Looks to me like the ancient Porsche stylists (say, from back in the 50's/60's or so) have returned from the beyond and been promoted to VW stylists...
PROmoted? Honestly I thought the current New VW Beetle looks a bit TOO much like a New VW Beetle. I think the 2012 version does a good job keeping that beetle aesthetic without overdoing the circular roof. The front fascia still has that iconic look. On the other hand, ya, it does kinda remind me of the new minis.
Here's some side view comparisons of all 3 models. The original is on the top, the 1998 version is in the middle and the new 2012 VW Beetle is on the bottom. I really think that the new version does not bear any resemblance to the original at all. The unique feature of the Beetle is surely its curvaceous friendly appearance and it's lost all that! I can see how the 2012 version might be a progression from the 1998 version, but imagine if the new look was the offering for the "new" Beetle in '98. Would people recognise it as the "new" Beetle at all?
Boy, that "vacuum-formed" unnecessary crease design ethic has gotten so played out. Granted, I was never a fan of it when it came on, but it's been an fixture for too long now. I mean, if car styling is going to insist on being fad/copycat driven, at least it could cycle every once in a while like trendy haircuts do, don't you think? Either way, I could care less about the Beetle, which amounts to little more than gimmick-nostalgia bodywork tacked on tried underpinnings. I'm far more excited that VW is going to make a run at the XL1.
