VW Beetle 1999

Strong public reaction to the Concept 1 convinced the company that it should develop a production version which was launched as the New Beetle in 1997, based on the Golf IV's larger platform. The New Beetle is related to the original only in name and appearance.

At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a "retro"-themed concept car with a resemblance to the original Volkswagen Beetle. Designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio, the concept car was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Polo.

In 1995, a new version of the Concept One was shown, in the Tokyo Motor Show. This one had major restyling and looked a lot like the final production version, launched in 1998.

Strong public reaction to the Concept 1 convinced the company that it should develop a production version which was launched as the New Beetle in 1997, based on the Golf IV's larger platform. The New Beetle is related to the original only in name and appearance. For the 1998 model year, only the TDI compression-ignition engine was turbocharged; the spark-ignition engines were only naturally aspirated. In June 1999, Volkswagen introduced the 1.8T, which was the first turbocharged spark-ignition engine offered for the New Beetle. A convertible was added in midyear 2003.

The New Beetle carries many design similarities with the original VW Beetle: separate wings, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps and large round tail lights, as well as a high rounded roofline. It was assembled in VW's Puebla factory in Mexico.

This car has covered 2,340 km.