Today In History: VW Produces Last Punch Buggy, No Punch Back

The last Beetle, currently on display at a museum in Wolfsburg, Germany, rolled off the production line at VW’s plant in Puebla, Mexico, five years ago today. On July 30, 2003, production of Volkswagen’s “classic” Beetle was officially squished [only bug-related pun, promise].

The decision to discontinue the VW classic came after several years of struggling to keep up with shifting trends. Banned in the US since 1977 after its rear-mounted engine failed to meet U.S. Department of Transportation safety standards, the ban delivered a fairly large blow to the Bug. Bouncing back, production and improvements of the Beetle continued and it eventually became a huge hit in Brazil while simultaneously maintaining its popularity in European markets.

Despite its popularity, however, the classic, inexpensive, Beetle was not living up to the new, upscale image VW was trying to cultivate. Already considering plans to scrap the production of the classic and move forward radically different design plans, the final nail in the classic Bug’s coffin came not from Germany, but from Mexico. After new laws passed by the Mexican government, the Beetle failed to meet emissions standards and was subsequently banned from use [Wait, Mexico has safety standards? And a government?]. Thus, on July 30, 2003, Volkswagen Classic Beetle No. 21,529,464 made it’s final journey off the assembly line, marking the end of an era.

The Classic’s successor, the new Beetle, was introduced in 1998 and is legal for use/distribution in the US. While the ”new” Beetle retains basically the same shape as its predecessor, its configurations are based on those of the VW Golf.

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VW Pickup Does Its Best Baywatch Ripoff [Vw Pickup]

Watch this video of the VW Pickup and try not to hear the theme song from Baywatch as you do. Seriously, we knew the Germans had a thing for the Hoff, but this is getting ridiculous. The little video even maintains the same high production standards as the 90's series, with a conveniently placed wave runner appearing out of nowhere. The VW Pickup will be ready, don't you fear, forever and always, its almost here. [Volkswagen]

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Head to Head: 2007 Volvo C70 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Eos

Head to head. Hardtop convertible versus hardtop convertible with sunroof. A couple of years ago, this blog post wouldn’t have even existed. Now there are quite a few of these convertibles on the market, and many of them are affordable machines. Two of the big players are the new Volvo C70 and the yet-to-go-on-sale VW Eos. David Thomas and Mike Hanley took them both out in sunny suburbia last week for an open-air shootout.

DT: I tested the Volvo C70 almost six months ago and still find it to be a terrific multitasker with few rivals. That still holds true after pitting it against the Eos. The handling could be a little tighter — as with almost all Volvos — but this car is about sun-worshipping and looks, and at those things the C70 succeeds. There’s a large trunk that can be accessed with the top down, and really comfortable seats.

The sound system is pleasing to the ears, and the interior finishes are nice to the touch. The C70 also acts much more like a solid coupe with the top up than does the Eos.

MH: While the C70 feels solid when its retractable hardtop is over your head, when the roof is lowered the chassis can shudder a bit if you're driving on a bumpy road. With the top down, the C70's cabin is impressively calm; there's minimal wind rush, even at near-highway speeds. Though adults can fit in the two-place rear seat, it's better suited for kids. But this is a convertible, and isn't it really all about the driver and, possibly, one front passenger?

DT: After all the hype and delays in getting the Eos on U.S. dealer lots, I was excited to get in and see how it held up to the venerable C70. Although it felt a lot smaller inside, the Eos is almost as long as the Volvo. Handling was a bit crisper, but not as responsive as other VWs, like the Jetta. Still, the ride seemed more “fun” than that of the C70. The turbo four-cylinder engine I’ve found so energetic in the VW GTI and Audi A4 seemed underpowered here and therefore did not best the C70 in the speed department. Floor the gas pedal and not much happens until the turbo kicks in. It shouldn’t matter to the convertible driver, but enthusiasts should beware. There is an optional V-6 engine, raising the price nearly $9,000 and putting it in the C70's price range.

There were a lot of nice touches inside the Eos, like a single button to roll down all four windows. This is genius, as is the ability to retract just the glass panel top so drivers can have a sunroof instead of the full convertible. The VW certainly wins on the innovation side.

MH: Volkswagen interiors are among the best in the industry in terms of material quality, and the company pays attention to the smallest details customers are likely to notice. The Eos continues this tradition, though the silver-colored dash accents and buttons on our test car looked a bit out of place. The front seats are comfortable, but like the C70 it's tight in back.

The Eos can have an optional Direct Shift Gearbox automatic transmission in place of the standard six-speed manual. The automatic's shifts are quick and refined, and it felt better suited to the Eos than when I previously tested it in a GTI. The 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is a smooth performer, but it's weighed down by about 400 pounds more in this car than when it's used in the GTI. Changing direction in the Eos is nearly effortless thanks to the highly boosted power steering system.

DT: I’m having a tough time making up my mind here. The price and cool features of the Eos are amazing, while the C70 offers practicality and safety in a more masculine — but just barely — package. That gives it the slight edge for me...but it was close.

MH: Like Dave, I appreciate the Eos' accessible price of entry for a retractable-hardtop convertible. Though the Eos' and Pontiac G6 convertible's sticker prices may be more similar, a few choice options bring the V-6 Eos into C70 territory rather quickly. When it's all about who has the most panache — as it is with these two — the C70 prevails.

Winner: Volvo C70

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18-karat 1968 Beetle at Bucharest Luxury Show

This year’s Bucharest Luxury Show had the privilege to host a Volkswagen Beetle. Where is the privilege? Well, this car is made from glass and is covered 18-karat gold and with a beautiful girl next to it, this was the best way to pleasure your eyes. You could buy the 1968 Volkswagen Beetle with a price of $88,000, but I think that an ingot looks better.

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