The beetle obsession

I have a deep affection for old VW Beetles. They’ve been my trusty companions in nearly every release of Forza, and if you’ve ever found yourself being overtaken by a VW Beetle decked out in Herby’s iconic livery, chances are, that was me behind the virtual wheel. The dream of owning a real one has been with me for ages, but that dream still feels a bit distant.

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly why I’m so enamored with these quirky little cars. Logically speaking, my height would probably make it nearly impossible for me to drive one comfortably for any extended period. They’re notoriously inefficient, and their air-cooled design means engine fires are all too common. Plus, there’s the historical baggage, as their design is closely associated with both VW and Porsche’s ties to the Nazi party. Finding high-quality replacement parts can be a real challenge amidst the sea of common, but often subpar, options.

Yet, there’s just something about the classic Beetle look that I find irresistibly charming. That 4-cylinder boxer engine is a marvel of engineering, and the car is filled with quirky features, like the windshield wiper fluid using compressed air from the spare tire. It’s these eccentricities that give the Beetle its unique character.

As for electric conversions, I have to admit, they leave me somewhat unimpressed. They tend to strip away the distinctive qualities that make classic cars so captivating. With their brick-like aerodynamics, the range is lackluster, and worst of all, they remove the heart and soul of the vehicle—the beautiful boxer engine.

What I’d truly love to witness is a Beetle transformed into a series hybrid. This would involve preserving the original engine while adding an electric system to enhance its efficiency. Such a modification would keep the essence of the car intact while improving upon it and making it a usable vehicle int he modern day.