Volkswagen’s Beetle left a lasting mark on automotive history, but the company was determined to move on. Over the years, various designs have been introduced to replace the beloved icon. In this article, we explore ten of those attempts to follow up the Beetle, each with its own unique story.

EA47-12: Ghia’s Elegant Contender

Between 1953 and 1956, Volkswagen collaborated with Italian designer Ghia to create the EA47-12 prototype. This model featured a more elongated body compared to the Beetle, aiming for a conventional compact car appearance. Despite its refined design, it never reached production.

EA48: The Unbuilt Mini Rival

In 1953, Volkswagen developed the EA48, a front-engined, front-wheel-drive prototype. This boxy design was intended to be smaller and more affordable than the Beetle. Had it been produced, it might have preceded the British Mini in the market.

EA266: Porsche’s Mid-Engine Marvel

The late 1960s saw the creation of the EA266, a mid-engine hatchback developed by Porsche engineers. With a water-cooled engine beneath the rear seat, it showcased advanced engineering. However, concerns over noise and maintenance led to its cancellation.

EA97: The Mystery Hatch Volkswagen Buried

Volkswagen nearly launched the EA97 in 1961—a rear-engine, two-door hatchback poised to bridge old Beetle roots with new body trends. Production tooling began, but the model was abruptly canceled before its debut. Fears that it would undercut the upcoming Type 3 sealed its fate.

EA41: Pininfarina’s Italian Touch

In 1952, Volkswagen commissioned the Italian design firm Pininfarina to reimagine the Beetle, resulting in the EA41. The concept featured a more modern, streamlined aesthetic compared to the classic design, but despite its innovative approach, it was ultimately not pursued for production.

Type 3 Fastback: A Civilized Step Forward

The Type 3 Fastback offered more refinement, trunk space, and a flatter engine, which was an intentional evolution of the Beetle formula. Volkswagen hoped it would shift buyers toward a modern look without alienating loyalists. It never outsold the Beetle, but it helped soften the leap.

Golf Mk1: The Successful Successor

Introduced in 1974, the Golf Mk1 marked a significant shift in automotive design with its front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, it became a global success and effectively succeeded the Beetle in many markets.

Concept One: The Retro Revival

In 1994, Volkswagen unveiled the Concept One, a modern interpretation of the classic Beetle. Its retro design garnered attention, which led to the production of the New Beetle in 1998, blending nostalgia with contemporary engineering.

Chico: Volkswagen’s Budget City Car Bid

In 1991, VW unveiled the Chico concept, a compact hybrid city car that aimed to reignite the Beetle’s affordability charm. Lightweight and stylish, it fused a small combustion engine with electric power. Though never built, it hinted at where the next people’s car might go.

Up! Concept: The Beetle Spirit Reimagined

First shown in 2007, the VW Up! concept reimagined the Beetle’s core values in a compact, city-friendly form. It featured a rear-mounted engine, just like the original Beetle. While the final production model used a front-engine layout, the concept paid clear tribute to its iconic predecessor, the Volkswagen Beetle.