The Baja race is one off-road event that car enthusiasts are definitely watching out for. Held every fall at Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, this race is where motorcycles, old Beetles, dune buggies, trucks, or even custom-made race vehicles go for the dirt. For this year’s race though, one team from San Jose California has been filling the Baja buzzwires. Tagged as team Desert Dingo, they upgraded the VW parts of one beat-up ’69 Beetle and entered it for the Stock VW category. The race kicked off last Sunday, and team Desert Dingo is one determined team to make their VW Beetle see through the race with flying colors.

Amazingly, the team managed to equip the Beetle with satellite phones and multiple GPS receivers. They also replaced some of its VW parts with new ones, installing a more powerful engine and tighter suspension system. This bug is now truly ready to take on any desert, or off-road course. They will be updating their roundabouts during the course of the 2,100 kilometer race through Twitter.

The team’s creativity is not only reflected on how they turned this old Beetle into a mean machine. They also showed real team spirit and camaraderie by being loyal to the Beetle. Let us just hope that their enthusiasm will be enough to carry them across the race.

The Volkswagen brake pad is among the important VW parts of your Beetle. While not all Beetles can go as fast as Herbie, it is still important to be able to pull the stops when you need to. For the classic Beetles, their brake system may be a bit outdated. Well, let’s rephrase that. Their brake system is simple, since it took on the design that was created some 70 years ago. But with the New Beetle, the brake system is very competitive. Its calipers, rotors and cylinder are all upgraded VW parts which execute good quality. But one part of your Beetle’s break system is important. That is the brake pads. While it is given that Volkswagen provides us with high-quality brake pads, we must still know how to take care of them.

First, braking is a repetitive operation that the Beetle does. It will be impossible for the parts of your brake systems to last for a lifetime—they will wear out eventually. So how will you know if your Beetle still has efficient brake pads? Fortunately, the Volkswagen brake pad comes with a little “wear indicator”. This will be seen as a little groove along the pad’s surface. So when your pad becomes worn up to the point that it reaches this groove, it means that it is time for replacement. Here’s a tip: if you change one, you must change both pads in the caliper. If one pad seems to wear out faster than the other, there is something wrong with the caliper. Have your mechanic check it.

Here’s the best tip: don’t push your brakes too hard. This will reflect your stance as a good driver too, since good drivers know how to brake gently. The harder you depress your brake pedal, the more it hastens wearing out. So to be safe, don’t gas too much so you won’t have to brake hard.

Congratulations to Volkswagen of South Africa for finally passing the 2.5 million mark. The milestone, which was reached last November 7, is welcome development for the German-based automaker’s foray into the African continent. After all, their 56 years of making VW parts is not something we can take for granted. Anyway, their 2.5 millionth car was a Golf 1.6. 2.5 is really a big number to attain, especially since some young carmakers are just reaching their millionth car.

“Interestingly, the 2.5 million vehicles we have produced here in Uitenhage include 913 000 Golfs, 314 000 Jettas, 308 000 Polos, 290 000 Beetles, 266 000 Type 2 and Type 3 Busses, 147 000 Audis and 104 000 Passats. This illustrates just how diversified and flexible our plant has been over the past 56 years,” Volkswagen of SA Managing Director David Powels said in an interview conducted by Moneyweb.com.

“Through good and bad times, Volkswagen of South Africa has remained committed to building People’s Cars and thereby offering the people of South Africa affordable mobility. Importantly, we have created thousands and thousands of jobs and has given a similar number of people the opportunity to acquire skills,” Powels emphasized, tracing back Volkswagen’s roots in servitude.

Originally a factory that is exclusive to building Volkswagen Beetles, this South African arm is now far from its goal in creating mobility in the region. Their products now vary from different car models to the different engines and VW parts. They are proud to have delivered this goal with such efficiency and much customer satisfaction. Hence, it is not so surprising that they will be making 2.5 million vehicles more. Keep up the good work SA!

Source: Moneyweb.com

In Port Charlotte, this Beetle is more than just another advertising gimmick. It dramatically became the symbol for a need to change their town’s code.

The Dawg House is a restaurant which specializes in—what else?—hotdogs. They serve fresh ways to cook ‘em, top ‘em, and the taste is great and all. But the problem is, the restaurant sits in a “tucked-away place”, according to a report by Herald Tribune. Hence, owner LeRoy Davidson modified the VW parts of this 1967 Beetle to make it a very effective tool for advertising. He parks the car outside along the main road, which eventually draws people to come to his restaurant. Without the car, sales will roll down a $400 difference.

