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Almost 20 years since its inceptions as the second generation front-wheel drive, the current 2011 Beetle is all set to retire for good. The same was confirmed by Volkswagen R&D boss Frank Welsch. Two decades down the line, an all-new electric VW Beetle is all set to replace the iconic 4WD Beetle.
Once approved the classic two-door design will make way for an all-new four-door set-up with rear-wheel drive. Reportedly, the rear wheel drive system was part of the original ‘Type 1’ 1945 Beetle. The new Beetle will rest on the MEB architecture. The MEB Architecture is set to underpin all upcoming offerings from the VW Factory. The new offerings will also carry ID badge. The first in line powertrain offers are supposed to be the ID hatchback slated for a next year release.
Following worldwide backlash over its emission scandals, VW is all set for an image makeover. The German Giant is all set to add a greater number of “emotional” cars to its range of offerings. And there could be no other model that fits the role than The Beetle. Till date, it remains VW’s most storied nameplate.
VW’s design boss Klaus Bischoff has already sketched a MEB platform based four-door Beetle but at the same time has confirmed that a decision on production could take between two to three years.
On concerns that emotional models could create confusion and end up on the options list of the same customer Bischoff said, “It has always been the culture at VW that there’s enough room for two or even three [in the same segment].”
In case you didn't know, back in the days when VW commanded great respect in the AutoWorld its classic VW camper van had received a phenomenal public response from the generation of the 60 ’s. VW camper van became a cult status for freedom and expression. And 60 years later VW would be hoping that the all-electric ID Buzz microbus will generate at least some part if not all of the buzz that its parent had once enjoyed. In addition to the microbus which is expected to be a 2022 release, VW will also launch ID Crozz SUV and ID Vizzion sedan. Also, expect a few mainstream electric vehicles in between along with a more spacious electric SUV.
VW boss Herbert Diess stressed that MEB toolkit was a perfect basis for ‘emotional’ concepts. He said,”We have a good chance on the electric side. You can do derivatives efficiently. We have a very flexible platform. We can do nice things: rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.”. He also claimed that the VW groups EV strategy was miles ahead of other automakers initiatives in this developing segment.
While a four-door more spacious electric Beetle sounds good on paper, but it still could take a couple of years before getting production ready. VW design boss Klaus Bischoff believes that the current focus must center around producing the bigger-selling models before arriving at a decision on a Beetle EV and other models. The MEB platform no doubt offers a packaging advantage that enhances both appeal and space of the yesteryear classics but current line of models must remain the flag bearers for the next few years or so.
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