Comments on: Volkswagen to ditch retro for new Beetle? http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html Car news, reviews, and specs for the auto-industry Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:32:55 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: Sabon http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-411645 Sabon Fri, 03 Oct 2008 16:36:25 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-411645 What they need to do it take things back to basics. Start with the original Beetle and make it a modern car keeping the engine in the back. Hey, Porche owns VW now and THEY know how to make rear engine cars. Then they need to maybe stretch it a little and flatten it a little but not too much. Just enough to make a more usable interior without messing up the car recognition. It should keep the quasi hippy feel to the car and it should be of high quality and reasonable price. There is no reason why in 2008 that cars should not be built with quality and be more reliable than the current version of Beetles are. What they need to do it take things back to basics. Start with the original Beetle and make it a modern car keeping the engine in the back.

Hey, Porche owns VW now and THEY know how to make rear engine cars.

Then they need to maybe stretch it a little and flatten it a little but not too much. Just enough to make a more usable interior without messing up the car recognition.

It should keep the quasi hippy feel to the car and it should be of high quality and reasonable price. There is no reason why in 2008 that cars should not be built with quality and be more reliable than the current version of Beetles are.

]]> By: smelly http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-300646 smelly Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:21:54 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-300646 abc abc

]]> By: Get Real http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-300398 Get Real Fri, 23 Feb 2007 22:11:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-300398 The US car market is where the money is at people, biggest market in the world. Everyone wants to jump our shores and sell any tin can on 4 wheels if they can get their engine past the EPA. This is where you can make BIG money. If VW can't sell their junk here then they can exit like all the other European car companies who left their cars to rust and rot in our junkyards. The US car market is where the money is at people, biggest market in the world. Everyone wants to jump our shores and sell any tin can on 4 wheels if they can get their engine past the EPA. This is where you can make BIG money. If VW can’t sell their junk here then they can exit like all the other European car companies who left their cars to rust and rot in our junkyards.

]]> By: gtv6 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-300156 gtv6 Thu, 22 Feb 2007 06:05:19 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-300156 As far as the TT, the same person designed the beetle. If you flatten out the beetle, it's the same basic design. I don't really think this a great concept, not as stylish as the TT, not as unique as the beetle. As far as the TT, the same person designed the beetle. If you flatten out the beetle, it’s the same basic design. I don’t really think this a great concept, not as stylish as the TT, not as unique as the beetle.

]]> By: DialM4Speed http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299768 DialM4Speed Tue, 20 Feb 2007 12:29:16 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299768 This is exactly the problem with doing all these retro cars. And it's exactly the problem the Ford Mustang, new Camaro, and the Dodge Challenger (if it's built) will have. Retros should be limited editions only. This is exactly the problem with doing all these retro cars. And it’s exactly the problem the Ford Mustang, new Camaro, and the Dodge Challenger (if it’s built) will have. Retros should be limited editions only.

]]> By: Cooper http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299734 Cooper Tue, 20 Feb 2007 07:49:03 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299734 I'd rather see them drop the whole niche vehicle idea and use the Fox or Polo platform for a new Beetle. Bringing it back to its roots as an inexpensive smaller car attainable to all people. Using one of these smaller platforms would allow VW to take on the other small sub-$14,000 entry level models head on. Most New Beetles get up over $20,000 with a few options. While Toyota Yaris starts at $11,000. VW would be stepping down a segment size allowing them to price it lower than the Rabbit. With the Beetle being their entry level model VW could own the small car segment by proving a distinctively styled car, having good fuel economy, and an affordable price. This would make VW a real player once again. After all that is the formula they used to make the original Beetle such a strong seller. I’d rather see them drop the whole niche vehicle idea and use the Fox or Polo platform for a new Beetle. Bringing it back to its roots as an inexpensive smaller car attainable to all people. Using one of these smaller platforms would allow VW to take on the other small sub-$14,000 entry level models head on. Most New Beetles get up over $20,000 with a few options. While Toyota Yaris starts at $11,000. VW would be stepping down a segment size allowing them to price it lower than the Rabbit. With the Beetle being their entry level model VW could own the small car segment by proving a distinctively styled car, having good fuel economy, and an affordable price. This would make VW a real player once again. After all that is the formula they used to make the original Beetle such a strong seller.

