Artists Build Life-Size VW Beetle from Sand

One of the star attractions at this year’s “New Beetle Sunshine Tour” that will take place at Grömitz in Northern Germany on July 19, 2008, will be without doubt a life-sized New Beetle made entirely from sand. The sculptured Beetle, which was created with river sand instead of sea sand as it’s more resilient, is the work of two sand castle artists, Michel de Kok from The Nederlands and his partner Martijn Smits. The tour is a private initiative that got started by Beetle Cabriolet driver Gabriele Kraft in 2004. This year’s gathering is considered special as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of VW’s New Beetle. -More photos after the jump

Lego Releases Classic Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen and LEGO fans alike are in for a treat with this one. Based on the iconic 1960 “Charlotte” model, the 16" (41cm) long and 6½" (16cm) high LEGO Beetle features a series of realistic details and functions like opening doors, hood and trunk, a spare tire in the front and engine in the back, a movable stick shift, opening glove compartment and seats that fold forward. In the U.S., the LEGO Beetle is priced at $119.99. -More pics after the jump


Via: Jalopnik

Tres Chic VW Beetle Trailer

When a person has taste, even a trailer can become a piece of art. Created from a chopped classic VW Beetle, the elegantly styled motorcycle/scooter trailer was apparently spotted somewhere in France.

Thanks for the tip Pete! , Via: Motorbiker

New Beetle Fans to Celebrate 10th Anniversary in Germany

In a couple of weeks, New Beetle fans from all over Europe are going to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the retro-penned VW with the “New Beetle Sunshine Tour”. The birthday tour starts midday on Saturday, July 19, at the Volkswagen Center in Lübeck, in Northern Germany. As soon as the Beetles gather up, the participants will drive down to Grömitz which is situated on the Baltic Sea and have a peach party. -Continued

The “New Beetle Sunshine Tour” is a private initiative that got started by Beetle Cabriolet driver Gabriele Kraft in 2004. The vibrant German takes charge of the organization of the party, which comes along each year in July. “What had its origin on a small scale has grown meanwhile into a regular international meeting. This year three New Beetles from Ukraine will be joining us as a first,” she says.

This year, more than 190 New Beetles with participants from all over Europe have registered already, and Kraft is pretty optimistic that there won’t be a single spot left on the beachy grasslands at Grömitz.

Sweetest VW Beetle Ever Appears at 2008 Busan Show

It appears that these kids found the car of their choice at the 2008 Busan International Show in Korea in the form of a scaled down VW New Beetle that was covered in biscuits, chocolates and various other treats. Even if dads weren’t interested in any VW models, we’re pretty sure that most of the kids made it clear that a visit to German carmaker’s stand wasn't negotiable… -One more pic after the jump

VW’s New Beetle Celebrates 10th Birthday

The new generation Beetle is celebrating its 10-year anniversary since it was first introduced in 1998. Originally unveiled as a design study car called “Concept 1” at the North American International Auto Show in 1994, the production New Beetle 3door and New Beetle Convertible have sold more than 500,000 units in the U.S. as of April 2008, while over 1 million units have been produced worldwide.

Not bad, but nowhere close to the 21,529,464 units its predecessor sold in the 50 or so years it remained in production. Still, if there’s one thing we like about the New Beetle, it's the car's contemporary design which remains as fresh –having received one minor facelift- as it was a decade ago. -Continued

“We are extremely proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the New Beetle, an iconic vehicle that has made a remarkable impact on automotive and pop culture history,” said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The New Beetle is a true reflection of Volkswagen’s commitment to individuality, design and pure driving pleasure.”

VW Beetle Hot Wheels 40th Anniversary Edition

Like the Honda Racer car that we showed you earlier today (click here), VW’s special edition Beetle was created in order to celebrate Hot Wheels’ 40th anniversary. However, this time we’re talking about a life-size vehicle and not a die-cast, scale model. Available initially for the Mexican market where it is built, the VW Beetle Hot Wheels model will be produced in an ultra limited run of just 240 units.

