2010 Volkswagen Beetle going full modern

Amidst the board-room shakeups and in-flux product plans following the quasi-takeover by Porsche, a few things have nevertheless stayed on course at Volkswagen Central in Wolfsburg, Germany. One such project is the replacement for the not so new New Beetle, which is reportedly on track for a 2010 launch.

Set to share a platform with the next-generation Rabbit and upcoming Scirocco, the 2010 Beetle will once again be styled in California and engineered in Germany, according to our sources. That, however, is where the similarities will end. Despite its overall success as a revival of the iconic original design, Volkswagen is looking to move away from the "chick car" image of the New Beetle.

Designers have reportedly been ordered to create a more modern and sleek style for the next-gen Beetle that will be bigger than the outgoing model and make better use of available interior space.

The cutesy bug-eye look, rounded shape, and bulbous roofline are binned in favor of a more aggressive -- and more traditional -- style with a sportier stance and coupe-style roof as depicted in the drawings.


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Qwazywabbit - 7/26/2007 3:50:57 PM

+3 Boost

Bad move. The beetle is iconic because it looked like, well, a beetle. If you change that, waddya gonna call it, a grub?

dumpsty - 7/26/2007 4:04:33 PM

-1 Boost

I disagree with both of you.

The New Beetle exterior was cute when it new. And an updated design is just what the model deserves. OK, the basic Beetle design is iconic, but there must be some form of evolution otherwise VW is just selling the car from year-to-year. A new, modern design will, no doubtedly, recharge interest in the Beetle.

Qwazywabbit - 7/26/2007 4:08:10 PM

+1 Boost

how about making the same type of car, just freshening it up to update it, like Mini did. I mean if you just completely change the entire vehicle so that it is no longer reminiscent of its heritage (ie Pontiac GTO), then what is the point of calling it a beetle?

I contend it would be a major mistake to go away from the beetle design. Just upgrade the build quality and modernize the components.

MeanVulcan - 7/27/2007 12:28:12 PM

+1 Boost

I agree. One revival of the iconic shape is enough. A third is overkill and would probably bore the new buyer. A refresh/modernized redesign is needed and the sketch is a good direction for VW to take the Bettle.

dumpsty - 7/26/2007 4:05:08 PM

-1 Boost

I disagree with both of you.

The New Beetle exterior was cute when it new. And an updated design is just what the model deserves. OK, the basic Beetle design is iconic, but there must be some form of evolution otherwise VW is just selling the car from year-to-year. A new, modern design will, no doubtedly, recharge interest in the Beetle.

PlanB - 7/26/2007 4:09:38 PM

+1 Boost

I like the direction of the redesign. It'll probably still be a chick car though, no matter how much they try to change that.

supermoto - 7/26/2007 4:45:39 PM

+4 Boost

eeeeewwww! The idea of a new design is fine but that one has got to go!

xphilter - 7/26/2007 4:55:01 PM

+4 Boost

yeah, this doesn't make sense. If they do this they should change the name to "Golf with rounded corners". I doubt its hurting VW to make the Bug so I would just take any development money and put it into the Golf to make it less ugly and cheaper.

monkeyrun - 7/26/2007 5:23:09 PM

0 Boost

"Beetle will once again be styled in California"

Bad idea, Americans are not known for good designs.

Qwazywabbit - 7/26/2007 7:20:01 PM

0 Boost

monkeyrun, go kiss Chris Bangle's moon white butt--he is an American, and he has beautiful designs, like the E46, E90, 650, etc.

mini22 - 7/26/2007 7:34:37 PM

+1 Boost

The Beetle has been a good design. The issue is it now has a lot of competition from the Mini and PT Cruiser etc.Once sales start to stagnate and drop off a car maker has 2 choices. Either stop making it and reintroduce it a few yrs later(like Ford did with it's T-Bird) or update it with a newer design. The drawings that are showing indicate an updated version of the Chop Top look that has been around the show circuit. I also see a little "Porsche" design in it as well.This newer design might appeal to a larger audience then the current retro design the Beetle has now.Appealing to a larger audience means potentially larger sales.

Lexus - 7/26/2007 9:04:21 PM

+2 Boost

No matter how you dice or slice it, the Bettle will always be a chick car, know what I mean? ;)

DieselRules - 9/28/2007 2:59:23 AM

+1 Boost

I bought my Beetle TDI in '98 and it has 210,000 on the odometer.

I'm 6'5" and 230 pounds, and its one of the few cars that i have lots of room in.

Want to discuss that "chick car" comment outside?

bmwdrvr - 7/27/2007 12:20:50 AM

+2 Boost

why make a group of cars off the same platform that compete with each other. how many more sporty hatchbacks does this group need--a3, gti, rabbit, beetle, scirocco, golf, not to mention SEAT's entries in this segment. i mean seriously

DieselRules - 9/28/2007 3:02:10 AM

+1 Boost

Huh?
Look at GM. They have the Impala and the Cobalt.
And 20+ variations with different grills and doors!

(what's with calling the 2-door Impala a Monte Carlo anyways?)

If it works for GM...........

(then again, VW makes a lot more profit than GM, so maybe it doesn't work for them ;)

Johnel - 7/27/2007 6:32:36 AM

+1 Boost

Front end looks like a crossbreed of a 911 mated to a Beetle (911 lights in a reversed postion)

Seeems like Porsche is having an incestuous relationship with its sister VW.

What will its official name be? Beetche or Poreetle?

infiniti - 7/28/2007 12:49:14 AM

+1 Boost

volkswagan junks

DieselRules - 9/28/2007 3:03:44 AM

+1 Boost

try re-posting after you regain consciousness.