace the Volkswagen Cabrio.

Engines choices include the 115 hp (86 kW) 2.0 L inline-four for the base model, the 100 hp (75 kW) 1.9 L TDI turbodiesel inline-four (discontinued after the 2006 model year due to more stringent emissions requirements), and the 150 hp (112 kW) 1.8 L turbo inline-four for the Turbo and Sport models .

The Turbo S model (sold 2002–2004) included the 1.8 L turbo but with 180 hp (134 kW). It also included a sport suspension, six-speed manual transmission, aluminum interior trim, revised front/rear fascias and bigger wheels and tires. A close relative of the Turbo S was the 2002–2004 Color Concept. This limited edition variant was available in limited exterior colors, with interior door panel inserts, seat inserts, floor mat piping and wheel opening inserts color-matched to the exterior paint. Wheel color inserts, diameter, and style varied with model year. It came standard with the 150hp (110kw) 1.8 turbo gasoline engine, 5 speed manual gear box, speed-activated rear spoiler, power windows/sunroof/door locks, heated leather seats, and fog lamps.

All 1.8L Turbo and Turbo S inline-four models were equipped with a retractable rear spoiler which was not available on the 1.9 L TDI inline-4, 2.0 L inline-four and 2.5 L inline-five models.

For the 2006 model, the exterior was slightly redesigned with more angular bumpers and wheel wells, and fitted with the 2.5 L straight-five base engine with 150 hp (112 kW), which was the only engine option from that point on.

In 2011, a new model replaced the New Beetle, called simply the Volkswagen Beetle.