About the Volkswagen Convertible Beetle

The Convertible Beetle was inspired by both Adolf Hitler and Ferdinand Porsche.

The Volkswagen Convertible Beetle was officially introduced in the late 1940s and was inspired by both Adolf Hitler and Ferdinand Porsche. The original model, with alterations made to it throughout the years, was produced until 1980. In 2003, a new version of the Convertible Beetle was introduced that featured a more powerful engine, better safety features and a slightly altered exterior design.

History

The Volkswagen Beetle Convertible was first introduced in 1949, although it did not go by the name "Beetle." Known as The Heb, or as the Type 14A, it was designed by Josef Hebmuller and featured a 1131-cubic-centimeter, 25-horsepower engine. Another VW Convertible, developed by Karmann of Osnabrück, was also manufactured in 1949. This version was first referred to as Type 15 and later was named the Karmann Cabriolet until it became known as the VW Convertible Beetle. This version was manufactured until 1980. In 2003, Volkswagen introduced a new generation of Beetle, including a new VW Convertible Beetle.

Advancements

Ashtrays were added to the Beetle in 1950.

Over the years, the VW Beetle Convertible has undergone a wide range of changes. In 1950, the mechanical brakes were replaced by hydraulic brakes, and an ashtray was inserted over the starter button of the vehicle. In 1960, a 34-horsepower engine was installed, and the top speed increased to 87 mph. In 1970, a 1.6-liter engine with 50 horsepower was added as well as spring front suspension. In 1973, the Beetle convertible was only offered as a Type 1303 LS, otherwise known as the "Super Beetle." The Beetle Convertible was discontinued on January 10, 1980, and reintroduced in 2003 as part of the New Beetle lineup.

Interior Features

The interior of the New Beetle Convertible comes standard with an in-dash CD player and a 10-speaker radio system, as well as iPod and MP3 compatibility as compared with older models that only featured an AM/FM radio. The Immobilizer III, a theft deterrent system, also comes standard. The Immobilizer III disables the Beetle's ignition if anything other than the digitally coded key is inserted inside the ignition. Heated seats also come standard.

Performance

The new Convertible Beetles feature the most porwerful engines yet.

A 2.5-liter, five-cylinder engine with 150 horsepower comes standard in the New VW Convertible Beetle that offers 170 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. The original models contained only 25-horsepower engines. A standard five-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed automatic transmission with a manual override mode is also offered in new models. The front wheel drive VW Convertible gets 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway. The base price for a VW Convertible is $26,390 as of 2010.

Design

The New VW Convertible Beetle comes in a wide range of colors, with matching bumper and door handle colors available, and has an overall body weight of 3,248 pounds. The wheelbase is 98.8 inches with a length of 161.1 inches, a width of 67.9 inches and a height of 59.1 inches. The rounded front end, found on all previous version of the VW Beetle, has remained intact. All models come with 16-inch alloy wheels and a removable soft-top, as well as galvanized steel body panels. New colors became available for older models beginning in 1975.

Safety

Air bags come standard on new models.

The New Volkswagen Convertible Beetle comes standard with anti-lock brakes, four air bags, and daytime running lights. Other safety features include height adjustable seat belts, a tire pressure monitoring system, a collapsible steering column, anti-intrusion side-impact door beams, electronic brake force distribution, anti-intrusion side-impact door beams, and automatic locking doors that activate once the vehicle hits 8 mph.

References

• Car Seek: Volkswagen Beetle
• Home: The History of the Volkswagen Convertible Beetle
• NZ Herald: Volkswagen's Good Vibrations
• Car: Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible
• VW: New Beetle

Resources

• VW: Volkswagen Creates Life-Size Pink New Beetle Convertible for Barbie 50th Birthday
• Wheels: Convertibles Through the Ages