Offered in a choice of two colors, red or blue, the special edition Beetle is distinguished on the outside by Hot Wheels-styled alloy rims, special decals, a rear spoiler and red mirrors. Inside, the Beetle features two-tone leather seats with red stitching, matching floor mats, aluminum sport pedals, and front headrests with an engraved Hot Wheels logo along with a special numbered plate. –Full image gallery after the jump

Via: Motorpasion

Video: Heidi Klum Interviewed By VW Bug

If there’s one way to grab the attention of the male audience, that’s by using super sexy femme-fatales like the German supermodel, Heidi Klum –honestly, it’s that easy. In this latest Volkswagen advert, Heidi (yeah, the two of us go a long way back…) is interviewed by a quirky, talking 1964 black Beetle called Max.

The ad is part of a new advertising and marketing campaign from Volkswagen of America called DAS AUTO, which literally translates to “the car.” Apart from the TV ad with Heidi, the DAS AUTO campaign will include other spots featuring several guest stars like Mr Knight Rider David Hasselhoff, Star Trek’s Leonard Nimoy, NASA astronaut Richard Searfoss, music-sharing innovator Shawn Fanning and former basketball coach Bob Knight. –Click through to watch the video

Via: Autoblog.com

eBay: VW Beetle with 1936 Ford Front-End

We tried our best to find a logical explanation for this semi-conversion of a 1964 VW Beetle into something that kinda looks like a 30’s Ford model up front, but we came up empty handed. Totally pointless if you ask us, but feel free to justify this semi-replica by leaving us a comment below. -Continued

Link: ebay

VW Recalling New Beetle Special Edition Triple White

Volkswagen USA has issued a recall for 510 MY 2008 New Beetle Special Edition Triple White models due a faulty adhesive that may have been used to attach the roof spoiler to the rear glass of the car. If the incorrect adhesive was used, the spoiler could become loose or fall from the vehicle without warning, even though initially the spoiler may feel secure. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out the consequences of a flying spoiler taking off on a highway… According to VW, dealers will replace the roof spoiler on these vehicles at no cost.

VW New Beetle Celebrates 10th Birthday – One Million Sold So Far

The folks down at VW’s Mexican plant at Puebla have several reasons to celebrate as the 10th birthday of the New Beetle coincided with the production of the seven millionth Volkswagen in Mexico, which is at the same time the world’s one millionth New Beetle. The New Beetle was launched on the market ten years ago in January 1998. The vehicle is still exclusively built in Mexico for markets all over the world.

In his speech at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen AG, underscored his confidence in the Mexican location. He confirmed that Volkswagen would be investing approximately one billion US$ in Mexico over the next three years for Jetta production and capacity optimization at the Puebla plant. -Continued

“As our only production location in North America to date, Puebla plays a key role in our growth strategy for North America. Volkswagen de México and the Mexican supplier industry are certain to benefit from this.”

In concern of the New Beetle, Prof. Dr. Winterkorn noted: “The New Beetle has done a good job. 10 years and one million cars after production start-up it is still an important member of the Volkswagen family. We will be continuing this success story with the next generation of the New Beetle.”

Volkswagen Passat Coupe Un-cloaked

Pictures removed upon request -

Still not convinced that VW’s upcoming Passat Coupe is a “poor-man’s” Mercedes CLS? Then look no further than these images from “The Auto Channel” – especially the one where the spy photographer caught the Passat Coupe with minimum disguise undergoing cold weather testing alongside the Mercedes CLS. There are more design similarities between the CLS with the Passat Coupe than the CLS with the E-Class… -Continued after the jump

Volkswagen has already launched a teaser website for the Passat Coupe announcing that it will release further details in early 2008. From what we’ve heard, the luxury 4door sedan could make its worldwide debut as early as the Detroit Show in January, but this is something that we haven’t confirmed yet.

The Passat Coupe will be based on a revised version of the Passat platform and it will be offered with a variety of 4cylinder (all turbocharged) and V6 gasoline and diesel units. As an alternative in the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes E-Class & CLS, Audi A6 and Jaguar XF category, the Passat Coupe will be reasonably priced.

Via: The Auto Channel – Thanks Marc for allowing us to use the images!

Volkswagen New Beetle Limousine!

While a standard New Beetle won’t get you much attention these days, a Limo Bug on the other hand will certainly raise an eyebrow or two. Sure you see Hummer and Lincoln limos every day, but how many times have seen a stretched bug? The specific Bug'a'Limo is based on a 1999 2.0-liter Beetle GLS and it can seat 5 to 6 passengers in the rear (excluding the two seats up front). The rear passengers get all sorts of treats like a cd player, a mini TV and a small bar area along with an electric hatch / divider that seals off the back from the driver. -Continued after the jump

Link: eBay