Here we have the first photos of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle -- you know, the one designed for the American market. At first glance, you could confuse this for a mid-cycle refresh, but look closer. Look at the roofline: The windshield is more upright, the roof flatter and less bubbly and then it just trails down to a steep rear hatch. Overall, this New Beetle looks much more like an old Beetle and less like the rounded three-bubble design of the current one.
And then there's the grill. Look familiar? Yeah with that three-flat-oval design, we see a bit of tiny, tiny Cayman in that, too.
Follow the jump for more photos of the less-bubbly, less girly, 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Related: Is the 2012 Beetle a Porsche 356 copycat?
ed124c says:
11:34 AM, 10/ 4/10
This is really retro, but a big improvement-- stylistically and practically-- over the present Beetle.
The retro style, especially from the rear, is reminiscent of 1940s Fords (and other cars). Even a little Volvo 544.
Interesting to see it in black, because so many cars of that era were black.
Now, think of a convertible. A poor person's Porsche speedster, I would say. And you just know that VW is going to put the 2.0 Turbo in it.
The new influx of car models is getting dizzying.
huyracing says:
11:46 AM, 10/ 4/10
looks disjointed to me, i like the current one's looks... but being so decontented, i cannot get one.
throwback says:
11:48 AM, 10/ 4/10
I'll reserve judgement until I see the final version. This prototype looks awfully dumpy to me.
felonious says:
11:54 AM, 10/ 4/10
I like the new greenhouse, but the front end seems not-ready-for-primetime. I'm hoping this is an unfinished test mule and not an example of the production vehicle!
ed124c says:
11:58 AM, 10/ 4/10
VW is a very, very large company. They can market pretty much whatever they want.
"Full-size" minivans are not selling like they used to, and they are made mostly for North America (I assume). That is mostly why VW used Chrysler to re-badge their minivan.
The new-new Beetle is a car that can be sold all over the world.
I agree that VW needs more powerful engines.
lostboyz says:
12:14 PM, 10/ 4/10
looks like a beetle body kit on a pt cruiser
coxwill says:
12:31 PM, 10/ 4/10
I like the rear roof line
tmanz says:
12:45 PM, 10/ 4/10
"looks disjointed to me"
I agree, part of it will catch my eye and look good but then once you flow through to another section it just doesn't look quite right. The Fat-Lip look front bumper in the first shot really doesn't look good to me.
pngrant54 says:
01:05 PM, 10/ 4/10
The side view definately shows some 356 Coupe in it especially the slope of the rear window. The front grill does have the modern Porsche influence in it. Whether or not this remains a "Grirly Man's Car" will depend now on how the interior is styled and how the thing drives.
run_and_drive says:
01:10 PM, 10/ 4/10
It just looks like this to me:
http://www.german-helmets.com/HOMEPAGE%20ITEMS/WEB%20UPDATES/APPRAISAL-PAGE-HELMET.jpg
I really don't know how no-one else noticed...
heartlessbstrd says:
01:29 PM, 10/ 4/10
I'd respect it if they made it RWD, but otherwise, the PT cruiser did that a decade ago. End.
forgeryfade says:
01:33 PM, 10/ 4/10
@run_and_drive
Politically incorrect but very funny
idesigner says:
01:36 PM, 10/ 4/10
Um, the reason the bumpers don't look right are because thats not the actual bumpers. It's a test mule with the bumpers off a current Beetle tacked on. The things cover the head lights and are crooked. Beetle build quality isn't that bad guys.
