Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible

VW New Beetle Cabriolet

Volkswagen convertible combines a lifestyle character with everyday driving

October 16, 2002 9:16 AM
Filed Under: Volkswagen

Press Release

1. Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible - Positioning Convertible fun every day of the year The new New Beetle Convertible will be coming onto the market in the first quarter of 2003. The design is absolutely original and a synonym for joie de vivre independent of status. With its overall design, the New Beetle Convertible interprets the positive character of the classic Beetle Convertible, which made history as the first classless Volkswagen, in a refreshing and progressive way. Today, too, the new convertible's emotional values and technical features find resonance wherever open travel is an approach to life. The Beetle Convertible, highly suitable for everyday driving, was classless in every respect; the totally modern New Beetle Convertible transfers this vehicle concept to the modern age The spiritual connections between the New Beetle Convertible and the Beetle Convertible are even closer than those between their sedan counterparts. This is because the classic Beetle was - in Europe more than in the USA - a symbol of the "age of the economic miracle", because it allowed millions of people to enjoy affordable private mobility for the first time. On the other hand, the New Beetle sedan was a lifestyle and not a car for the masses right from the start. It has achieved cult status, especially in North America; in Europe the New Beetle has become a trendsetter for a new, individual mode of transportation. This contrast does not exist between the New Beetle Convertible and the Beetle Convertible. Even in 1949, when the first model was introduced, it started its triumphant advance as a classless four-seater that democratized top-down driving. With a fully developed design, it offered pure, open-air driving fun for everyday driving - everywhere in the world. The New Beetle Convertible is a totally modern interpretation of exactly this automotive concept. A lifestyle car, just as classless, just as open and just as completely suitable for everyday driving. The common denominator of the Beetle and New Beetle sedans is the form, while the Beetle Convertible and the New Beetle Convertible have the same function and community of fans in common, as well as the form. Volkswagen is one of the world's most successful manufacturers of convertibles: over one million Beetle and Golf convertibles were built. Without being the direct successor of the Beetle or Golf convertible, the new New Beetle Convertible will still take over their clientele around the world. The Golf Convertible was sold - like the New Beetle Convertible will be - in Canada, the USA, Japan, Australia, South Africa and South America, to name a few, as well as in Western Europe. Counting together all three generations, exactly 684,193 open Golfs were delivered into the hands of the convertible fans of this world. Previously - in an automotive era generally characterized by smaller quantities - the Beetle Convertible brought pleasure to 330,281 customers. With over one million convertibles sold, Volkswagen made history and consequently is among the world's most successful manufacturers of automobiles of this type. Since the days of the first Beetle Convertibles, the most dominant and extensive convertible markets for Volkswagen have been Western Europe and the USA. And it is in North America that the New Beetle Convertible will start its up-and-coming journey to all five continents. The New Beetle Convertible will attain a conquest rate of 70 percent and talk many sedan drivers into the open way of driving Sociodemographic surveys of the New Beetle Convertible produce a very clear picture of the target group. In more than 50 percent of the cases, it will be women who drive the new open Volkswagen. The average age will be less than 40 years; for the Golf convertible, it was 44 years, for the New Beetle sedan, it is 41. Consequently, when looking at the age structure of its owner, the New Beetle Convertible is at the level of the sporty roadster (2-seater) in the same segment. Around 25 percent of the New Beetle Convertible owners are single and about 75 percent own more than one car. Volkswagen assumes that the New Beetle Convertible will attain a conquest rate of 70 percent. Because of its unrestricted suitability for winter and everyday driving as well as the four fully-fledged seats in the open Volkswagen, many drivers of closed vehicles will choose a convertible for the first time; the prognoses here indicate 50 percent. 2. Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible - Body Quality and safety at the highest level Even although there are worlds separating the designs of the Beetle Convertible and New Beetle Convertible, their bodies still reflect, so to speak, the automobile design that is probably the best known in the world. Although the classic was not copied, it is still possible to recognize clear parallels to the Beetle Convertible, particularly in the silhouette of the open New Beetle Convertible, when its soft-top rests on the back of the car. Unlike the custom today, the top does not disappear under a flap, but instead remains visible as a stylistically prominent design element. But in this case, thanks to the use of an innovative folding mechanism, it sits much lower than the soft-top of the Beetle Convertible. Viewed from the side, the classic and the newcomer therefore both present a similar look with a cover that overhangs towards the rear and a prominent slanting rear end under it. Deliberate visual parallels between classic and modern preserve tradition while still completely reinterpreting the design of the Beetle Additional points in common between the classic and the modern styles are the basic shapes of the bodies with their independent plastic fenders, integrated round headlights and domed trunk or engine hood. And the side trim strip. However, while it connected the fenders in an arc on the Beetle Convertible, it elegantly encompasses the line originating at the A pillar and running between the upper body and edge of the lower window/soft-top on the modern convertible, which appears substantially more elongated and which is, in fact, considerably larger. Because of the cab-forward design of the New Beetle, both driver and front-seat passenger experience that pure convertible feeling You will notice a completely different parallel when you get into the opened convertible: the incredibly large roof-free area between the A pillar and the imaginary C pillar. Because the windshield frames were much smaller before the 1980's, it was normal for the driver and front-seat passenger to be sailing through the wind far back from this frame. Above them was only sky. The large windshield frames common on convertibles today, which also have a supporting function as the front rollover protection, mean that the crossmember over the driver and front-seat passenger restricts the freedom above them. This is not true for the New Beetle Convertible: because of the marked cab-forward design, the windshield frame starts farther forward. The result is a pure convertible driving experience. This sensation is strengthened by the front seat, which is moved slightly back towards the middle. Compared to the New Beetle with fixed steel roof, there are intentionally no immediately noticeable differences in the exterior - except for specific convertible features. Even the shape of the elegant soft top follows that of the sedan top. New are the side indicator lights integrated in the outside mirror housings. Also modified was the tailgate cut-out: it extends farther down into the bumper. New colors emphasize the appealing character of the convertible; optional wind deflector for even more everyday comfort The colors of the paint finishes developed especially for the New Beetle Convertible shake up everyday life: just the names - such as Aquarius Blue, Mellow Yellow and Harvest Moon, to name only a few - make it clear that a positive and appealing character is an essential feature of this car. An optional wind deflector is also available for mounting in the rear. At high speeds it substantially reduces the turbulence in the passenger compartment. Because the wind deflector can be folded together four times, it doesn't take up much space when stored in the trunk. The trunk has a volume of 201 liters or 7 cubic feet and is also equipped with a 12 volt outlet for a cooler; the standard pass-through (with optional ski-bag) allows longer objects (skis up to 1.90 meters or 6'2" long) to be stored in the car's interior. The New Beetle Convertible Soft-Top The three-layer cloth soft-top, which stands up to winter conditions, can be opened manually or with an optional electrohydraulic system. The soft-top frame is covered by the headliner and has three fold areas that rest upon each other in the form of a Z when open. The three areas are formed by the segment directly behind the A pillar, a middle segment and the rear roof section. The front section has an integrated locking mechanism and the rear one has a bonded heated mineral glass rear window. This construction reduces the height of the top when opened and also means that the engineering team has made it comparatively easy to open the mechanical version of the top. Furthermore, the outer skin of the soft-top is tightly stretched and, with the corresponding connections to the frame, cannot bulge out even at top speed. No target for the airstream: when the top is up, the windows fit perfectly into the sealing system; when the top is opened, they sink by 60 millimeters (2.4 inches) The top is released with a one-hand release in the front crossmember. This is done with a lever that lies flat in the inner roof lining when not in use. As soon as the lever is pulled out with a button, it can be turned to the left in order to release the soft-top from the locking device in the windshield frame. At this time, the side windows electrically lower approximately 60 millimeters or 2.4 inches from the door and roof sealing system, which has been designed with a view to sound insulation. In addition, a central switch allows the windows to be opened and closed with the press of a button. The soft-top can then be completely opened either manually or electrically. While the top is opening, the blue display of the outside temperature – at the level of the rear-view mirror – changes to a yellow vehicle/top symbol. The display does not show the temperature again until the open soft-top has been firmly locked with a special anchorage system or until the top has been completely closed. Electrohydraulic soft-top opens and closes in only 13 seconds For safety reasons, an acoustic signal sounds when the opening or closing process has completed when the electrohydraulic system is used. After the driver releases the top in the front roof area, either the driver or the front seat passenger pulls a button with unambiguous operation that is located next to the hand brake and so activates the opening. The unit not only lowers and closes the soft-top, it also independently controls the electromechanically controlled linkage flaps on the sides of the outer area of the rear seats. These flaps, finished in the same color as the car, are closed when the soft-top is open and protect the mechanism underneath as well as perfecting the visual effect. The technically complex procedure for putting the top down lasts only 13 seconds. Volkswagen delivers the standard model New Beetle Convertible with a tonneau cover in the same color as the interior. This is stretched over the soft-top once it has been folded together. This tonneau cover protects the top from dust during longer drives, but its use is optional. Passive Safety of the New Beetle Convertible The New Beetle Convertible, with standard front airbags and side airbags in the front, is one of the safest open vehicles on the market. One of the many reasons for this: the standard rollover protection. The system is located behind the back of the rear seat. Rollover and crash sensors detect when the car is in danger of rolling and trigger the protection system via a control device. When this happens, two profiled supports shoot up and, together with the reinforced windshield frame, protect all four seats in the Volkswagen. The rollover protection system's profiled supports are in place in only 0.25 seconds; they then form an effective unit with the windshield frame In detail, the rollover protection system consists of two separate cassettes, each of which is screwed in behind the rear seats to six linking points between the two rear trunk walls. Because of the very efficient statics of the profile construction and pass-through screws, the rollover protection can absorb considerably higher forces than other systems known today. As soon as the sensors detect the there is a danger of an impending rollover or collision (front, rear, side), a so-called articulated lever release system frees the two extendable profiled supports, which spring out a maximum of 265 millimeters or 10.4 inches within 0.25 seconds. The profiles are securely locked in their end positions. If the soft-top is closed, the spring-loaded rollover protection system deploys against the soft-top. The high torsional rigidity of the convertible meets extremely exacting standards In addition to the rollover protection system, the body, reinforced and completely galvanized in all essential areas (12 year guarantee against rust perforation), ensures maximum comfort. Selected reinforcements to the body, such as ultra high-strength tubes in the A and B pillars as well as in the doors and on the rear seat crossmember, result in optimum rigidity. The additional steps taken on the body and their effects on specific types of crashes, in detail: Offset crash – The New Beetle Convertible shows very limited footwell deformation and slight risk of injury to the lower extremities. This was achieved by Side crash – the development team was able to achieve only slight deformation and consequently a reduced risk of injury by selecting Rollover – neutralizing the dangers from a potential rollover is a major concern with convertibles. Therefore the New Beetle has Furthermore, the especially stable back wall and additional reinforcement measures also reduce the consequences of a rear crash. The vibrational behavior of the New Beetle Convertible Just as exemplary as the crash behavior of the New Beetle Convertible is the vibrational comfort; this is a discipline in which open automobiles are especially likely to show steering wheel jitter and uncomfortable body movements under certain circumstances. The new Volkswagen convertible withstands these tendencies with its high torsional rigidity, an engine-transmission unit designed as a dynamic vibration absorber, an aluminum reinforcement capusle under the engine and diagonal supports in the rear axle area. This means that it is not necessary to use any additional heavy vibration absorbers (9 to 14 kilo or 20 to 30 pounds each). The vibrational behavior of the convertible is “Best in Class�; furthermore, it even outdoes the next higher vehicle class Taken together, these steps are clearly effective: the vibrational behavior of the New Beetle Convertible is “Best in Class“ - and not only in comparison to its own segment, but also to the next higher one. An example: in up to 68 percent of the cases, the vibration paths in the area of the A pillar are smaller in the transverse direction than those of the considerably more expensive competition in the larger middle class. The driver in particular notices the superior vibrational comfort of the New Beetle Convertible because the steering column is free from vibrations. 3. Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible – Interior The avant-garde four-seater among open compacts The New Beetle Convertible is a true four-seater with an interior that is designed to be as roomy as it is comfortable. For the convertible, the unique avant-garde interior of the New Beetle introduced in 1998 underwent further refinement that was specified with the soft-top in mind. All innovations that were not aimed directly at the soft-top were then also immediately incorporated into the classic New Beetle. The first modifications are apparent as soon as the door opens. For example, there are no conventional door lock buttons anymore. Among other changes made with the parked open convertible in mind, they have been replaced by LEDs. The door is unlocked using the door's inside handle. The release for the backs of the front seats was redesigned; easy-entry function makes it easier for passengers to get into and out of the rear seat Also redeveloped was the release for the front seat backs (with easy-entry function); it now folds down flatter because the B pillar and rear side panels in the convertible extend further in. This has a technical background, because here the rear side windows, which can be lowered, the electromechanically controlled linkage flaps of the soft-top and additional body reinforcements also need room. The complete lowering of the rear windows is a technical masterpiece in itself, and one that was implemented with a window guide that is as innovative as it is elaborate. It was also necessary to completely redesign the bench seat in the rear; it is somewhat narrower than the one in the sedan and simultaneously serves as a stylish covering for the rollover protection system. The standard pass-through is also a new feature in the rear; it allows skis or similar objects up to 1.90 meters or 6’2� long to be transported. The pass-through can be removed or locked as a cassette; it also has room for the first-aid kit. Storage compartment in the center armrest also holds optional CD changer; front cupholders can be swiveled to the side in the convertible While the entire cockpit was taken over from the New Beetle almost unchanged, the center console between the seats has been extensively redesigned: the convertible now has a lockable box with storage compartment and integrated armrest. A 6-disk CD changer, available as an option, can be integrated into the storage compartment. The cupholders for the driver and front-seat passenger have also been rearranged: the module can be swiveled out of the center console towards the front-seat passenger, making it easier to use it for larger cups. Also developed was an optional telephone holder, which harmonizes both functionally and visually with the New Beetle Convertible interior and which is mounted to the left of the striking front-seat passenger handle. New audio systems provide optimum fresh-air sound; up to 10 speakers make an open-air concert possible in the convertible Depending on the equipment or alternatively as an option, Volkswagen is offering new audio systems and an innovative anti-theft vehicle alarm system that monitors the interior of the New Beetle Convertible. The audio systems of the New Beetle sedan were optimized for the convertible with a view towards the special acoustic requirements. Because increased wind noise occurs in top-down driving, the power and sound quality were adjusted. In Germany, the New Beetle Convertible will be offered with the “alpha� (6-way speakers) and “gamma� (10-way speakers) radio systems. In the USA two 10-way systems are available; the top system is called “Monsoon“. Anti-theft vehicle alarm system monitors the interior via radar; an open convertible places special demands on the warning system The anti-theft vehicle alarm of the New Beetle Convertible was very elaborately designed because it also monitors the interior via sensors. An open vehicle places demands on such a system that are considerably more stringent than those placed by a conventional sedan, because body-specific disturbances such as wind gusts, for example, must be filtered out. The anti-theft vehicle alarm system even monitors the interior reliably when the top is down. The passenger compartment of the Volkswagen convertible is divided into two monitoring fields: monitoring is done using a differential method with one sensor in each door and side paneling; facing sensors supplement one another. One of the four sensors functions as the so-called "master" and the other three as "slaves". The "master" has a connection to a comfort control device over a bi-directional interface and triggers an acoustic and visual alarm when the interior is penetrated. Before the convertible is left, the system can be deactivated with a switch in the B pillar. A wide range of standard features; in the USA the open Volkswagen will be offered in GL, GLS and GLX versions and in Europe as basic and highline versions The list of standard equipment is especially long. There are country-specific differences because of the slightly different demand profile in the individual markets. Example USA: the New Beetle Convertible will be offered in GL, GLS and GLX versions. Even the GL version is characterized by features such as front and side airbags for the driver and front-seat passenger, electrically adjustable and heated outside mirrors, power windows all round with convenient opening and a central button for simultaneously lowering and closing all windows, central locking with radio remote control, remote release of the trunk (plus emergency release on the inside of the trunk lid) and fuel cap, steering column with axial and vertical adjustment, cruise control system, air conditioning, Isofix attachment brackets in the rear for children's seats, seat height adjustment, easy-entry system for the front seats and the US "Premium" radio system. The specifications for the European version, to be introduced later, will be defined at a later time. 4. Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible – Engines/transmission Unique in its segment: the six-speed automatic The New Beetle Convertible will be available in the USA in two engine versions. They deliver 85 kW/115 HP and 110 kW/150 HP. In Europe, the new convertible approaches the starting grid with a choice of four engines – three gasoline and one TDI. A four-cylinder gas engine with 55 kW/75 HP marks the European entrance. The next power level employs a 1.6 liter gas engine that develops 75 kW/102 HP. The most powerful European gas engine is a 2.0 liter four-cylinder with 85 kW/115 HP. The four-cylinder turbo diesel for the New Beetle Convertible is as economical as it is torquey. The 1.9 liter engine with pump-nozzle direct injection delivers 74 kW/100 HP. All engines comply with the strict EU 4 exhaust emissions standards. Basically all engines are shifted using a manual five-speed transmission. As an innovative novelty in the convertible segment, Volkswagen is also offering an optional new six-speed automatic (with Tiptronic function) for the 2.0 liter gas engine (and for the 110 kW version offered in North America). The 2.0 liter version and the new six-speed transmission in detail: The 2.0 liter four-cylinder The four-cylinder with the largest engine capacity (1,984 cm3 or 121 in3) in the New Beetle Convertible has a cross-flow cylinder head manufactured from aluminum alloy. The maximum power of the well-appointed engine (85 kW/115 HP) is at 5,400 RPM; the maximum torque (170 Nm or 125 ft./lbs.) starts at 3,200 RPM. In Germany, the 2.0 liter power pack is classified in emissions category EU 4 and consequently is supported by a tax exemption; in the USA the New Beetle Convertible 2.0 is classed as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV). The four-cylinder accelerates the convertible with manual transmission to 80 km/h (50 mph) in 7.9 seconds and to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 11.7 seconds. The Volkswagen has a top speed of 184 km/h (114 mph) and has average fuel economy figures of 8.8 liters/100 km (32 mpg). The six-speed automatic transmission The new six-speed automatic transmission on the New Beetle Convertible represents a special innovation. Volkswagen is currently the only manufacturer in the world to offer a front transverse-mounted six-speed automatic in this segment. The shift programs automatically adapt to the driving conditions (such as when climbing hills or towing a trailer). The transmission can also be shifted manually using a Tiptronic function (+/-). The special sporty shifting program “S� provides even greater agility. Compared to the automatic transmission used until now in the New Beetle, the acoustic characteristics, the fuel consumption and the acceleration values are improved because of the large range of usable gear ratios. Structurally, the new six-speed automatic transmission is designated as a so-called Ravigneaux planetary gear train in combination with a single planetary gear train and five electohydraulically controlled friction gearshift components. A hydrodynamic torque converter with freely shifting lockup clutch is used as the starting element to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. A separate electronic control unit manages the transmission function and communication with engine and vehicle. The maximum torque capacity of the automatic transmission amounts to more than 300 Nm or 220 ft./lbs. To make sure that the transmission is low maintenance, it is filled with oil that does not have to be changed (life-time fill). 5. Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible – Chassis Reinforced steering column connection eliminates vibrations The fully developed and well-appointed chassis of the New Beetle did not have to be changed for use in the convertible. In the front a spring strut axle is guided on triangular control arms. In the back, a torsion beam axle in track-correcting suspension with coil springs and separate absorbers provides large safety reserves and maximum comfort. Furthermore, the side tilt when curves are taken quickly is reduced both front and back by stabilizers. All the convertibles also have power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering featuring a steering column with adjustable rake and reach. For its use in the New Beetle Convertible, the steering column connection was further stiffened in order to eliminate the steering wheel vibrations that are more likely to arise in an open car. The brake system with front (internally ventilated) and rear disk brakes guarantees superior deceleration values. On the electronics side, an anti-block system (ABS) and the electronic stability program ESP (part of the standard equipment in Germany) are included in the brake system. All data and features contained in this press information are valid for the model program offered in North America or Germany. This information may differ in other countries. Information subject to change. We are not responsible for any errors in the data.