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Volkswagen Beetle (A5)

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This article is about the 2011–2019 model. For the original, built from 1938 to 2003, see Volkswagen Beetle. For the 1997–2010 model, see Volkswagen New Beetle.

The Volkswagen Beetle, also sold as the Volkswagen Käfer, Volkswagen Coccinelle, Volkswagen Maggiolino, and Volkswagen Fusca in some countries, is a small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen introduced in 2011 for the 2012 model year, as the successor to the New Beetle launched in 1997. It features a lower profile while retaining an overall shape homaging the original Volkswagen Type 1 Beetle. One of Volkswagen's goals with the model was to give it a more aggressive appearance while giving it some stylistic aspects reminiscent of the Type 1.[2][3] This was an attempt to distance the new model from the New Beetle, produced from 1997 to 2011, which never approached the success of the original Beetle.[4]

Volkswagen Beetle (A5)
2013 Volkswagen Beetle (Germany)
Overview
ManufacturerVolkswagen
Also calledVolkswagen Coccinelle (France)
Volkswagen Maggiolino (Italy)
Volkswagen Fusca (Brazil)
ProductionJuly 2011 – July 2019
Model years2012–2019
AssemblyMexico: Puebla City (Volkswagen de México)
DesignerWalter de Silva
Marc Lichte
Body and chassis
ClassSmall family car (C)
Body style3-door hatchback[1]
2-door cabriolet
LayoutFront-engine, front-wheel-drive
PlatformVolkswagen Group A5 (PQ35) platform
RelatedVolkswagen Golf Mk6
Powertrain
Enginepetrol engines:
1.2 L I4 TSI
1.4 L I4 16-valve TSI
1.8 L I4 16-valve TSI
2.0 L I4 16-valve TSI
2.5 L I5 20-valve
diesel engines:
1.6 L I4 TDI
2.0 L I4 TDI
Transmission5-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic
6-speed DSG
7-speed DSG
Dimensions
Wheelbase2,537 mm (99.9 in)
Length4,278 mm (168.4 in)
Width1,808 mm (71.2 in)
Height1,486 mm (58.5 in)
Chronology
PredecessorVolkswagen New Beetle
SuccessorVolkswagen Golf (for Compact models)
Volkswagen T-Roc Cabriolet (for Cabriolet models)
Brazilian version of the Beetle (A5), named Fusca

The second generation "new" Beetle shares the "A5" (PQ35) platform with the Jetta (A6) and was built alongside the Jetta, Golf Variant at Volkswagen's plant in Puebla, Mexico.[5] It is longer than the previous New Beetle at 4,278 mm (168.4 in) and also has a lower profile, 12 mm (0.5 in) lower than its predecessor, and 88 mm (3.5 in) wider. The trunk is now 310 L (11 cu ft), up from 209 L (7.4 cu ft). A convertible version followed the hatchback for the 2013 model year, first shown at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2012 when it also went on sale.[6]

Head of Technical Development for VW, Frank Welsch, indicated at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show that this would be the Beetle's final generation.[7] On 13 September 2018, Volkswagen announced that the Beetle production would end in July 2019.[8] The final third generation Beetle (a denim blue coupe) finished production on 9 July 2019,[9] and was presented on the assembly line the next day. The model was officially retired at a ceremony in Puebla City later that day.

Launch

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On 22 November 2010, on the final episode of the Oprah's Favorite Things special, Oprah Winfrey and Volkswagen announced every audience member that day would receive one of the Beetles upon its release in 2011. VW staff gave the audience their special keys to the car.[10] This was followed by a teaser commercial during Super Bowl XLV in February 2011.

To celebrate the global reveal, VW partnered with MTV, to make a debut on three continents on 18 April. The reveal began in Shanghai, China with a MTV Sound System celebration hosted by MTV VJs, followed by MTV World Stage events in Berlin and New York City.[11]

On 18 April 2011, the 2012 model was unveiled as the Volkswagen Beetle, dropping the word "New" from its name. It debuted at the 14th Auto Shanghai and the New York International Auto Show.

During the marketing campaign at Mexico, it was advertised as "The new Vocho" in the "Das Auto" marketing campaign.

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    Hatchback
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    Convertible
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    Rallycross Supercar
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    Interior

Engines

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The new model retains the front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout of the New Beetle, while improving interior packaging with more room in the rear.[12] Four-cylinder engine options for the European market include 1.2-litre (77 kW (105 PS; 103 hp)), 1.4-litre (118 kW (160 PS; 158 hp)) and 2.0-litre (147 kW (200 PS; 197 hp)) TSI petrol engines, and 1.6-litre (78 kW (106 PS; 105 hp)) and 2.0-litre (103 kW (140 PS; 138 hp)) TDI diesel engines. In addition to the 2.0-litre TSI and TDI engines, base North American Beetles were originally fitted with a (125 kW (170 PS; 168 hp)) straight-five engine (engine code CBTA/CBUA) earlier used on the Golf and Jetta.[5][12][13] From 2015 onward, the 2.5L straight-five was phased out in favor of a 1.8L four-cylinder TSI of comparable horsepower ratings but improved torque ratings over the straight-five.[citation needed]

All engines for this model are offered with an option of a six-speed manual transmission or the option of a dual-clutch DSG automatic. In the United States, transmissions on petrol models come with either a five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic on 2.5/1.8T models, while on the diesel models there is the option of a DSG six-speed dual-clutch transmission.[13]

Special editions

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Black Turbo launch edition

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The first special edition of the 2012 Beetle is the Black Turbo launch edition. It was limited to 600 cars on the U.S. market and was the first car available through Volkswagen’s new Vehicle Pre-Order program.[14]

Turbo Black

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VW Beetle Turbo Black

A Beetle Turbo Black made an appearance at the 30th annual Wörthersee Treffen in June 2011 in Reifnitz, Austria. It was located on the floating barge showcase at the entrance to the show. Other cars on the barge included a Reifnitz Edition GTI and the Touareg Racer.

e-Bugster

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e-Bugster at Geneva, 2012

The e-Bugster was a concept vehicle shown at the North American International Auto Show in January 2012; it is a battery-electric vehicle using a 85 kW (114 hp; 116 PS) motor[15] drawing from a 28.3 kW-hr lithium ion traction battery, for a range of 110 miles (180 km). It previewed the styling for an anticipated convertible edition of the A5; compared to the conventional Beetle, the e-Bugster was 30 mm (1.2 in) wider and the roof was 90 mm (3.5 in) shorter. Unlike other new Beetles, the E-Bugster is a two-seater, true to its Speedster styling, instead of 2+2.[16] Volkswagen allowed journalist Damon Lavrinc to drive the prototype and explained the powertrain components were taken from the contemporary e-Golf that shared the VW PQ35 platform, produced for the California market. Top speed was limited to 30 mph (48 km/h) for the test drive.[17]

Fender Edition

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In 2012, Volkswagen partnered with Fender Musical Instruments Corporation to release a limited edition Beetle for the 2013 model year. The Beetle Fender Edition uses the Beetle Turbo's front fascia and the 2.5L model's 18" disc wheels. Unique exterior features consist of Fender badges and chrome side mirror covers. The interior features a sunburst dashboard panel that pays homage to the Fender Stratocaster, a 400 watt premium audio system with nine speakers, an LCD screen, and a 10-channel amplifier.[18]

Xbox special edition

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In January 2013, an official Xbox special edition was released. It uses the straight-five 2.5 L (170 hp) and was offered in three different colors: Black, White and Silver, all of them with the characteristic Xbox colors, panoramic sunroof, rear spoiler and 18" rims. This special edition was available only for the Mexican market.[19]

GSR Limited Edition

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In February 2013 at the Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen introduced the Beetle GSR Limited Edition.[20] It is painted in yellow and black and only 3,500 were be produced, half of which were sold in the United States, the other half in Europe. This special edition is modelled after the original 1973 special edition Super Beetle dubbed the GSR or, Gelb Schwarz Renner, Yellow Black Racer in English. It was also the only Volkswagen that was offered with a factory boost gauge. The new GSR comes with Volkswagen's new 2.0L turbo four cylinder, this time making an extra 10 horsepower for a total of 210 hp (157 kW).[21]

R-Line

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This limited edition trim level was equipped with the Gen 3 210 hp turbo four, a new front fascia and a metal dash plate finished off with 'R' badging all around. Along with increased performance, the engine was expected to get about 8% greater fuel economy, or around 1–2 more miles per gallon. The engine was fitted to all Volkswagens that were previously equipped with the Gen 2 2.0L turbo four.[22]

Dune

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A version with a rugged off-road look called the 'Beetle Dune' went on sale in 2016. Although four-wheel drive is not available, the car's suspension has been raised by 1.4 centimetres (0.55 in) and an exclusive yellow colour is available as an option.[23][24]

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    VW Beetle Dune
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    VW Beetle Dune

Beetle #PinkBeetle

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The Beetle #PinkBeetle first began life as a concept car called the “Beetle Pink Edition”,[25] but was renamed to Volkswagen Beetle #PinkBeetle upon production. It is a version with pink accents and exclusive pink color,[26] and was unveiled at the 2015 New York Auto Show alongside the Beetle Wave. It is the only model that has a hashtag in its name. The Beetle #PinkBeetle was produced from 2017 to early 2018.

Beetle Wave

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The Beetle Wave, also known as the Beetle Surf, is the concept stage of the Beetle Coast, with two prototypes being unveiled at the 2015 New York Auto Show and the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show. It is a special version of the Beetle with 2 fully-wooden surfboards, an exclusive orange accent and “habanero orange” color, a houndstooth interior, real wood garnish for the dashboard, chrome mirror caps, 19-inch “Tornado”-design wheels, and Michigan license plates that read “NEW YORK CITY - BTL SRF”.[27][28] The car pays homage to the Volkswagen Type 2 (T1), as both vehicles were designed for summertime enjoyment.[29] Standard trim options include a soft convertible top.[30]

Beetle Coast

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The Beetle Coast is the production version of the Beetle Wave concept car, officially released on January 1, 2018. It was offered as a convertible or as a coupe with a panoramic sunroof and was available in Coast-exclusive Deep Sea Teal paint. Coast-specific details include surfboard wood dash accents, houndstooth interior (carried over from its concept stage) and disk-design hubcaps instead of the “Tornado”-design wheels from its concept. The Beetle Coast was designed to compete with the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and the Mazda3.

53 Edition

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A version with red, white and blue stripes running from front to back vertically and 53s on the doors, hood and trunk, made to resemble the paint job of Herbie The Love Bug, was sold exclusively in Spain.[31]

Final Edition

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The Final Edition is the final version of the model sold in 2019 with two colors that were tributes to past Beetle models: Safari Uni Beige and Stonewashed Blue. Three other colors offered are Platinum Grey, Pure White, and Deep Black Pearl. The Final Edition came in both coupe and convertible body styles. There are two trims: SE and SEL.[32]

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    VW Beetle Final Edition

Sales

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The previous generation New Beetle Convertible was sold alongside the Beetle Coupe (A5) in 2012. An all-new A5 based Beetle Convertible replaced the New Beetle Convertible for the 2013 model year.[citation needed]

Calendar year Global (production) U.S. sales
Coupe Convertible New Beetle Convertible Total
2012 107,939[33] 28,654 - 520 29,174[34]
2013 109,517[35] 25,084 18,050 - 43,134[36]
2014 91,464[35] 17,414 11,768 - 29,182[37]
2015 64,035[38] 13,025 9,642 - 22,667[39]
2016 61,940[38] 9,830 5,837 - 15,667[40]
2017 59,483[41] 8,627 6,539 - 15,166[42]
2018 37,846[41] 8,636 5,775 - 14,411[43]
2019 20,580[44] 7,704 9,511 - 17,215[45]
Total 552,804 118,965 67,122 520 186,607