Just sayin'
ralphhightower says:
01:39 PM, 10/ 4/10
VW should change the name for this car. This is not a Beetle. The current year model looks more retro and true to the original Beetle.
bodyblue says:
01:56 PM, 10/ 4/10
I like it actually....I am surprised.
gordancin says:
01:58 PM, 10/ 4/10
This is a big improvement on the current Beetle. For Volkswagen the "arc" design concept served it's purpose 12 years ago and with the amount of imitators that followed them to market (all with their own variation of that roofline) VW/Audi had no choice but to change. What seemed radical at the time no longer seems clever today. The cartoonish effect of slavishly adhering to the "arc" would end up looking like a joke without any fun attached. I've always felt the look definitely served it's purpose back then... but while I've always liked the "idea" of the Beetle... (to me) the car's appearance was a bit too "cute" without applying aftermarket body kits. Of course, without a sharp eye lack of restraint in customizing meant the result could easily just become garish, never mind girlish. With this new generation the Beetle (like the TT) has matured nicely. This has me wondering about the other "affordable" boutique manufacturers. What does everyone think of BMW's strategy of playing it safe with the MINI redesign and adding more variants? Smart move... or expensive blunder? What about Chrysler? Loved the Viper and Plymouth Prowler roadsters (although I wouldn't own one). I was always impressed that Chrysler (the underdog in my eyes) was willing to make such massive waves design wise. It's a real shame they didn't persevere with a next generation PT Cruiser because cars that combine visual character with practicality will always have their place in the market. Just look at all the other vehicles with "personality" (not part of "retro" movement) that get attention today. Gotta respect Chrysler's boldness, yes? (Oops sorry, we were talking about VW's new New Beetle, right?) GREAT RE-DESIGN. (I would have also loved to see a new PT Cruiser though...)
gordancin says:
02:00 PM, 10/ 4/10
I just took another look at the photos and I really like this car...
98m3 says:
02:08 PM, 10/ 4/10
Better than the old bettle because now it looks like a cool retro car(Not a chick car), but unless it has good suspension, engine(TDI), trans, and weight it will be pointless compared to a focus and dare i say a cruze.
greenpony says:
02:20 PM, 10/ 4/10
First impression: Nice. Appealing.
morey000 says:
02:30 PM, 10/ 4/10
Hey- who stepped on my Beetle?
exinobel102 says:
02:35 PM, 10/ 4/10
I don't think that the productionmode will have either that front or rear end. The front nose clip doesnt even align properly. We've seen tons of manufacturers use sheet metal of current models on test mules. It will be interesting to see the production model however. Is it just me or does the silouhete of the sides look like a pt cruiser?
lt1boy says:
02:37 PM, 10/ 4/10
It looks like a mini Panamera. Uglyyyyyy.
The rear end still looks like a dog squatting over to take one on the lawn.
flwind says:
03:13 PM, 10/ 4/10
Looks like a poor man's Panamera to me. Will it still come with the little flower vase i wonder?
j33p says:
03:22 PM, 10/ 4/10
(((((( Looks like a huge German WWII helmet! ))))))
p00pman says:
04:28 PM, 10/ 4/10
who left the crossfire and newbeetle alone in the garage together with barry white playing?
v8vader says:
05:13 PM, 10/ 4/10
haha +1 lostboyz
carpaul1 says:
05:31 PM, 10/ 4/10
Can someone please tell me what is the point??? Where is the investment in a 2 door sporty Sirocco as opposed to this yesteryear wild child. Sometimes, a memory best not be brought back to life. I much rather prefer a small 2 door sporty VW, than this useless piece of yesteryear design
iver_builder says:
06:04 PM, 10/ 4/10
Edmunds does realize this vehicle is a mule and not at all representative of the final design, right?
carluvr1 says:
06:23 PM, 10/ 4/10
The overall shape looks alot better, less bubbly than before,
Btw did anyone notice that white unbadged car in the background of the first picture? looks like a skoda or at first glance a buick grill?.
herrstreet says:
07:00 PM, 10/ 4/10
I'll wait to see the final model but this is uncomfortably close to being a PT Cruiser in shape. I hope it winds up more appealing because I'd love to have an Beetle R with 270 hp. :-)
angry_mushroom says:
07:07 PM, 10/ 4/10
Looks better than the current gen.
