The new Beetle Cabriolet

The design of the Beetle Cabriolet retains the distinctive charisma of the coupé, demonstrating, in open as well as closed state, the unmistakable and timeless character of the original Beetle Cabriolet. In both cases, it is the soft top that gives this car its very special style. In spite of all its modern features, with the top up, it is reminiscent of the early period of the automobile when all cars had rag tops. And the top of the new Beetle Cabriolet can be put down in only 9.5 seconds, allowing you to enjoy it as a pure summer car. When closed, the Beetle is automatically converted into a multi-talented companion for all seasons. 

The roof in detail

Two colours, three layers. Thanks to the so-called K-fold feature of this roof covered with multiple layers, weather-proof fabric (in "black" or "nutria beige"), the entire roof system can be put down in a very compact space. Result: Even with the top down, the boot volume (225 litres) remains the same as when the soft top is closed. The outer surface of this top consists of one centre section and two side parts; the seams between the centre section and sides also serve simultaneously as rain gutters. Volkswagen uses foam-bonded fabric for the headliner on the inside. An acoustically insulating fibre mat is located between the outer surface and headliner to bring the acoustic characteristics up to the same level appreciated in the Beetle with a metal roof or panoramic sunroof.

Soft top remains in optimum position even at high speed. The folding frame and tensioning structure form the basic design of the soft top. The top frame consists of the front section (interface to windscreen frame), two lateral frames with seals, the movable rear tensioning structure, one main pivot on each side, four arched elements (to which the soft top is also fastened) and the heated rear glass window. The attachment points between the soft top and roof frame ensure that the outer surface remains in its optimum position even at high speeds. Classy: As on the New Beetle Cabriolet, a circumferential chrome strip below the soft top and side windows separates the top from the body area.


Design and dimensions

Sporty proportions. With a length of 4,278 mm, the new convertible is 152 mm longer than the New Beetle. It is also 84 mm wider (1,808 mm, not including exterior rear-view mirrors). Since the convertible is 29 mm flatter, with a height of 1.473, the proportions alone give this Beetle a very sporty appearance.

Rear spoiler as standard feature. The style itself follows the Volkswagen design DNA. This is clearly demonstrated by the horizontal layout of the rear bumper, the front air inlet, the straight bonnet edges, the precisely drawn line between the A-pillars and soft top C-pillars or the design of the taillights. One thing is certain: All of the styling characteristics of the Beetle and New Beetle have been preserved – which is little surprise, because cars like the Beetle have had a decisive influence on Volkswagen's design DNA. Of course, other design features of the Beetle Cabriolet include the extending wings and clearly marked taillights, the shape of the bonnet, the rocker panels and door sills and – more than ever – the capability to integrate large wheels (up to 19 inch). An entirely new feature on the Beetle Cabriolet is the rear spoiler, which is homogeneously integrated into the design as a standard feature and helps to maintain high speed stability. The bottom surface of the rear spoiler is always finished in black, while the top is painted to match the colour of the car.

 

Uncompromising safety

Invisible rollbar. Just like the New Beetle Cabriolet, this new open-top Volkswagen is equipped with a rollover protection system as a standard feature. This design of this invisible rollbar has been advanced in many respects, making it possible now to equip the convertible with symmetrically divided rear seat backrests and thus allowing transport of long items. Within milliseconds of the vehicle exceeding a defined lateral acceleration or vehicle inclination threshold, the rollover protection system shoots up behind the rear headrests. This mechanism is controlled by the central airbag actuating unit. For the newest version of this rollover protection system, use of high tensile strength steel and aluminium have made it possible to reduce the weight by nearly 50 per cent in comparison to other solutions.

Reinforced body shell. The rollover protection system is part of a comprehensive safety package, which ensures the highest level of passive safety for the convertible. Other specific modifications include a stable tubular member in the top edge of the door, reinforced A-pillars (additional 0.5 mm sheet metal thickness) and particularly strong rocker panels. On the Beetle Cabriolet, the A-pillars also consist of extremely stable, hot-shaped sheet metal. These features also serve to protect passengers in a head-on collision or when the car rolls. In side-on collisions, the function of the most important structural components are assumed by the reinforced B-pillars, the floor cross-members and the doors. The passive safety features are completed by the front airbags and side head-thorax airbags. The entire reinforcement and the rollover protection system results in 114 kilograms of additional weight for the convertible in comparison to the coupé.

Extreme torsional rigidity. Simultaneously, the body reinforcement improves the car's static and dynamic torsional rigidity. The resonant torsional frequency has an excellent value of 17.8 Hz. For this reason, the new Beetle Cabriolet does not require any vibration dampers, such as are frequently used on other convertibles.
 

Notes:
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies in the Volkswagen Group in Germany or other countries.
Information regarding equipment and technical data applies for the range of models offered in Germany. This may deviate in other countries.