| In the news: Sources inside Volkswagen | | | | the man behind the original Beetle reportedly |
| headquarters are reportedly saying that the | | | | convinced VW chairman Martin Winterkorn that |
| German auto maker is currently making a rear | | | | the dynamically challenged rear-engine layout |
| engine vehicle again. Volkswagen has | | | | was attractive enough to succeed. |
| indicated that it is currently working on a | | | | |
| rump-motored, water-cooled small car. It is | | | | According to reports, one VW executive has |
| one that resembles the original Beetle in | | | | already admitted that the company plans to |
| both layout and purpose. | | | | install stability control to address handling |
| | | | issues. But other automotive journalists are |
| Reports are also saying that Volkswagen's | | | | still not sold on the rear-engine idea though |
| reinvention of its iconic people's car will | | | | it is quite certain that it can be made to |
| have its engine situated on top of the | | | | work in an inexpensive car like a VW small |
| transaxle and a radiator in the nose. Three | | | | car. |
| wheelbase options and two body styles will be | | | | |
| offered worldwide, but only two variations | | | | Other have been speculating that the German |
| will come to the United States. These are the | | | | automaker has long abandoned the people's car |
| 130-inch-long Beetle reincarnation aimed at | | | | demographic for "richer climes", what with |
| the Smart for Two, and the no-frills, | | | | Piëch's grand vision for the brand lay in |
| four-door notchback likely to be marketed as | | | | cars like the Phaeton in recent times. But |
| a smaller, cheaper Jetta. Pricing will be in | | | | who knows if wild ideas like these will be |
| the range of $10,000 to $14,000. | | | | able to do wonders for Volkswagen's seemingly |
| | | | lackluster offerings of late? That we have to |
| Other features supposedly included are ABS, | | | | wait and see. |
| satellite navigation, and a sun roof. Power | | | | |
| steering however, will not be offered as a | | | | Meanwhile, no mention of the engine |
| cost-reducing measure. Although third-world | | | | components of the rear engine vehicle has |
| countries will receive a two-cylinder engine | | | | been made. Nonetheless, it can be |
| and emerging markets may even get a | | | | anticipated that the automaker will give it |
| one-cylinder unit, U.S. VW cars will likely | | | | the same quality VW engine components, with |
| be powered by a turbocharged and | | | | the same durable VW valve covers. These are |
| direct-injected three-cylinder. | | | | components which are typically made of heavy |
| | | | gauge die cast steel. They come in different |
| Speculations are that the rear-engine revival | | | | shapes, sizes, and finishes to function to |
| was largely Ferdinand Piëch's idea. | | | | all kinds of engine specifications. |
| Piëch, the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, | | | | |