New Beetle being hatched

More than eight years after the German people’s car was reborn with a beetle body bolted over a Golf mechanical package, work is being finalised on a 21st century take on the classic shape.

The new-new Beetle should be in showrooms within 18 months, following the latest Golf 6 and the Polo which will be revealed by Volkswagen next year.

There is an outside chance the Beetle will be shown as a concept next week at the Paris Motor Show, as Volkswagen says it will have three show cars in the French capital. One is confirmed as the Golf GTi, which goes into production next year, but the other two are being kept a closely-guarded secret.

But Wittig hints that the car is even closer, at least to production.

“This will take a couple more months,” he says.

Although the timing for the Beetle’s renewal is uncertain, all the work has been done — including the styling.

“We in design are ready,” says Frank Bruese of the Volkswagen design department.

He says VW has a tough job with the Beetle because, like the Porsche 911, its basic design is a classic form. Still, he says there have been significant changes which will not affect the appeal of the car.

“It’s is more of a man’s car. A bit stronger, a bit tougher,” Bruese says.

“The current one is more architectural, this one is more emotional and sporty. It’s sharpened.”

The born-again Beetle was one of the earliest retro cars from the 1990s, although it has since been followed by — and overtaken by — everything from the Mini to the upcoming Chevrolet Camaro.

The Mini was updated well ahead of the Beetle — and is also being stretched with the Clubman, a second-generation Cabrio and the upcoming 4x4 wagon—but VW has taken its time with the Beetle.

Bruese says the timing has allowed the design team to do more work on the car, not just in detailing but even in the way the classic beetle body is updated.

“This circle is something to play with,” he says.