Monday 23rd June 2008

Speedster Beetle Confirmed?

Report: VW planning speedster and SUV versions of next Beetle

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VW Ragster concept

It may be called the ‘new’ Beetle but VW’s retro Golf-based hatch has been around for a while now. It could be around for a bit longer too but the big news is that there will be a ‘new, new’ Beetle for 2011 and it could start to get a bit interesting.

Instead of just standard and cabrio versions the new car is expected to be available with a speedster-style two-seat body which, if VW get it right, could be a very nice car. We are not so sure however about a proposed Beetle SUV which is currently under consideration.

Despite the long wait until the car is launched it is apparently being developed on the Golf Mk5, not Mk6, platform. Elements of the styling will come from VW’s Up! city car concept and production is likely to remain in Mexico. While engineering will be done in Germany the final styling will be given to VW’s Californian design studio.

[RJE1966]

Thank God.....just what I've always wanted.....NOT!

[SkinnyBoy]

wasn't that called a porsche?

[BUG4LIFE]

I had a New Beetle and loved it! Ok, it aint a drivers car in any sense of the word, but it was fun and made driving an event. I wouldn't get another one as I want more serious cars now...the chicks loved it though

[SkinnyBoy]

i had the misfortune of picking up a customers last week. And then working on it! A truly nasty car, in both engineering packaging and driving dynamics. The complete antithesis of what the original Beetle was.

[GraemeP]

I can't see the Beetle body shape lending itself to a 2 seat layout? Can't picture it looking anything else but wrong!

[AndyKH]

I think it looks good as a two seater, i know this isnt a production car but i think Oxford editions attempt looks cracking.

[odyssey2200]

2 seat, speedster with Beetle/Porsche looks and modern running gear?




I already got one!

Edited by odyssey2200 on Monday 23 June 13:57

[jmatras]

You probably have to be an American to fully appreciate it. I saw the Ragster at the New York show, I think it was, a half-dozen* years ago, and it was a killer in person. They have to do more powerwise than that pokey 2.5 they're selling in the States in the current New Beetle, at least GTI powertrain.

Will it be a huge seller? Unlikely. However, it's relatively cheap to do with perhaps new fenders and front bodywork on a convertible with a shorter windshiled, they really don't have a very big nut to crack. And it will enliven the New Beetle franchise as well.

• Under EU regulations, are you Brits still allowed to use "dozen"?

[gezkc]

I still can't understand why VW didn't go ahead with their Microbus concept.
Forget the beetle - a retro-looking VW camper would sell by the shedload!

[Ricky944s2]

odyssey2200 said:

2 seat, speedster with Beetle/Porsche looks and modern running gear?




I already got one!

Edited by odyssey2200 on Monday 23 June 13:57

Parle Vous Frances? With the Peu-Goat 206 GTi Engine?? Ferdinand is turning in his grave. . . .

[odyssey2200]

Ricky944s2 said:

odyssey2200 said:

2 seat, speedster with Beetle/Porsche looks and modern running gear?




I already got one!

Edited by odyssey2200 on Monday 23 June 13:57

Parle Vous Frances? With the Peu-Goat 206 GTi Engine?? Ferdinand is turning in his grave. . . .

I don't think Ferdinand would be happy with the current Beetle TBH.

Water cooling?
Engine in the front?



Heresy!

[Ricky944s2]

odyssey2200 said:

[
I don't think Ferdinand would be happy with the current Beetle TBH.

Water cooling?
Engine in the front?



Heresy!

You got me there pal!!! Dam shame aint it!!!

(off subject, but, Did you build the PGO yourself of buy factory built?? Reason, me and my dad are considering a similiar project and liked the looks of the Speedster2, just wondering. )

[odyssey2200]

Ricky944s2 said:

odyssey2200 said:

[
I don't think Ferdinand would be happy with the current Beetle TBH.

Water cooling?
Engine in the front?



Heresy!

You got me there pal!!! Dam shame aint it!!!

(off subject, but, Did you build the PGO yourself of buy factory built?? Reason, me and my dad are considering a similiar project and liked the looks of the Speedster2, just wondering. )

Hiya

PGO don't sell kits, all cars are turn key.

www.lifestyleautomotive.co.uk is where I bought mine.(which is for sale)

[Ricky944s2]

[quote=odyssey2200
Hiya

PGO don't sell kits, all cars are turn key.

www.lifestyleautomotive.co.uk is where I bought mine.(which is for sale)
[/quote]

Appologies, i had a notion in my head they had a kit aswell

looks like its back to Tygan!!!

[odyssey2200]

Ricky944s2 said:

[quote=odyssey2200
Hiya

PGO don't sell kits, all cars are turn key.

www.lifestyleautomotive.co.uk is where I bought mine.(which is for sale)

Appologies, i had a notion in my head they had a kit aswell

looks like its back to Tygan!!!

IIRC Tygan do not do kits any longer.

[Ricky944s2]

[/quote]

IIRC Tygan do not do kits any longer.


[/quote]

Just found that out!!! (yes, too much time at work!!!) That just leaves Pilgrim!! . . . . or Ebay!!!!

[jmatras]

odyssey2200 said:

Ricky944s2 said:

I don't think Ferdinand would be happy with the current Beetle TBH.

Water cooling?
Engine in the front?



Heresy!

Hmmm, he wanted engine in the middle, didn't he?

[GarC]

gezkc said:

I still can't understand why VW didn't go ahead with their Microbus concept.
Forget the beetle - a retro-looking VW camper would sell by the shedload!

I agree. I think these look great. Not too retro and pretty cool for this type of vehicle.

[Silent1]

AndyKH said:

I think it looks good as a two seater, i know this isnt a production car but i think Oxford editions attempt looks cracking.

That's outrightly shockingly sheeeittte.

[B17NNS]

gezkc said: