At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the J Mays-penned "Concept 1" – a cabriolet concept car with futuristic styling deliberately reminiscent of the original Beetle's rounded shape. This cabriolet featured large diameter 17 in. wheels (with the VW logo, just like the original Beetle) equipped with low-profile tires. There was also a "zero emission" hybrid design made for the cabriolet originally (it was said to use 248-V) which had a fuel consumption of just 2 L.
Strong public reaction had Volkswagen move the car into production, and in 1998 the New Beetle was launched, designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at Volkswagen's California design studio. It still carried many of the design references to the old Beetle, such as separate wings, vestigial running boards, sloping headlamps, a large roundtail light, and a high, rounded roofline that provide good headroom for tall drivers. But, unlike its classic predecessor, the New Beetle was a modern car in every way – equipped with a front engine and storage in the back, and based on the Volkswagen A platform (Mark 4 Volkswagen Golf).
When it debuted, the U.S. Insurance Institute of Highway Safety gave the New Beetle among the best safety ratings in its class. The car was a flop in Europe but a success in the U.S., where marketing campaigns enhanced its popularity. In 1999, it was Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year. Two years after launch, a convertible version of the New Beetle was started its production.
For the 2006 model, the exterior was slightly redesigned and fitted with a 2.5L 150hp I5 base engine, as seen on the A5 Jetta. Its engine is a transverse-mounted water cooled I4, 1984 cc, with fuel injection available in both petrol and diesel versions. Maximum power stands at 115 hp (85 kW), peaking at 5,200 rpm. Maximum torque is 122 lbf·ft (165 N·m) at 2,600 rpm. It can be paired with either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel disc brakes. The car's measurements are 4089 mm (161 in) long, 1724 mm (68 in) wide, and 1511 mm (59 in) high with a wheelbase of 2512 mm (100 in). The New Beetle's maximum speed is 177 km/h (110 mph) and it takes 11 s to accelerate from 0-96 km/h (0-60 mph) with a fuel consumption of 7.3 l/100 km (32.2 mpg).
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