]]> By: LJ http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299711 LJ Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:51:36 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299711 well, I kind of like the idea of a 3 door. Scion sold nearly 80,000 (3 door) tC's last year. Saturn (Opel) Astra's are coming in the Fall of 07, 5 and 3 doors. Why not? If the thing is at least the size of the 3 door Astra( rumors have it a bit over 167 inches total length, up to 171 inches total length), then I would look at this. If it is kept at the current length........ No. well, I kind of like the idea of a 3 door.
Scion sold nearly 80,000 (3 door) tC’s last year.
Saturn (Opel) Astra’s are coming in the Fall of 07, 5 and 3 doors.
Why not? If the thing is at least the size of the 3 door Astra( rumors have it a bit over 167 inches total length, up to 171 inches total length), then I would look at this.
If it is kept at the current length…….. No.

]]> By: europerspective http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299699 europerspective Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:49:04 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299699 Renton, the Beetle is seen as a bit of a "California special" in Europe, it was interesting for a year or so but as soon as the MINI came out the retro hatchback buyers voted with their chequebooks. Apart from the sketch of the convertible, this concept seems to be stretching the Beetle association a bit far. Wouldn't it be cooler to put the Beetle name back in the box for a while and revive something else cool instead, perhaps the Kombi or the Thing or a beach buggy Renton, the Beetle is seen as a bit of a “California special” in Europe, it was interesting for a year or so but as soon as the MINI came out the retro hatchback buyers voted with their chequebooks.

Apart from the sketch of the convertible, this concept seems to be stretching the Beetle association a bit far. Wouldn’t it be cooler to put the Beetle name back in the box for a while and revive something else cool instead, perhaps the Kombi or the Thing or a beach buggy

]]> By: Blakkarr http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299690 Blakkarr Tue, 20 Feb 2007 04:08:55 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299690 VW owns Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley (or was it Roll Royce), and part of Porsche if not the whole thing. They aren't going anywhere. Heck, they are one of the healthiest car companies in the world right now. VW owns Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley (or was it Roll Royce), and part of Porsche if not the whole thing. They aren’t going anywhere. Heck, they are one of the healthiest car companies in the world right now.

]]> By: PrimeGTP http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299651 PrimeGTP Mon, 19 Feb 2007 22:27:54 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299651 History only goes so far. The current Beetle is an atrocity. History only goes so far. The current Beetle is an atrocity.

]]> By: Adrio http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299647 Adrio Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:59:10 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299647 I dont think this is a good idea at all. I think they should take the same attitude with the beetle that Porsche takes with the 911. Refine it over time but always keep it the same. The beetle is a car with so much history they shouldn't mess with its unique shape. They have plenty of other cars they could get original with. Leave the beetle a beetle. I dont think this is a good idea at all. I think they should take the same attitude with the beetle that Porsche takes with the 911. Refine it over time but always keep it the same. The beetle is a car with so much history they shouldn’t mess with its unique shape. They have plenty of other cars they could get original with. Leave the beetle a beetle.

]]> By: Blakkarr http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299628 Blakkarr Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:18:22 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299628 Subdue the "retro" and I think calling it Beetle will not be lost on the public. Subdue the “retro” and I think calling it Beetle will not be lost on the public.

]]> By: A4 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299624 A4 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 21:16:01 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299624 i think itll target a whole different market than the scirocco, and itll probably be built on all the same underpinnings therefore making it relatively cheap for them to put out. Beetles are for chicks, sciroccos are for guys. i think itll target a whole different market than the scirocco, and itll probably be built on all the same underpinnings therefore making it relatively cheap for them to put out. Beetles are for chicks, sciroccos are for guys.

]]> By: Renton http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299607 Renton Mon, 19 Feb 2007 19:33:57 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299607 Me -- "Drop the beetle and bring it back in 20 years. Don't change the shape. It's my opinion that a "beetle" should always cast the same shadow." Me is right. I think the Beetle should be canned, do thery really sell that many anymore? Euro Laners is true that they don't even care about the Beetle in Europe? Put R&D monies into cooler stuff. Me — “Drop the beetle and bring it back in 20 years. Don’t change the shape. It’s my opinion that a “beetle” should always cast the same shadow.”

