This car tells a story. Only someone who knows its history could make a new generation of this Volkswagen a
reality. The task ahead for the engineers was very clear. They had to develop a high-tech car that was still
affordable, did not leave any stone unturned, integrated the communication technologies of our times and, of
course, achieved the lowest environmental impact. It also had to be a car that places driving fun at the
forefront. The new generation Beetle would have to be a very agile, dynamic performer, and the people who
developed the Golf GTI would also be able to achieve this.
High performance no longer suffices by itself: At 4.3** l/100 km (European 1.6 TDI), the new Beetle is the
most fuel-efficient Beetle ever.
How does one reinvent a design that is so recognisable and independent? There is a clear answer to this: It
is necessary to understand the product and the brand; then it works! Volkswagen Design Chief Walter de Silva
(Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Brand) "understand" both and, therefore, they set this as the objective
for the Beetle: "Design a new original!"
The team began its task under Bischoff’s guidance. The challenge of designing a new Beetle was inspiring.
The designers knew that they wanted to develop the original Beetle profile more than on the 1998 New Beetle.
They also made very dynamic proportions a high priority. An interesting aspect was that more than a few team
members actually own their own air-cooled Beetles. It has also become a cult car among younger designers at
Volkswagen. And that is how the final design of the 2011 Beetle came to be in Wolfsburg – a car of today as
well as a design tribute to the automotive seed of an entire corporate group. And unmistakable indeed: If one
were to take the first Beetle and the new Beetle and place them in a room together – shining light just over
the roofs and viewing them from the side – one would see that the lines of the rear sections are nearly
identical.
A comparison to the 1998 New Beetle shows this: nothing remained as it was on the old car: "The Beetle
is now characterised by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile;
it is also substantially wider, the front bonnet is longer, the front windscreen is shifted further back and
has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism," explains Klaus Bischoff. While the New
Beetle was defined by three semi-circles (front wing, rear wing, domed roof above it), the new model has
broken free of this geometry. The roof profile actually runs distinctly lower and can be considered a
continuation of the Ragster concept car shown in Detroit in 2005 – a type of hot rod based on the New Beetle.
The new Beetle is bolder, more dynamic, more 'masculine'.
The figures confirm this: The new car is 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm tall (12 mm lower) and
4,278 mm long (152 mm longer). This has resulted in entirely new proportions. The gain in length meant that
the roof could be extended further, the windscreen could be shifted back, and the rear section could follow
the contour of the original Beetle. The new focal point is the C-pillar. In parallel, the development team
increased the car’s track widths and wheelbase. All of this gives the Beetle a powerful appearance with
'muscular' tension.
And yet it was possible to preserve all of the Beetle’s typical styling characteristics. This should
come as no surprise; after all, it was vehicles like the Beetle, Microbus and original Golf that had a
decisive influence on Volkswagen’s "design DNA." Of course, some of the Beetle’s longstanding
characteristics remain: these include its round headlights (optional bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime
running lights are available for the first time in this model series), the flared guards, the shapes of the
bonnet, sides and door sills and – more than ever – the large wheels (up to 19 inch) that can be integrated.
A new feature is the rear spoiler that is homogeneously integrated in the design - standard for TSI engines
with 118 kW (160 PS) and 147 kW (200 PS). It aggressively maintains contact with the road on this Volkswagen,
which has a top speed of up to 225** km/h, depending on the engine, and is available in the three equipment
lines "Beetle", "Design" and "Sport". Incidentally, the top surface of the rear spoiler is always black,
while its underside is painted in body colour. These colours – 12 different hues – will make everyday car
driving more vibrant with names such as "Saturn Yellow" and "Denim Blue".
An original interior like no other
The Beetle’s cabin is unique, unmistakable, 'cool', classic and designed with a passion for detail. This
cabin is perceived as something special.
The shape and use of colour in the painted or carbon-look front facia panel of the dashboard hark back to
the design of the first Beetle, yet the new car does not have a retro look. In Europe, for example, this
facia is styled in "Schwarz uni" (Black) on the base model ("Beetle"); in the "Design" equipment line, it is
always painted in the specific exterior colour. Customers choosing the "Sport" level get the carbon look
("Carbon Fibre"). Regardless of which colours are used, Volkswagen drivers will be able to locate every
interior feature with their eyes closed.
And yet everything has been redesigned. Three round instruments arranged in front of the driver
(tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) provide all key information; integrated in the speedometer (middle
position) is a multifunction display. From the "Design" equipment level, the adjustable air vents and the
instruments have chrome bezels. This also applies to the audio/navigation systems optimally located in the
driver’s visual field on the dashboard, framed by two air vents. This also includes the controls for the
climate control system. Everything is within grasp and sight.
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Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox integrated in the front facia whose
lid folds upward (the standard glovebox that is also integrated opens downward). Another classic feature:
the optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system: oil temperature, clock with
stopwatch function and boost pressure gauge. Also new: the steering wheels specially designed for the
Beetle with optional painted accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line. Details like these
clearly indicate that the occupants are in a Beetle – there’s no mistaking it.
A distinguishing feature of The Beetle – the third generation if you will – is that its interior
ergonomics and packaging are based on completely new parameters. While drivers in the air-cooled Beetle
travelled in a very low-slung seat, and drivers of the New Beetle felt as if they were chauffeured because
the bonnet was so far forward, the latest Beetle now offers an agile, driver-oriented coupé experience.
Every feature is within easy reach. In addition, Volkswagen has once again succeeded in implementing a
quality of materials that goes beyond all class limits. The car’s styling, ergonomics, operability and
quality interact to provide a new, friendly car with a highly individual nature.
In front, the Beetle is now somewhat lower in profile, since the domed roof of its predecessor has
been eliminated. It now offers 1,044 mm interior height instead of the previous 1,082 mm. However, the 38
mm will hardly be missed, even by very tall drivers, since the New Beetle’s interior was a "cathedral"
among compact cars. Meanwhile, in the rear seating area, the longer roof section results in a distinctly
larger feeling of space. The boot space is significantly larger; it now holds 310 instead of 209 litres.
As usual, the car has a split, folding rear seatback, and a wide opening bootlid making it is easy to
load and unload.
More optional features: individualising the Beetle
The new Volkswagen will be available worldwide in the three equipment lines "Beetle", "Design" and
"Sport". Each of these versions has a very unique character. In addition, individual markets themselves
will emphasise certain aspects. In addition to the three equipment lines, the Beetle can be customised
with a wide choice of optional features. An overview of certain key features:
Bi-xenon headlights Volkswagen is offering the Beetle with bi-xenon headlights for the first
time. Some 15 LEDs frame the xenon module on the outer perimeters of the headlights; they implement the
daytime running lights and parking lights.
Panoramic roof. It is transparent, and it can be tilted or opened. Therefore, the exact name
is: panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof. Much more important: It is 80 per cent larger (glass surface
area) than on the previous model. Incidentally, the insulating glass blocks 99 per cent of UV radiation
and 92 per cent of heat energy.
Radio-CD and radio-navigation systems. The New Beetle was exclusively available with radio-CD
systems specially designed for this model. No navigation systems were offered. Now, Volkswagen is taking
a completely different approach and is offering all of the systems available in other model series such
as the Golf, Jetta or Passat on new Beetle as well. Standard in the Beetle is the RCD 310 with 8
loudspeakers, which is a very good audio system (includes dual tuner). The top audio system is the RCD
510 with integrated CD changer, interface for SD cards and touchscreen. An attractively priced
entry-level radio-navigation system is the RNS 315 with 5-inch touchscreen (400 x 240 pixel), CD player,
SD card slot and dual tuner. The top radio-navigation system model is the RNS 510. It offers refinements
such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen, DVD player, voice control, SD card slot and 30 Gigabyte hard drive.
Premium sound system by Fender. Now, the legendary producer of US musical instruments and
amplifiers – in a joint venture with Panasonic – is exclusively sharing its know-how with the Volkswagen
brand. The result is an optional Fender sound system that is being offered in the Beetle with an
additional woofer and 400 Watts of output power. Those choosing this sound system also get adjustable
interior ambiance lighting. Besides providing indirect illumination, it also includes two light rings
around the loudspeaker boxes in the doors. In Europe, the Beetle is the first car to offer a Fender
sound system.
Keyless Access. The Keyless Access locking and engine starting system is appearing for the
first time in the Beetle; it operates without a door or ignition key. When one of the front door
handles is touched, the system detects access authorisation from a transmitter carried in the person’s
jacket, trousers or hand bag; it then unlocks the Beetle and enables an engine start via the engine
start button. Locking of the Volkswagen is from the outside, also activated by touching one of the two
door handles; in this case, however, a specially marked surface is used.
All round safety. In The Beetle, Volkswagen is building an automobile that is one of the
safest in terms of both active and passive safety. Naturally, the ESP electronic stabilisation
programme is standard, as is an effective network of six airbags (no driver's kneebag as yet) that
protects in the passenger compartment. Naturally, the car body – much of it laser-welded and galvanised
– exhibits one of the best torsional rigidity values in the segment at 26,000 Nm/º.
Engines: top fuel economy of 40** mpg and 4.3** l/100 km
When it comes to engines, all signs point toward sustainability. In the USA, the Beetle will be
offered as a turbodiesel for the first time. The Beetle 2.0 TDI (103 kW/140 PS) meets all USA emission
limits. As a result, the Beetle is a good choice as one of the most fuel-efficient cars in its class.
Incidentally, the Volkswagen not only has excellent fuel economy values in the version with a 6-speed
manual gearbox, but also – and this is a technical debut in the Beetle
as well – with the optional 6-speed dual clutch transmission.
Fuel economy values were also improved in the 2.5-litre five cylinder petrol engine, which was
already a success in the previous model.
In markets such as Asia, Australia, Europe and New Zealand, the new Beetle will be offered
exclusively with turbocharged engines. All engine versions – all of them with four cylinders – are
being used for the first time in this model series. The car exhibits significantly reduced fuel
consumption and emission values compared to the previous model thanks to the switch to turbo-petrol
(TSI) and common rail turbodiesel direct injection engines (TDI). The three charged petrol engines of
the Beetle output 77 kW (105 PS), 118 kW (160 PS) and 147 kW (200 PS). The two diesel engines develop
77 kW (105 PS) and 103 kW (140 PS) (TDI engines are not offered in China). All five engines may be
combined with a dual clutch transmission as an option.
Engines with 118 kW and 147 kW in detail. Even the fast moving 225** km/h Beetle 2.0 TSI
with 147 kW of power consumes just 7.4** l/100 km (equivalent to 173** g/km CO2) with a manual
transmission. Also extremely economical is the 1.4 TSI with 118 kW shifted by a 7-speed DSG; in the
Beetle it consumes just 5.9** l/100 km (139** g/km CO2). Fuel economy data like this makes the Beetle
1.4 TSI DSG (top speed: 207** km/h) a pleasant surprise in the engine programme. By comparison, the
previous model with 110 kW (150 PS) attained a value of 8.9 l/100 km in the automatic version.
Despite more power, fuel consumption was reduced by 3.0** l/100 km or 34** per cent.
Differential lock for top petrol engine. To ensure that the power of the two strongest
Beetle versions is applied properly to the road in quickly approached curves as well, the models
with 118 kW (European version) and 147 kW (worldwide) come with a factory-installed XDS electronic
differential lock. This system extends the familiar EDS functionality. XDS improves handling in fast
curve driving and calibrates the car toward more "neutral" steering; it does this by using active
brake intervention to prevent wheelspin of the unloaded wheel on the inside of the curve, and this
improves traction.
Engines with 77 kW and 103 kW in detail. The most fuel-efficient petrol engined model is
the Beetle 1.2 TSI with BlueMotion Technology (including Stop/Start system and battery regeneration)
and 77 kW with a top speed of 180** km/h. It has a combined fuel consumption of 5.5** l/100 km (129**
g/km CO2). The comparable previous model (75 kW) consumed 7.5 l/100 km. Savings: 2.0** l/100 km or
27** per cent. An extremely sustainable performer is the Beetle 1.6 TDI with 77 kW. At 4.3** l/100 km
(equivalent to 112** g/km CO2), this diesel version is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever built
with BlueMotion Technology. Its fuel consumption is 20** per cent lower than even the existing TDI
engines which have always been very fuel efficient. Incidentally, on the Autobahn, the new Beetle 1.6
TDI with BlueMotion Technology can reach a top speed of 180 km/h – in this case, fuel economy is not
gained at the cost of performance. This is especially true of the even higher performance TDI with 2.0
litre displacement and 103 kW (140 PS). This torque-strong turbodiesel (320 Nm from 1,750 rpm) takes
the Beetle to a top speed of 198** km/h and combined fuel consumption of just 4.9 l/100 km (equivalent
to 129** g/km CO2). This means that the Beetle for a new era will once again show how it can "go, and
go and go ..."
Key facts summary
Name: The Beetle
Debut:18th April, 2011
Market launch, North America: September/October 2011
Market launch, Europe: October/November 2011
Market launch, Asia: February 2012
Market launch, South America: late 2012/early 2013
Equipment lines: "Beetle", "Design", "Sport"
Engine power range: 77 kW (105 PS) to 147 kW (200 PS)
Lowest fuel consumption (combined), Europe: 4.3** l/100 km (1.6 TDI)
Engine specifications: all petrol engines are charged TSI engines (except 2.5-litre engine for
USA); all diesels are new common rail TDI engines; all engines meet Euro-5 emissions standard; all US
engines fulfil BIN5/ULEV PZEV
Debut of original Beetle: 1938
Debut of New Beetle: 1998
Total units built to date: more than 22.5 million
Designers: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand), Exterior: Marc Lichte (team leader),
Cris Lesmana, Nisan Kucam. Interior: Tomasz Bachorski (team leader), Ingo Brückmann. Colour and trim: Oona
Scheepers (team leader), Susanne Gerken
Exterior dimensions: 4,278 mm length, 1,808 mm width, 1,486 mm height, 2,537 mm wheelbase
Cargo capacity: 310 litres
NOTE: ** All fuel consumption and driving performance data is preliminary data (forecast values as
of March 2011).
