Volkswagen Drops Subtle Hints Of A Future Electric Beetle In An…

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The

Volkswagen

Beetle might be the most recognizable car of all time. The German icon entered its long production run in 1938, and the quirky VW Bug has charmed the world ever since. Now, the Beetle might live on again in the age of

electric cars

. Volkswagen recently revealed an electric Beetle

concept car

in a poster for an upcoming animated movie, which is set to hit theaters and streaming services next month. However, new evidence from YouTube suggests that the electric Beetle concept that VW created for

“Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir”

is not a purely digital affair. A full-sized prototype of the electric Beetle was spotted in Paris following the original announcement, parked in front of a venue that was hosting a promotional event for the upcoming animated film. The full-sized concept car fires up new hopes that the Beetle might re-enter production as an electric variant, now with sleek and futuristic styling.

Retro Meets Futuristic With The All-Electric Beetle Concept

The Volkswagen Beetle has been capturing hearts for decades. In 1972, the Beetle

overtook the Ford Model T

to become the most produced car of all time. This record was later broken by its successor, the Volkswagen Golf. Over its lifetime, more than 23 million units were sold globally. Many factors went into the Beetle’s runaway success, including the car's bargain price and ease of maintenance. The Beetle’s distinctive design and rich history have made it a global icon, synonymous with counterculture and the freedom of the road. The decision to finally retire the Beetle in 2019 saddened many fans who cherished it for its unique charm.

Now, the possibility of an electric Beetle raises hopes for the beloved Bug’s return in a modern and eco-friendly form. The prototype Beetle model spotted in Paris looks just like the digitally rendered model from the movie poster. The real-life version keeps its red color and ladybug-inspired features, as well as rounded LED headlights and taillights. The cartoonish style and rounded features are a

clear homage to what made the Beetle so beloved in the first place

, but updated to a more futuristic aesthetic that is fitting for the age of EVs. It’s a welcome return to the Bug’s friendly face and distinctive fenders.

The rear end of the Beetle concept was not visible in the promotional movie poster, but we can now see it in the real-life prototype. The rounded taillights harken back to the taillights on the

“new Beetle” that was in production from 1997 to 2019

, but with a more sleek look. The taillights appear to be flush to the rear fenders, which will further improve the aerodynamics. The rear also features an integrated duck-tail spoiler. This blending of classic and contemporary design cues adds to the appeal of the electric Beetle. The prototype showcased in Paris gives us a glimpse into what a future electric Beetle might look like, sparking excitement and anticipation among enthusiasts.

There are several clues to suggest that the prototype electric Beetle seen in Paris is just a static model and lacks an interior or mechanical components. The lights appear to be non-functioning, for one. Also, a wedge underneath the front passenger-side wheel keeps the Beetle prototype in place, suggesting that the brakes are non-operational. Additionally, the gray windows and doors block the view to the interior, which is likely bare. However, the prototype does provide an exciting glimpse into the Beetle's future, and debuts some bold design choices.

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VW Have Been Hinting At An All-Electric Beetle For Years

caranddriver.com

While Volkswagen finally put the can on the Beetle in 2019, the company still incorporates the Bug’s design principles in some of its vehicles today. Volkswagen’s electric ID.4 SUV, for instance,

keeps the rear-engine layout of the Beetle

. VW is also reviving other beloved models in the electric era, such as their iconic microbus. The hippie van of the 60s has been brought into the modern era with

the upcoming ID. Buzz

. This endeavor show’s VW’s interest in reinventing its classic models for the electric age, and gives added hope to the possibility of an electric Beetle. Nostalgia sells, after all.

The recent prototype is not the first time that Volkswagen has toyed with the idea of an electric Beetle. Back in 2014, Volkswagen released a fully-electric Beetle concept,

known as the E-Bugster

. This first showcased the potential for an electric Beetle. VW boasted that the E-Bugster had “more power, less flower,” a reference to the iconic hippie saying. The E-Bugster did feature a more sporty and aerodynamic design, with its lowered roof and slightly wider frame. Furthermore, Klaus Bischoff, Volkswagen’s former head of design, stated that the company was “fighting hard” for an electric Beetle back in 2017. The statement raised hopes among Beetle enthusiasts, who had been eagerly awaiting news of a potential electric revival.

We have also seen the

electric ID. Buggy concept

, which was unveiled at the 2019 NY International Auto Show. This was the first proof that VW might be willing to create an electric Bug to add to their ID. family. The concept took inspiration from the classic California dune buggies of the 1960s, which were themselves modified VW Beetles. The ID. Buggy showcased VW’s commitment to electric mobility and its willingness to experiment with unique and exciting designs. Hopefully, VW are inspired by the open-air Buggy design and offer the electric Beetle as a convertible in the future.

This Is How The Volkswagen Beetle Changed The Automotive Scenery Forever

The Electric VW Beetle Concept Hits The Big Screen

Volkswagen Newsroom

We will see more of the new electric Beetle concept once it makes its full debut in the upcoming animated family movie, “Miraculous: Ladybug and Cat Noir.” The film will feature the Parisian superheroes on their adventures alongside several

fully-electric cars from VW’s ID. family

. The ID. Vizzion, ID.4, and ID. Buzz will also join the electric Beetle concept to aid the superheroes on their missions. VW claims that the vehicles in the movie will “introduce the ID. family in a very likable way to a broad family audience,” and that they “will be integrated in a meaningful way into the storyline.” This hints at the electric Beetle playing a significant role in the movie, perhaps as a companion to the main characters.

“Miraculous: Ladybug & Cat Noir” will debut in theaters globally on July 5, with streaming availability beginning on July 28. Whether this collaboration between VW and the animated film franchise hints at an actual production electric Beetle remains to be seen. As we eagerly await further updates and announcements from Volkswagen, the potential revival of the Beetle as an electric vehicle offers a promising glimpse into the future of automotive design. The Beetle’s timeless appeal and cultural significance make it an ideal candidate for an electric transformation, especially alongside the similarly nostalgic ID. Buzz. The EV concept certainly sparks excitement among enthusiasts and opens up possibilities for a future where the beloved Bug continues to charm us in the electric era. We hope Volkswagen delivers both flower and power.