Me is right. I think the Beetle should be canned, do thery really sell that many anymore?

Euro Laners is true that they don’t even care about the Beetle in Europe? Put R&D monies into cooler stuff.

]]> By: lotusfire http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299595 lotusfire Mon, 19 Feb 2007 18:51:17 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299595 Vroom I disagree. I wouldn't say there's no where for Porsche designers to go for example. I just think where they're going is clearer. I say other iconic cars should be the same. Vroom I disagree. I wouldn’t say there’s no where for Porsche designers to go for example. I just think where they’re going is clearer. I say other iconic cars should be the same.

]]> By: Kenny W http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299594 Kenny W Mon, 19 Feb 2007 18:23:11 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299594 I think it looks good with the exception being that weird kink in the roofline. Nissan tried that with their SUV's and it looks like garbage. I personally think that at times retro has its place in automotive design, it allows the designers to go back to the original and update it anew...take the cars in a new direction. Like what this sketch does with the Beetle and what that Italian Mustang has done with the the retro Ford. When companies get stagnant with it though (think the revived T-Bird) then it's a wasted opportunity and wasted R&D. I think it looks good with the exception being that weird kink in the roofline. Nissan tried that with their SUV’s and it looks like garbage. I personally think that at times retro has its place in automotive design, it allows the designers to go back to the original and update it anew…take the cars in a new direction. Like what this sketch does with the Beetle and what that Italian Mustang has done with the the retro Ford. When companies get stagnant with it though (think the revived T-Bird) then it’s a wasted opportunity and wasted R&D.

]]> By: Vroom http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299591 Vroom Mon, 19 Feb 2007 18:12:14 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299591 That's the problem with retro, once a cars 3-5 year redesign cycle is up there's no where for the designers to go. The retro thing has run it's course. It was created to sell more cars to baby boomers, but it's time to move on already. If it doesn't they'll be recycling K-car, Escort and Citation designs before we know it. That’s the problem with retro, once a cars 3-5 year redesign cycle is up there’s no where for the designers to go. The retro thing has run it’s course. It was created to sell more cars to baby boomers, but it’s time to move on already. If it doesn’t they’ll be recycling K-car, Escort and Citation designs before we know it.

]]> By: mujician http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299589 mujician Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:50:50 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299589 More space behind the front seats. Does that mean someone over the age of 3 can fit. More space behind the front seats. Does that mean someone over the age of 3 can fit.

]]> By: edgarp http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299586 edgarp Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:38:41 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299586 I say keep the beetle retro. give it hand me down technology. keep production and developement costs low because people that want these cars don't care about much more than what they symbolize at this point. Don't mess with a good business/marketing formula, just refine it. I say keep the beetle retro. give it hand me down technology. keep production and developement costs low because people that want these cars don’t care about much more than what they symbolize at this point.

Don’t mess with a good business/marketing formula, just refine it.

]]> By: Bush http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299578 Bush Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:28:22 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299578 Nice designs. Just drop the "Beetle" name. Nice designs. Just drop the “Beetle” name.

]]> By: 55amg http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299577 55amg Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:25:03 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299577 and dont make it a hatch, just keep it as a beetle and dont make it a hatch, just keep it as a beetle

]]> By: meanpants555 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299575 meanpants555 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:20:02 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299575 I love retro. Who wouldn't want a modern Lamborghini Muira or Fiat X1/9 or Jaguar E-Type? I love retro. Who wouldn’t want a modern Lamborghini Muira or Fiat X1/9 or Jaguar E-Type?

