<P> The Volkswagen New Beetle is a compact car, introduced by Volkswagen in 1997, drawing heavy inspiration from the exterior design of the original Beetle . Unlike the original Beetle, the New Beetle has its engine in the front, driving the front wheels, with luggage storage in the rear . Many special editions have been released, such as the Malibu Barbie New Beetle . In May 2010, Volkswagen announced that production of the current body of the New Beetle would cease in 2011 . </P> <P> In 2011 for the 2012 model - year, a new Beetle model, the Beetle (A5), replaced the New Beetle . It is often referred to as the New Beetle as well . </P> <P> At the 1994 North American International Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a "retro" - themed concept car with a resemblance to the original Volkswagen Beetle . Designed by J Mays and Freeman Thomas at the company's California design studio, the concept car was based on the platform of the Volkswagen Polo . A red cabriolet concept was featured at the Geneva Motor Show, also in 1994 . </P> <P> Production design approval was reached in mid-1995, with a design freeze resulting 22 months of development time for production . In October 1995, the Volkswagen Concept Two was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show, essentially an early preview of the production model due in early 1998 . </P>

2003 vw beetle front or rear wheel drive