Volkswagen produced the first generation Beetle from 1938; it was produced till 2003 in some countries like Mexico and Cuba. Along with cars like the Morris Minor, Fiat 500, Renault 4CV and Dauphine, and Citroen 2CV, the Beetle pioneered the modern European economy car.
In an international poll carried out in 2009 for the world’s most influential car of the twentieth century the Beetle came fourth after the Ford Model T, the Mini, and the Citroen DS. The influence of the Beetle can be seen in the early Golfs, the Golf succeeded the Beetle and in 1998 Volkswagen unveiled the new VW Beetle in Kent based on the Golf.
When the new Beetle was introduced many were surprised to see how closely it resembled the original Beetle but with modern lines and angles. The new Beetle however has its engine mounted at the front – driving the front wheels, in the original Beetle the engine was in the rear, driving the rear wheels.
The new Beetle carries many design features from the old Beetle: separate wings, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps and large round tail lights, as well as a high roofline that gives enough headroom for tall drivers.
The 1998 Beetle has now run its course, the 2011 Beetle has been spied and images have been leaked on the internet. Unlike the new MINI, VW have decided to be more daring and go for a fresh design, it will share some components with the new VW Jetta and will be built at the same plant.
Engines for the new 2011 Beetle will include a 105bhp 1.2, a 160bhp 1.4 and a 210bhp 2.0 litre. Diesels will include the new 105bhp 1.6 and a 140bhp 2.0 litre. A hybrid Beetle is also planned; it will have a similar drive train to that of the Jetta CC.
