3/17/20 81/100 Volkswagen Concept 1 Beetle Convertible

Now it was time for another fine series of modern automobiles and it starts off with the newest Volkswagen Beetle, this time as a convertible.  The first release of the New Beetle was the Concept 1 in 1996 and while it still looked like a New Beetle, it lacked the production version lines, so this convertible fixes that with the appropriate lines.  So why it is still called Concept 1?  The New Beetle Cabrio was still in development and would not be released until 2003.  One thing to note is that this casting seems quite small, smaller than the Concept 1 coupe and so small the wheels look large on this casting (both 5-spoke and the new 2001 flower pedal wheel).  The white paint with tan interior is a nice simple color combination with white around the windshield frame, a windshield that also serves as the front round headlights alongside the detailed signal and lower foglights of the New Beetle front-end.  At the rear are round taillights, flared fenders, and a cool layered convertible top just like the real New Beetle, and the base show some details and a working suspension.  The standout is the interior which features detailed front seats, a long dashboard with 3-spoke steering wheel, central controls, and the shifter on the center console, and for a change the rear seat has plenty of headroom at the expense of a smaller trunk.  After this clean release the casting has been subdued to ones with graphics and also has limited use thanks to the complexity of this small car’s construction.  Despite the small size this is one sharp Beetle!

Specifications:

· Engine: 2.0L DOHC I-4, 140 hp.

· Transmission: 5-speed manual

· 0-60 mph: 8.0 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: S20,000  est. 1999

Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars