Automotive
Volkswagen opened a new chapter in Beetle history with the simultaneous launch of the 2011 Beetle in Berlin, New York, and Shanghai, marking a strong comeback for one of the world’s most beloved nameplates. Despite the lingering effects of the 2007 financial crisis, Volkswagen believed it was time to move forward. The 1997 New Beetle, based on the PQ34 platform shared with the Golf Mk IV, had served the market until 2010 when production ended in Pueblo, Mexico. The 2011 Beetle took a leap forward, built on the A5 PQ35 platform shared with the sixth-generation Golf, offering modernized performance and design while honoring the iconic 1939 Beetle that sold over 20 million units worldwide.
Under the leadership of Italian designer Walter de Silva, Volkswagen’s styling team crafted a fresh yet instantly recognizable look. The Beetle’s valanced fenders framing the curved hood, combined with round headlights accented by LED daytime running lights, reinterpreted the classic design with modern sophistication. The front bumper featured a broad opening bisected by a chromed horizontal slat separating parking lights and available fog lamps - a perfect balance of retro charm and contemporary style.
In 2013, Volkswagen stirred excitement with the GSR limited edition at the Chicago Auto Show. The GSR name paid homage to the original 1973 Beetle Gelb Schwarz Renner (Yellow Black Racer) race cars. That vintage GSR featured bold yellow and black paint and was built for racing, with upgrades allowing owners to reach 99 hp. The 2014 Beetle GSR revived that spirit with a limited run of 3,500 units, echoing the original’s exclusivity.
The 2014 GSR sported Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, a trapezoidal central air intake flanked by side scoops with round fog lamps, and chromed trim around parking and turn signals, setting it apart from standard Beetle trims.
Five years after the 2011 launch, Volkswagen refreshed the Beetle for a more aggressive and adventurous look, introducing the Dune version with enhanced styling cues. The updated 2016 Beetle featured a broader, more masculine stance with a redesigned bumper, including a larger A-shaped air intake and side scoops with oblique inner slats. Shiny or matte black trims accentuated the car’s width, while the Dune trim added an upper air intake above the license plate for a sportier presence.
Despite the historic significance and updates, the third-generation Beetle didn’t match its predecessor’s sales success, producing under 100,000 units yearly after 2014. The gradual sales decline led Volkswagen to discontinue the model in 2019, with no direct successor announced.
For Beetle owners, especially those with limited editions like the GSR or adventurous Dune trims, SherlockLockprovides specialized locksmith and vehicle security services tailored to classic and modern Volkswagen models. From advanced key programming and remote key fob replacements to emergency lockout assistance, SherlockLock ensures your Beetle remains as secure as it is stylish, protecting your investment and preserving the spirit of this iconic car.
