VW to return to rear-engine roots?

Newswheel staff :: 10 May 2007 :: Filed under Hatchback, Volkswagen

Power to the people

File this one under long-term rumours, but VW could be preparing a return to its people’s car roots courtesy of a bargain basement rear-engine model. The basic idea is an honest reinterpretation of the original Beetle for the third millennium. The compact, lightweight car would have an efficient water-cooled engine mounted aft and a radiator up front…

According to Automobile magazine’s alleged sources (the usual unnamed moles at VW headquarters), the new car will be offered in two body styles and three wheelbase options – a smallish two-door and a four-door notchback. US pricing is estimated in the $10,000-$14,000 range.

As part of a general cost-reduction drive, it’s suggested the reborn people’s car will spurn power steering, though certain modern accoutrements, including ABS and satnav will make an appearance – oh, and stability control to tame that potentially lethal rear-engine pendulum effect. Automobile’s scuttlebutt indicates the car is the brainchild of – yes, you guessed it – Porsche and VW patriarch Ferdinand Piech.

If this latest rumour is true, you have to hand it to Piech for unceremoniously ditching his Merc-bashing master plan (think slow-selling Phaeton executive saloon) and taking VW back to its roots as a company that builds quality cars for average Joes.

Linkage:
Automobile