When I was a kid, my friend had a Volkswagen Beetle in red with a stick shift and enough engine to power a can opener. Nonetheless it was a wonderful soulful car. In those days, getting into the back seat was a possibility. Today I would have to use a large shoehorn. They released another version of the classic and called it the New Beetle. Last year was the end of its run. Beetles are made in Mexico and imported legally to the US. So if you want something Mexican in your driveway, other than your landscaper, consider this modern version of a piece of history.
Next week, VW is releasing their third version (fourth if you include the German Army vehicles that were precursors to the "People's car" which were named Kubelwagen and Schwimenwagen) of this cult classic and the Oracle will seriously consider owning one. If you look at the Spy photo above you will see that it looks as if it is the love child of a regular beetle and a Porsche 911. Lower to the ground yet with the unmistakable cuteness. As a bonus... it seems that it will get a bump in horsepower, at least as an option. The 2.0T corporate engine found in the GTI and the Audi A3 and A4 is rumored to be coming to America in what VW is calling the 21st Century Beetle. Never mind that the "New Beetle" was made during the first decade of the 21st century. Maybe they should call it the New New Beetle, or Herbie the 3rd, or let's hear what you think would be a better name.
Did you know that a model of the Zamboni used to groom the ice at a hockey rink is powered by the original Volkswagen Beetle engine tuned to use LP Gas? Did you know that the air-cooled engined Beetle was made for about 60 years with a total run of over 21 million cars? That experimental aircraft still use the horizontal 4 cylinder Beetle boxer engine?
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