]]> By: Chauncy http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299573 Chauncy Mon, 19 Feb 2007 17:18:48 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299573 looks nice, but VW's going to have 3 hatchbacks now with the Golf, Scirocco (if it makes production), and the Beetle looks nice, but VW’s going to have 3 hatchbacks now with the Golf, Scirocco (if it makes production), and the Beetle

]]> By: buenos http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299570 buenos Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:55:18 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299570 Interesting comments. I wonder if the shape of the Beetle changes to something relatively close to the above sketches, if it starts to just eat into Golf/Rabbit territory. That being said, i think the whole "retro" thing is starting to get a bit tired. It's one thing to do a modern interpretation of a classic, such as the Mini, another to re-create what was, like the Challenger. there was a great parody column in the Onion a couple of years ago with the U.S. Department of History warning that if the trend continues that we would run out of "Retro" ideas in a few years and simply start copying ideas that were put out last Tuesday. Interesting comments. I wonder if the shape of the Beetle changes to something relatively close to the above sketches, if it starts to just eat into Golf/Rabbit territory. That being said, i think the whole “retro” thing is starting to get a bit tired. It’s one thing to do a modern interpretation of a classic, such as the Mini, another to re-create what was, like the Challenger. there was a great parody column in the Onion a couple of years ago with the U.S. Department of History warning that if the trend continues that we would run out of “Retro” ideas in a few years and simply start copying ideas that were put out last Tuesday.

]]> By: Get Real http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299568 Get Real Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:51:38 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299568 When they first came out I wanted one like everyone else, even with the engine in the wrong end. Over the years it turns out VW did a lot of nice design work but left quality out. Too many complaints about this car may help to explain the slow sales they are having today. Nothing like a redesign to fool people into buying your product again....wait......that's not working anymore for the big 2.5. VW might be in trouble. Maybe VW and Chrysler can join and beat up on Ford, nothing like a good fight between ICU patients. When they first came out I wanted one like everyone else, even with the engine in the wrong end. Over the years it turns out VW did a lot of nice design work but left quality out. Too many complaints about this car may help to explain the slow sales they are having today. Nothing like a redesign to fool people into buying your product again….wait……that’s not working anymore for the big 2.5. VW might be in trouble.

Maybe VW and Chrysler can join and beat up on Ford, nothing like a good fight between ICU patients.

]]> By: SRT-4Ken http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299566 SRT-4Ken Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:20:13 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299566 --------->know what, i kinda like that idea "Me" up above ^^ ———>know what, i kinda like that idea “Me” up above ^^

]]> By: Me http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299565 Me Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:15:35 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299565 Drop the beetle and bring it back in 20 years. Don't change the shape. It's my opinion that a "beetle" should always cast the same shadow. Drop the beetle and bring it back in 20 years. Don’t change the shape. It’s my opinion that a “beetle” should always cast the same shadow.

]]> By: meanpants555 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299563 meanpants555 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:03:16 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299563 I love the kink in the roof, odd but interesting. I, too, wonder how this differs from Herr Sirocco. I love the kink in the roof, odd but interesting. I, too, wonder how this differs from Herr Sirocco.

]]> By: meanpants555 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299562 meanpants555 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 16:01:00 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299562 When I first saw the original Audi TT, I thought it was a modern Beetle proposal rejected by VW. When I first saw the original Audi TT, I thought it was a modern Beetle proposal rejected by VW.

]]> By: MyGodBeatsYourGod http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299561 MyGodBeatsYourGod Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:58:46 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299561 More Mark Stennneeennnbberrgerrr (sp?) drawings. He's been drawing for Road & Track for decades and has been wrong on every single sketched prediction that I have seen. More Mark Stennneeennnbberrgerrr (sp?) drawings.

He’s been drawing for Road & Track for decades and has been wrong on every single sketched prediction that I have seen.

]]> By: Zhenya_Gatech http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299559 Zhenya_Gatech Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:51:32 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299559 can someone scan in the full illustration? can someone scan in the full illustration?

]]> By: megator http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle.html/comment-page-1#comment-299558 megator Mon, 19 Feb 2007 15:51:21 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/2007/02/19/volkswagen-to-ditch-retro-for-new-beetle/#comment-299558 Can we look into the future please! Enough with the retro, bring us some new cool models. and wont this compete with the new sirocco? make us a rwd 4 cylinder turbo coupe thats afordable. Can we look into the future please! Enough with the retro, bring us some new cool models. and wont this compete with the new sirocco? make us a rwd 4 cylinder turbo coupe thats afordable.

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