New New Beetle

The original Volkswagen Beetle has been around since the 1940s and was in development for many years before. Since then, it has grown to be one of the most recognizable cars in the world. The Beetle has been described by many Volkswagen owners as a "family member who just happens to live in the garage." Volkswagen found a way to get to the hearts of their customers. That's hard to do. I doubt many Corolla owners would call their car part of the family.

Volkswagen stopped selling the Beetle in the U.S. in 1977. That's why, when they decided to bring it back in 1997, they needed to get the "New Beetle" just right. They needed a car that any customer would feel attached to.

Unfortunately, the New Beetle was incredibly girly. There was a kid in my fourth grade class whose mom owned one. It was lime green and she kept little flowers in the vase on the dashboard. A man simply couldn't drive a car like that. The original Beetle was the kind of car anyone could feel comfortable driving. It was a true people's car. A true Volkswagen.

Good news! By at least 2012, there will be a new New Beetle. Volkswagen says that the new one has been designed to be better looking and better to drive, all without sacrificing any Volkswagenness. It looks like they're right.

The new New Beetle will have less overhang over the front and rear wheels. It will also be wider and lower. Thankfully, the engine options remain strong. According to Automobile Magazine, the 2.5 liter five-cylinder (170 hp), the 2.0 liter turbo-diesel (140 hp), and the fantastic 2.0 liter turbo (200 hp) will all be available. Good engines, a lower stance, and better looks show that we can expect a much better Beetle. A Beetle that is, by no means, a lemon.