icecubefosho says:
07:13 PM, 10/ 4/10
Looks way better but if they could just de-bubble it a bit more, I'd really consider one. I love the original type 1's styling.
jcsupreme says:
07:15 PM, 10/ 4/10
look.kinda.like.a.Porsche
sugarlandtx says:
07:28 PM, 10/ 4/10
This is a car only VW fans could love. The original VW Beetle was nothing to look at and neither is this future one. I doubt that it will appear to anyone other than VW fans. It will be a sales dud. With so many better looking cars to choose from, why would anyone even think of this? Add in the fact that VW products are always higher in price than the competetion, its sales will be limited.
Someone please step on it before it multiplies.
gbriank says:
08:16 PM, 10/ 4/10
I think the design of this car is much better than the predecessor. Here's hoping VW focuses not only on design, but power and safety (prior model didn't do well in side impact).
@jonmc Not only the ladies and gay men (not sure what the rationale behind putting this comment in parenthesis was), but do not forget about the Gen-Y crowd. I've seen both women and men (I'm sure not all of them were "gay") driving these cars to high school.
cz_75 says:
09:06 PM, 10/ 4/10
Super (New) Beetle.
angry_mushroom says:
11:48 PM, 10/ 4/10
Now if they made this rwd that would be pretty sweet.
jeremiahhutch says:
12:35 AM, 10/ 5/10
I can't see anything but that front bumper
lostboyz says:
04:34 AM, 10/ 5/10
considering its front engined, fwd, and based off the golf, no its not really a beetle at all
frank908 says:
05:26 AM, 10/ 5/10
I'm more interested in knowing what that white car is in the background of the first picture. It has black tape covering the emblem in the center of the grille.
A Skoda?
ballerdc says:
06:46 AM, 10/ 5/10
The author commented that the grill resembles the Cayenne. But wait!!! Before we send out the copy-cat police to Wolfsburg, it should be obvious to anyone that the entire bumper is nothing more than camo, and the production version will probably look nothing like that. Look at how the bumper overlaps the headlights and does not line up flush with the finder edge. Also the turn signal under the headlight looks like it was drawn onto the bumper.
But while the bumper most likely will not end up resembling the Cayenne's, the overall profile does resemble another Porsche: the 911, but with a hint of the PT Cruiser in the mix as well. And I don't know if that's a good thing.
moparbad says:
09:23 AM, 10/ 5/10
I like it today. Did not like it yesterday. S
It does appear to be a "poor man's Porsche".
zeniff says:
02:21 PM, 10/ 5/10
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawn.
sinna46 says:
03:16 PM, 10/ 5/10
If it were small and light I might be excited, but I assume it is just a Golf under the skin, which is not that small and not that light...
ambee514 says:
04:40 PM, 10/ 5/10
looks kinda like a 911, except lame. but still it is much better then the old one and i guess they felt that after 12 years it was time for an update. thanks VW that was overdue. (btw i do like VW)
garrym says:
04:41 PM, 10/ 5/10
My first impression is that it looks a little idd. Something about those front fenders when viewed from the side. Probably looks better in real life. The car was long overdue for a redesign and looking at the roofline and rear quarter image, VW might be right on with what they have done.
Less cute and more manly.
sugarlandtx says:
09:26 PM, 10/ 5/10
Come on people, it is a turd on wheels. If Kia was to market a car that looked like this, they would be laughed at. I looks like a 3rd world special. It looks like what you would have seen in Russia 40 years ago.
makakio says:
11:39 AM, 10/ 6/10
Nice redesign (for an ugly pug that many people like), but the cant of the turn signal indicators on the front bumper makes it look like the car has already rear-ended something. Level those things off!
bence says:
04:02 PM, 10/ 7/10
It looks like the love child of a Chrysler Crossfire and VW NB I.
offroadbob1 says:
04:29 PM, 10/ 9/10
Compared to the current one, this Bug one looks much more serious, menacing, and (dare I say it?) German. Ironically, it also looks like it would pimp up well. I cannot see this one with peace signs and daisy appliques. Well done, Volkswagen!
vache1 says:
11:09 PM, 10/11/10
This one has some clever camouflage on it which makes it look frumpy. Look at the seam between the front bumper cover and the fender, also the fender to wheel clearances are a giveaway. I'm sure the final product will be much nicer.
fantastic says:
10:38 AM, 10/12/10
it looks more civilized to me!!!!!..i like the styling..retro beetle,
jscion says:
10:20 AM, 10/17/10
This is definately not the finished product. The front and rear bumpers don't belong, they are from the current generation Beetle. I'm glad to see the Beetle taking a more masculine turn in styling. I love the new roofline and shape that truly mimics the old Beetle. The girly bubble shape of the current model prevents me from considering one. This redesigned version however makes me want to go get me a VW Beetle. Hopefully VW gives us a real retro Beetle for 2012!
sugarlandtx says:
06:28 AM, 11/23/10
Is this some kind of joke? I can't believe that anyone cares about this eye sore. It looks like the original ugly beetle of the 40's. Why would anyone be so stupid to buy something like this? Hey VW, why not bring out an Ox Cart complete with wooden wheels? If GM brought this out after the bailout money, all of us would be wondering if the designers went insane. A turd on wheels is the best description of this car. This will be the Aztec of VW.
stuntdan says:
12:17 PM, 11/23/10
I bet there are some tuners out there that will make come up with some great ideas for this car. Off the top of my head I say lower it with a set of EMPI Fuch reps that just came out in the 2011 catalogue in 17x7 with the 5x112 bolt pattern. The retro styling plus the retro porsche wheels and lowered stance will greatly improve a most likely watered down production vehicle.
jrhoglund1 says:
02:48 PM, 11/24/10
Turbo S, Euro Interior? ...Finally A Bug A Guy Can Buy Without Being Embarrsed.
phlegmbulance says:
09:42 AM, 11/28/10
Couple of things - air-cooled engine - not going to happen. EU rules killed air-cooled engines some time ago. That's why Porsche went to water cooled. Rear engine - VW is not going to make a one-off rear engine platform for a niche model. Perhaps if they went for a MINI style range of vehicles, including a rear engined new VW bus...but as long as the Golf platform is around, they're going to go for whatever's the least expensive. Of course the smart fortwo is a rear-engined car packed full of high tech wizardry and advanced engineering, and that came in at $15k or so.
Long front end due to FWD? Not really. The current Bug has the appearance of a short front end but it's FWD. If you've ever sat in the front of a modern Bug you'll realise there's about two feet of front shelf before the windshield. The extended raked windshield makes the front end look shorter than it is.
A Bug a man can buy without being embarrassed? Really? If you're confident about your own sexuality then the car you drive shouldn't matter.
Cynical exploitation? Welcome to capitalism in the 21st century.
Check out the Black Friday stampede videos. Cynically exploited people doing what they've been programmed to do.
carbuffer says:
08:42 PM, 02/ 8/11
They did a great job disguising the new bug. There are tight body cladding panels on almost on every panel adding to the look of pudginess. I have feeling this thing is going to look hotter than Megan Fox in a ponytail and knee-highs.
bugracer says:
08:20 AM, 02/12/11
Gordancing.....Chrysler obvious wasn't making the best choices in the world or they might have satyed in business.
I'm not sure about the body design yet but I do like the idea of a lower more aerodynamic beetle. I own a 2003 Turbo S model and love driving it but it would be nice if the roof line was a little lower, still it's like an over powered go-cart. I wish VW would apply some of the technology from Lamboghini into their cars. i replaced the turbo in mine with a larger model plus a few other mods to bring the horse power up to 345hp. With this horse power and the 6 speed manual it is a blast to drive and I love to see the faces of mustang, camaro and challenger drivers when a little bug walks off and leaves them in the dust.