Wired nominates new VW Beetle for Trip to black hole

Wired has nominated the new VW Turbo bug for a trip to a black hole in this Autobia article. While banishment from our space time continuum seems a bit extreme, I can understand there argument that a Turbo Beetle deviates from the original Beetle ethos.

While the Beetle does have a lot of personality, it was first and foremost an entry level car. Hippies didn't drive it because it was cool, but because it was cheap. This heritage seems to have been largely abandoned.

In many ways I regret that Volkswagen ditched completely the original form factor. The original bug was cramped and is even more so now that we have taken to super sizing ourselves. It also was less than ideal when it came to safety. When I considered buying a classic Beetle my father said that I would have to have some sort of crash cage installed.

But this small light form factor could fulfill many of emerging markets for cars. With new materials the same general car could be much safer. It could be configured in radically different ways. An uber economy model could be made for sale in the United States as well as in developing markets. Electric and hybrid models could be made for the environmentally conscious.

The new Beetle certainly has its place. But I believe there is a good argument for bringing back its older brother.

Porshe and VW will merge

While I had always intended to start a blog for Porsches I have photographed in San Diego, The impending merger of Porsche with Volkswagen is given me an extra incentive to move quickly. You can read about the impending merger by reading "Porsche and VW Move Closer to Uniting" by Nelson D. Schwartz appearing in the New York Times (free subscription required). The merger has been four years in the making. But there has been hesitation. Many brands lose their distinctiveness when merged with another auto company because their is a terrific incentive to share design talent to reduce costs. I actually think that Porsche could benefit from some new input in the design side of things. I don't like the newer moddles as much as like the classic modles.

Another Light Green Bug

Pictures taken 22 January 2007

When I saw that Volkswagen Beetle so soon after my last post I couldn't help featuring this Bug which appears to be a near twin of "Buster". It doesn't have the same sort of damage found on Buster. There is some wear above the rear wheel well. Also bumper stickers always add a bit of character. This car was found in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego.

Strung Together

Pictures 19 January 2008

When I had anything to do with cars myself, I was definitely from the paper clip and chewing gum school of auto maintenance. In my family the general trend was to replace a vehicle once a decade whether it needed it or not. The first vehicle I drove was one of the first SUV's. It was Dodge Ramcharger. In reality it was nothing but a pickup whose cab extended over the pic-up bed. When it started it emitted a cloud of oily blue smoke that sent the neighborhood children running as if the Keiser had just lobbed a canister of mustard gass into their foxhool. The owner of this car seemes to have dealt with a design flaw with abit of ingenuity. The front fender appears to be some sort of plastic. As I have often scraped the front section of the car when driving I am surprised this damage is more prevelant than it is. I firmly believe that these types of scars are what gives a car charcter. Now, that it is held togehter with strink it can have a plucky name like "Buster" which happens to be Charlie's middle name. So mysterious owner of the tough Bug Charlie would be honored to lend you one of his names.