Hence, Davidson customized these VW parts and added a red beam to make the Beetle look like it ran over a hotdog. A cute, Scooby-Doo-ish canine is illustrated at both sides, and the name of the restaurant is displayed. Problem arises when Charlotte County code compliance officer Tom Gravagna notes this as a violation of the code. Their town’s code requires them to park any means of advertisement near the business. This is similar to saying that attracting many customers this way is illegal. This, however, is not the end of it. Restaurant owner Davidson aims to change the code of their County… because it is the only way that they could park the Beetle outside.

As long as the Dawg Beetle is parked outside, it will serve as a note to everyone that not all implementations will stay as effective as before.

Story and Photo Source: Herald Tribune

The 22-year old Emily Holben is not just any Beetle Lover. She has been so keen and focused on her goal to have a pink Bug that she had to make it out of an old, beat-up 1970 Beetle. Read that? She. Made. One.

This is not an exaggerated tale of how this persevering advertising student at UNL made a Beetle with her bare hands. It is a tale of dedication, hard work, and a matter of aiming for your goal. The story began when her father, Steve Holben, bought a 1970 Beetle for only $200. At that time, all its VW parts are screaming for replacement already, so Emily and her father got to working. Emily was quoted by the Nebraska News as she reminisced, “The floor was all rusted, there was household carpet in it and the outside was spray-painted what I would call Dr Pepper red.”

Emily and her father basically had to strip off everything so that they could start creating her dream Bug. They then had to order original VW parts from the carmaker’s home in Germany, but had a lot of difficulty with the instructions. When they managed to get through with it, several years have passed before Emily could finally take her Beetle down the road. But that was not just the goal. She had bravely stood up against decked-out muscle cars in many car shows too before people took her pink Bug seriously. By then, Emily’s ultimate dream car was not only accomplished by her own dedication, but it also garnered admiration from people.

So the next time you bump into a pink car-driving lady, never underestimate her choice for being too “girly”, then think again. She might happen to know more about adding horsepower with a Volkswagen cold air intake than you do.

Story and Photo Source: News Net Nebraska

Hailing from Milford, Boston; the Geek Squad is here! Escorted by the VW parts of the New Beetle, these guys are definitely no-nonsense techies-turned-pop icons of our new generation. Why? Not only do they fix all of your technical problems, but they make it possible for us to ride along with the evolution of gadgetry. The Geek Squad is Best Buy’s in-house technical support unit. This job is definitely no piece of cake, as only a few privileged guys can pull it off. As for the added perks, well, they get to enjoy the latest, freshest gadgets—and they get to enjoy this decked out New Beetle for home service cases.

At first glance, this Bug may seem to be a police car with its two-toned black and white body. But upon seeing the Geek Squad logo spelled at both doors, you just know that this car means business. Not much modification was made to its VW parts though. Its notable Volkswagen wheel is a bit spruced up compared to the usual ones that come with the New Beetle, easily complementing the Volkswagen hubcaps. But what alights this Beetle makes the car valuable—black-tied men with that knowing but friendly smile on their faces ready to help you solve even the tiniest problem on your video card. So for any technical problem at all, Best Buy has a solution for you. They not only gave you a great bargain, but the service too is superb. Just look at the Geek Squad and you’ll know.

Source: Boston.com

Quentin Tarantino is known for his cult-classic B movies. This Bee Movie however, is definitely not with the Tarantino-mark of gore and Asian Kung Fu. This one is different. It is a kid-friendly animated film about—yep, Bees. Its Los Angeles premiere held last October 28 was “swarmed” with “Bee”tles. But, the spectators and press got a taste of the surprise that Volkswagen of America and the movie has cooked up. Hence, the parade of the specially modified VW parts donned the stars behind the voices of the animated cast. This New “Bee”tle showcase became the premiere’s main attraction.

The VW parts of these Beetles were turned into a Bee, with its cute yellow and black body paint, the antennas atop the roof, the headlights-turned-bee eyes up to its cute Volkswagen hubcaps. Everything was harmonized to create that Bee appeal among the crowd. Stars such as Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger (in photo), Ray Liotta, and directors Steve Hickner and Simon J. Smith arrived at the red carpet in these “stingy” cool rides. They even wore color-coordinated outfits—either black or yellow—to match the occasion.