References

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  1. ^ "The 2017 Beetle: Hatchback or Convertible?". www.vwofakron.com. 6 July 2017. Retrieved 8 November 2023.
  2. ^ "2012 VW Beetle Turbo Review". Automoblog.net. 27 June 2012. Retrieved 27 June 2012.
  3. ^ Lim, Anthony (18 April 2011). "Volkswagen Beetle – new generation bug makes debut". paultan.org. Retrieved 18 April 2011.
  4. ^ English, Andrew (15 August 2011). "Volkswagen Beetle review". The Daily Telegraph. London.
  5. ^ a b Spy Shots: First photos of 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle, accessdate 2010-1231
  6. ^ Garrett, Jerry (28 November 2012). "Volkswagen Beetle Convertible: Never a Dull Moment". The New York Times.
  7. ^ Tisshaw, Mark (6 March 2018). "Volkswagen confirms Beetle won't be replaced | Autocar". Autocar. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  8. ^ "Volkswagen confirms Beetle will cease production | BBC". bbc.co.uk/news. 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  9. ^ Wendler, Andrew (9 July 2019). "The Very Last Volkswagen Beetle Rolls off the Production Line". Car and Driver. Retrieved 10 July 2019.
  10. ^ "Oprah's Favorite Thing: Free 2012 Volkswagen New Beetles for All". TheCarConnection. 22 November 2010. Retrieved 31 December 2010.
  11. ^ "Volkswagen to Reveal the 21st Century Beetle on Three Continents – Auto News, Reviews, Specification, Price and Car Pictures on". Gotbroken.com. 4 April 2011. Retrieved 19 April 2011.
  12. ^ a b "New Beetle spied almost undisguised". Auto Express. Retrieved 31 December 2010.
  13. ^ a b "VW Beetle Feature Gallery". Official VW Beetle Blog. Archived from the original on 5 February 2013.
  14. ^ "Volkswagen takes the wraps off of the first special edition of its 2012 Beetle". europeancarnews.com. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
  15. ^ "E-BUGSTER CONCEPT MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT 2012 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW". Media.vw.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2012.
  16. ^ "E-Bugster: The Volkswagen Beetle with e-lectrifying performance". Volkswagen UK. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  17. ^ Lavrinc, Damon (26 July 2012). "This All-Electric Beetle Could be Volkswagen's Next Roadster". Wired. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  18. ^ "2013 Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition". Topspeed.com. 1 June 2012. Retrieved 15 September 2018.
  19. ^ "The Beetle Edición Limitada Xbox". Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  20. ^ "volkswagen unveils the limited-edition beetle gsr at the chicago auto show". media.vw.com. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  21. ^ "2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR First Test - Motor Trend". Motor Trend. 25 December 2013. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
  22. ^ "Volkswagen presents the Beetle GSR Limited Edition in Chicago". AutoMonthly.pt. Retrieved 9 February 2013.
  23. ^ "VW Beetle Dune - Der Käfer für den Strand". 27 May 2016.
  24. ^ "Five First Impressions: 2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune". 13 May 2016.
  25. ^ "Volkswagen Beetle Pink Edition Concept - Exterior and Interior Walkaround - 2015 New York Auto Show". AutoMotoTube. 6 April 2015. Retrieved 26 June 2022.
  26. ^ Beltrone, Gabriel (27 September 2016). "The Official Name of Volkswagen's New Car Is a Hashtag: #PinkBeetle". Adweek. Retrieved 19 June 2017.
  27. ^ "Volkswagen Beetle Wave Concept - Exterior and Interior Walkaround - 2015 New York Auto Show". AutoMotoTube. 7 April 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  28. ^ "VW's New Wave: Beetle Wave Concept Is Orange and Houndstoothy". Car and Driver. 31 March 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  29. ^ "2015 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Wave Concept". Top Speed. 3 April 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  30. ^ "2016 Volkswagen Beetle Wave Convertible - Exterior, Interior Walkaround - 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show". AutoMotoTube. 2 October 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2022.
  31. ^ "Herbie goes to Spain with VW Beetle 53 Edition". Autoblog.
  32. ^ "2019 Volkswagen Beetle Final Edition: The Bug Finally Gets Squashed". The Drive. 13 September 2018. Retrieved 13 September 2018.
  33. ^ "Annual Report 2012". Volkswagen. p. 107.
  34. ^ "VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS DECEMBER 2013 AND YEAR-END RESULTS".
  35. ^ a b "Annual Report 2014". Volkswagen.
  36. ^ "VOLKSWAGEN REPORTS DECEMBER 2013 AND YEAR-END RESULTS".
  37. ^ "VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS DECEMBER SALES AND 2015 YEAR-END RESULTS".
  38. ^ a b "Annual Report 2016". Volkswagen.
  39. ^ "VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS DECEMBER SALES AND 2015 YEAR-END RESULTS".
  40. ^ "VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS DECEMBER AND 2017 YEAR-END SALES RESULTS".
  41. ^ a b "Annual Report 2018". Volkswagen.
  42. ^ "VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS DECEMBER AND 2017 YEAR-END SALES RESULTS".
  43. ^ "VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS DECEMBER AND 2019 YEAR-END SALES RESULTS".
  44. ^ "Annual Report 2020". Volkswagen.
  45. ^ "VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA REPORTS DECEMBER AND 2019 YEAR-END SALES RESULTS".
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