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Automotive Industry

VW new beetle goes topless - New Product in Brief - Volkswagen New Beetle

Automotive Industries, Dec, 2002 by Brent Haight

The Basics

When Volkswagen introduced the New Beetle in 1998, it had an immediate hit. The stylish redesign of the 1950 - 1970 classic appealed to former bug drivers while attracting a whole new generation of Beetle aficionados.

When it came to adding a convertible version, Volkswagen admits that keeping the New Beetle's familiar exterior shape was a challenge. "Our goal has been to preserve the appearance, the structural integrity and inherent safety of the New Beetle sedan in the convertible." says Stefan Krebsfanger, manager, product strategy North America at VW.

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To keep its shape, much of the convertible's rear has been modified from the sedan version. The stationary rear seat was completely redesigned. It is somewhat narrower than the sedan's rear seat and comprises a strong support that enhances chassis rigidity. The convertible incorporates an extra-rigid body structure and semi-independent suspension system.

Engine

Engineers redesigned Volkswagen's 2.0L S0HC 4-cyl, engine specifically for the New Beetle convertible. The engine has been updated with two balance shafts in the crankcase to dampen engine vibration and provide smoother operation. Engineers also designed a twin-path intake manifold to produce a broader torque band, resulting in slightly improved performance for the base mode.

Later in 2003, VW's 1.8T engine will be available. The four-cylinder, turbocharged, five-valve-per-cylinder engine delivers 150 hp at 5,800 rpm and 162 ft.-lbs. of torque from 2,200 to 2,400 rpm.

Convertible Top

The convertible is available with a manual or semi-automatic cloth-lined top that opens and closes in 13 seconds. The top was made by Karmann and features three layers for improved insulation and wintertime drivability. The outer covering itself is comprised of three layers polyacrylnitril. Next is an insulated padding made of chloroprene rubber. The final layer is a polyester inner covering liner.

What we think

Having said goodbye to the Cabrio this year, VW needs to have a convertible in its lineup to compete in the convertible segment. And this is a solid contender.

Volkswagen is hoping to sell 30,000 New Beetle Cabriolet convertibles annually when they are introduced to the market in January. The emotional attachment alone will sell that many cars.

RELATED ARTICLE: 2003 VOLKSWAGEN NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE

What is it: The long-awaited convertibleversion of VW's popular New Beetle Cabriolet powered by a reengineered 2.0L, SOHC, 4-cyl., in-line gasoline engine.

Bore: 3.25 in.

Stroke: 3.65 in.

Displacement: 121.0 in. (cubic)

Horsepower: 115 hp at 5,400 rpm

Maximum Torque: 125 lbs.-ft. at 3,200 rpm

Compression Ratio: 10.0:1

Supplier involvement:

Convertible top assembly: Karmann

CHMSL: Visteon

Seat assembly: JCI and Lear

Floor system: Carcoustics

HVAC system: Valeo

HVAC contorl: Preh

IP: Faurecia

Instrument cluster: Magneti Marelli

Door trim panel: Faurecia

Source: CSM Worldwise.

Automotive Industry

VW new beetle goes topless - New Product in Brief - Volkswagen New Beetle

Automotive Industries, Dec, 2002 by Brent Haight

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