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Sincerely, Mike Schantz Business & Lease Termination Manager | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Friday, September 23, 2011
End of Summer Event!!!
Beetle Safety
Since 1964 the Beetle has been an icon in vehicle engineering and practicality. It's familiarity has been comforting, and its safety has been unquestionable. The Beetle has finally returned for 2012 with a completely re-designed retro look, and the soul of an available 2.0 liter turbocharged engine with 200 hp! However Volkswagen, as always, has injected it's state of the art safety technology into this classic design.
There are a number of active and passive safety features all around this new bug. Active safety features are those that help avoid getting into an accident. Engine Braking Assist (EBA), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and signal mirrors are all active safety features on the 2012 Beetle.
The 2012 Beetle features Volkswagen's ESC (Electronic Stability Control) technology to help you out of sticky, evasive maneuvers when an obstacle leaps in front of you. The system applies corrective forces to each of the wheels to help prevent understeer and oversteer. That gives you enough time to grab that steering wheel and leave that obstacle in your rear-view mirror safely.
Unfortunately, we can't always avoid an accident. For those times, the New Beetle is loaded with passive features as well. Passive safety features are the ones the keep you safe during an accident. These include a crash optimized front end, pressure sensors for side airbags, combined side and curtain airbag system, colapsible steering column, Anti-intrusion side door beams, and crash-optimized pedal controls.
This Beetle also features Volkswagen's ICRS (Intelligent Crash Response System). As soon as an airbag in the vehicle is deployed, the ICRS unlocks all of the doors, disables the fuel pump, and activates the hazard lamps. Automatically. Take a look at this commercial for the 2011 Jetta, which also features VW's ICRS system.
It's a Volkswagen thing.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The “R” stands for racing: Beetle R Concept debuts at the Frankfurt Auto Show
The all-new Beetle, set to hit the US market any day now, has Bug fans on the edge of their driver’s seats. But because we love to dream—and inspire you to do so as well—we thought it would be fun to spend some time creating an even sportier model. If the sound of jaws hitting the floor at the 64th International Motor Show in Frankfurt was any indication, we did a pretty bang-up job of it.
The Beetle R Concept is just that—a concept vehicle that combines the flat-out cool factor of the new Beetle with the racing-inspired speed of models like our Golf R. The end result is…well, take a look for yourself.
You’ll see that the bumpers have been widened and redesigned for improved aerodynamics. You’ll also notice the new 20-inch Talladega alloy wheels with five triple spokes, the same design that can be found on the upcoming 2012 Golf R. And don’t miss the matching pair of chrome dual exhaust pipes with a rear diffuser to keep the Beetle R grounded at high speeds (not that you’d ever dream of going above the speed limit in this thing).
Speaking of speed limits, you can keep track of everything this car is doing courtesy of the redesigned instrument panel, which has a central tachometer to keep the most important information front and center. As the revs pulse upward, you‘ll be pushed—oh so comfortably—into the luxurious Nappa leather-upholstered seats embossed with the R logo.
You may also have noticed something else speeding up; that would be your heart rate. Take a few deep breaths—you’ll be fine. And remember: the Beetle R is just a concept at this point, but by all means, dare to dream of the day when it will be available in the US.
The Beetle R Concept is just that—a concept vehicle that combines the flat-out cool factor of the new Beetle with the racing-inspired speed of models like our Golf R. The end result is…well, take a look for yourself.
You’ll see that the bumpers have been widened and redesigned for improved aerodynamics. You’ll also notice the new 20-inch Talladega alloy wheels with five triple spokes, the same design that can be found on the upcoming 2012 Golf R. And don’t miss the matching pair of chrome dual exhaust pipes with a rear diffuser to keep the Beetle R grounded at high speeds (not that you’d ever dream of going above the speed limit in this thing).
Speaking of speed limits, you can keep track of everything this car is doing courtesy of the redesigned instrument panel, which has a central tachometer to keep the most important information front and center. As the revs pulse upward, you‘ll be pushed—oh so comfortably—into the luxurious Nappa leather-upholstered seats embossed with the R logo.
You may also have noticed something else speeding up; that would be your heart rate. Take a few deep breaths—you’ll be fine. And remember: the Beetle R is just a concept at this point, but by all means, dare to dream of the day when it will be available in the US.
Reinventing an icon: Meet the design masterminds behind the 2012 Beetle
Ever heard of the Volkswagen Beetle? Of course you have—it’s the world’s most famous car. Ever heard of Boris Grell, Susanne Gerken and Christian Lesmana? Well, now you have. They’re the three designers who were tasked with bringing the beloved Volkswagen Beetle into the 21st Century. No small feat, to be sure, but the trio were more than game.
But where does one even begin? Well, as Boris, the Beetle’s interior designer, said, “For me, a good design is timeless.” He added, “You get the feeling that the car now appeals to the whole world somehow…. The fact that people everywhere are excited about the car, I think that’s a really great feeling.” (Editor’s note: he actually said it in German, which sounded even cooler.)
For Susanne, who designed the car’s color and trim, the original Beetle served as a big inspiration, especially in her choice of materials. But what is it that truly makes it worthy of the Beetle name? According to exterior designer Christian, “I would say that it has a certain appeal; that’s what makes a Beetle.“
Watch the video for a behind-the-scenes look at the reinvention of an icon.
Tell us: what about the 2012 Beetle appeals to you?
But where does one even begin? Well, as Boris, the Beetle’s interior designer, said, “For me, a good design is timeless.” He added, “You get the feeling that the car now appeals to the whole world somehow…. The fact that people everywhere are excited about the car, I think that’s a really great feeling.” (Editor’s note: he actually said it in German, which sounded even cooler.)
For Susanne, who designed the car’s color and trim, the original Beetle served as a big inspiration, especially in her choice of materials. But what is it that truly makes it worthy of the Beetle name? According to exterior designer Christian, “I would say that it has a certain appeal; that’s what makes a Beetle.“
Watch the video for a behind-the-scenes look at the reinvention of an icon.
Tell us: what about the 2012 Beetle appeals to you?
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