For all of you who keep on believing in animated films and the magic that they bring, this movie is a must-add to your list. This film will definitely make a buzz at the box office, and leave that noise inside every Beetle lover’s heart—thanks to this wonderful “Bee”tle concept.

In an earlier post, the Beetle was named as the flirtiest car. Now, an article from Forbes states that the Beetle is very popular among the women. But, the makers of the VW parts have insisted that they are not making a car that is especially made for women, nor were they thinking of the Beetle as a “woman’s car”.

When vehicles such as trucks, utility cars, or big SUVs pass by, we often assume that a male is behind its steering wheel. Somehow, the packaging of these vehicles has become ideal for the men. But, that does not mean that women cannot drive them, because a lot of women still do. Even if 65% of the Beetle’s buyers are female, this does not disclose the Love Bug as a feminine ride. It still fares well as a car that is driven by a man. After all, these VW parts have long existed—even before this masculine or feminine image in cars were thought of.

In cars, there should be no gender specific traits. That is the main intention when the Beetle was created. Until this day, even with the New Beetle, its traits of universality are still evident. So with this report, it just so happened that the Beetle is appreciated more by women. (Together with the Honda CR-V, Saturn cars, etc.) Its inherent appeal to both sexes cannot be taken away by other “machismo cars”, because that is what a classic is.

Source: Forbes.com

The vital VW parts that make up the Beetle need consistent attention and care. But, before one decides to enhance the engine, or the fenders and the exteriors—perhaps one must think about the basic vital parts first. Something as vital as the wheels. After all, the wheels are the parts that actually transport the Beetle. Without the wheels, it is not like the Beetle will just slide along the highway. All the weight of the Beetle relies on the wheels. This alloy-made circular car part really endures much stress. What must one do then to alleviate the drastic task of the wheels? Perhaps a little glam and jazz might help. Install some Volkswagen hubcap now, and find four totally different circular objects spinning underneath your Beetle.

Aside from its inherent aesthetic value, the Volkswagen hubcaps do more. Just like the other VW parts, its primary aim is to protect. Installing some hubcaps to your Beetle wheels will prevent water, dust and dirt from the wheel wells and the brakes. These are simple and practical devices that can greatly contribute to the total care of the wheels. What’s more, Volkswagen crafts special hubcaps that contain the VW emblem. So by simply installing these hubcaps, one will get a package-full of benefits.

One, is to jazz up the Beetle wheels. Second, is to protect the wheels. Lastly, the hubcaps will secure all the lug nuts that are placed onto the wheel. Summing up the total costs of wheel protection is far too expensive to the price of a hubcap. So one must dress up the Beetle wheels with the Volkswagen hubcap. It is a smart move, from smart Beetle drivers.

If you think we live in a planet called earth, take this as an early warning—you’re wrong! This, is Hello Kitty planet! The “cute, lovable, charming” pink-dressed cat is slowly taking over our planet. From the room, the classroom, the kitchen, even in gadgets—this cat has taken over. But get this: it has come to get the auto industry too! Sanrio products for the car are already available. But will Kitty match up to the excellence of the VW parts? Check this video out to get a glimpse of the Hello Kitty Beetle.

After seeing the Pokemon Beetle, a Hello Kitty Beetle is not so shocking anymore. After all, who would not want to be their own Beetle? Not Pikachu and Hello Kitty. Beetle cars are pretty easy to customize, depending on the style and vision of the owner. What this Hello Kitty Beetle is all about, is the interiors. It is all plush, kitty and girly inside—perfect for the Hello Kitty lover. But for the exteriors, perhaps it would not hurt to add some protruding whiskers and Kitty ears, would it? Perhaps Sanrio would team up with Volkswagen in the future. Since there were reports of a Kitty tail pipe, perhaps they could expand to the Kitty Volkswagen hubcaps. Interesting huh? Kitty embellishments for your Beetle wheels.

There are so many ways to pimp your own Beetle. This Love Bug is one of the most versatile and fun cars around. What better way to preserve its name than to customize it? But for those who prefer to retain the classic simplicity of the Beetle’s VW parts, it is just as good. After all, the Beetle was loved most for being the Beetle, and not for anything else.