2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Final models

Signifying the end of what has been a long run, Volkswagen has introduced “Final Edition” models of the New Beetle coupe and convertible. Each will be limited to a run of just 1,500 units. Under the hood is VW’s familiar 2.5-liter inline-fine (rated at 150 horsepower) sending power to the front wheels through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission – nothing new there. However, the German automaker has fitted a full sport suspension and unique 17-inch alloy wheels to each of the New Beetles to add a touch more driving excitement.

Cosmetically, the Final Edition models feature Aquarius Blue paint. The hardtop version breaks up the color with a black roof and integrated fog lights, while the convertible model has a two-tone Aquarius Blue/Campanella White paint scheme and a white top. Special badging is found on the front quarter panel and on the steering wheel. The hatchback version hits showrooms with a base MSRP of $20,240 and the convertible starts at $27,170.

Alfa Romeo B.A.T. 11 Concept Car

The B.A.T. 11 is an updated take on the B.A.T. 5, B.A.T. 7 and B.A.T. 9 concepts built by Nuccio Bertone together with Alfa Romeo between 1953 and 1955. BAT stands for Berlinetta Aerodinamica Tecnica (Aerodynamic Technical Coupe) and as you can see, this concept lives up to its name. While the original B.A.T. concepts have become some of the most coveted collector cars in the world, this new one is designed with a slightly different slant.
The B.A.T. 11 based on a Maserati GT chassis, it is more of a sportscar for the new millennium. It has a Maserati V8 for propulsion and features Pirelli shod 21" wheels slowed by Brembo brakes. Although the mechanicals are Maserati, the badge is Alfa Romeo because of the exterior detailing -- specifically the traditional Alfa triangular shield and circulor crest. It also carries many of the same design cues as its predecessors, including the fared-in wheels and wrap-around tail fins. While the original BATs were designed to look aerodynamic, this one was actually wind-tunnel-tested in the Department of Aeronautics and Space Engineering at the Polytechnic institute of Torino.
4,9 meters long, 1,9 meters wide, and 1,2 meters high, the design brings to the forefront some of the distinguishing elements of the BAT concept, such as the tapered fins and the faired wheels, all in a context where soft proportions are combined with strict and rough lines: a successful encounter of the typical Bertone themes that have inspired many. The fins seem to have been designed as a shawl that wraps around the car beginning from the front fender. In the rear there is suspended spoiler running lengthwise which uses a specific anchoring system. There is therefore a continuous flow of surfaces, volumes and open spaces that are uncovered piece by piece depending on the view angle.
It should also be noted that the body features that streamline the front wheels are mobile and provide for an electronic opening and closing system linked to the steering wheel to guarantee easy steering when parking.



The side of the car is very simple, almost basic, and brings to the forefront two particularities that highlight the sporty nature of the car: the low widows combined with the high waistline and the cooling foils (which are also on the rear bumpers) optimize brake cooling. The doors were designed to open towards the front and slightly upwards, allowing access to a two seat cockpit designed to be simply and elegantly furnished, in line with the BAT concept. The dashboard is designed in wood, curved in the lower part on the driver's side.
At the center is the typical triangular shield with the circular brand logo on the top of the hood from which extend 3 horizontal lines that represent the Alfa Romeo "whiskers": the central ones cut through the inlet which holds the LED lighting system supplied by OSRAM.
Finally, the grey-green color, linked to the Alfa Romeo brand and dear to Nuccio Bertone, is yet another element that contributes to carrying this particular style, created by a master, towards the future.