“So close, but yet so far away”. This is a common expression used in the United States when something that a person wants is just out of reach. The expression is very fitting for when describing the way automaker Volkswagen teased consumers by debuting the 2012 Beetle on talk show host Oprah Winfrey’s show on November 22nd. The wealthy talk show host gave away a 2012 Volkswagen Beetle to every person in the studio audience in her final “Oprah’s Favorite Things” episode.

While audience members became borderline hysterical when Oprah gave out the keys to their new compact car there is a catch involved. The audience members will not get their new car until late 2011 because the VW Beetle is not being officially debuted until then. Beyond Volkswagen employees, Oprah is reportedly the only person to have already seen the 2012 Beetle. The 2012 model was on display at the taping of the episode but all that was visible was a silhouette of the car because it was wrapped up and the lighting in the studio cast too many shadows to be able to distinguish any details regarding the car.

There have been many reports that the redesigned model will have much sleeker styling which includes a more streamlined, elongated roof, as well as modifications to the existing hood design. Volkswagen has yet to confirm exactly what models will be offered in the sporty car but there will most likely be gasoline and diesel engines offered as well as a fuel efficient hybrid model. Experts expect all of these models to also be offered in a sleek convertible edition as well.

In addition to having slightly more headroom than previous models, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will reportedly also offer other great features such as a premium sound system, comfortable sport seats, optional navigation system, and sporty 19-inch wheels.

While Volkswagen is being very secretive about their latest edition of the popular Beetle model, it is no secret that there are high expectations for this cool car because of the high sales figures for similar competing models such as the Mini Cooper. In addition, while being featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” is great for publicity, it is also added pressure to be successful with their newest model. The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle may fall into the category of “so close, but yet so far away” but this sporty, unique, and fuel efficient car may just be worth the wait.

Military service to our country is one of the most satisfying experiences ever. If there was ever a melting pot, the armed forces are certainly it. People from all walks of life enter the military wild eyed, and over the course of time, somehow these people become your second family. A certain car became a part of the extended family at this author’s base while serving. First, a little background on the service mans life while enlisted in the United States Navy.

Read the rest of this entry »