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New VW Cabrio on the Way

Next-Generation VW Cabrio May Sport a Hard Tonneau Cover

Volkswagen AG, the corporate embodiment of the United Nations, oversees such entry-level brands as Skoda (Czech) and Seat (Spanish), as well as ultra-exotic marques such as Lamborghini (Italian) and Bugatti (French), not to mention top-tier sport/luxury automaker Bentley (British), also has Audi (German) and, well, Volkswagen (German) to fit into the mix.

Talk about confusing, as difficult as managing the language barriers must be, the VW AG brass also has to decipher what brand needs to portray which image and what engines to include in which models; its an organizers nightmare, or dream depending

Entering its 5th generation, the venerable VW Golf will be the base for the next-generation Cabrio. (Photo: Nextline)

on what turns you on.

Amid the hubbub the venerable VW Golf soldiers on, now entering its 5th generation with consumer interest so strong that extra shifts may be added at the plant to boost production.

While not the most opportune moment to add another model to the 3 and 5-door hatchback mix, the fifth generation Golf will be the base for the next-generation Cabrio. Many thought that the New Beetle Convertible would be the replacement for Volkswagens much loved Cabrio model, but it seems now that a new updated Cabrio is on

The front end of the Cabrio will be the same as the 3 or 5-door version of the MK V Golf. (Photo: Volkswagen AG)

its way.

The computer-generated rendition pictured, compliments of Nextline, offers a likely but still speculative Cabrio design study. The drawing highlights a stretched wheelbase, factoring in the extra rear legroom needed to accommodate four adult sized occupants. The renderings added length also allows for a hard tonneau cover, an addition Cabrio fans would no doubt welcome.

Cabrio enthusiasts shouldnt have to put up with lethargic performance anymore either, as the future 2.0-L turbocharged 4-cylinder, that will replace the 1.8T, will most likely be part of the drop top package. Reason suggests that a VR6 or V6 upgrade will be available as well.

And when will it appear in prototype form? Expect to see it next spring at the Geneva motor show, with fall 2004 being the earliest production date.

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