Far Sportier Than Its Appearance Suggests

Fashion designer Naoki Takizawa has captivated many fans since the days of ISSEY MIYAKE's menswear and womenswear collections, and continues to do so. His skill lies in understanding every aspect of clothing—materials, cut, sewing, fit—while never forgetting the wearer's comfort and balancing it with trends.

If clothing is a product that combines style and technology for humans, then it shares common ground with cars. The encounter between Volkswagen's "The Beetle Turbo Exclusive" and Naoki Takizawa feels like a harmonious connection.

Mr. Takizawa himself has fond memories of the Volkswagen (VW) brand. When he joined ISSEY MIYAKE, he admired the original Beetle Cabriolets owned by his senior designers. After obtaining his license, he owned a succession of enjoyable, enthusiast-oriented VWs, including a Golf Cabrio and a Golf VR6.

"The Beetle Turbo Exclusive's front fascia evokes the original Beetle I remember, while the sharp lines flowing towards the rear feel new and dynamic," he remarked upon first seeing the car.

The Beetle Turbo Exclusive is equipped with a 2-liter turbo engine boasting 211 horsepower, approximately 100 hp more than the standard model. It also features exclusive sporty seats with diamond stitching, a rear spoiler, and chrome tailpipe finishers. Its limited release on the Volkswagen website has garnered significant popularity.

Furthermore, The Beetle Turbo Exclusive stands out for its excellent driving performance. The powerful engine and the rigidity of the chassis that supports it create a remarkably direct and sporty handling experience, far exceeding expectations based on its appearance, making life with this car truly enjoyable.

The original Beetle, when it was first released, was intended for a wide audience, yet its performance was above average. The Beetle Turbo Exclusive is a modern, refined interpretation.

Volkswagen The Beetle Turbo Exclusive
Volkswagen The Beetle Turbo Exclusive

Fashion Designer Naoki Takizawa × The Beetle Turbo Exclusive

Fashion and Cars in Harmony (2)

Common Ground Between Car and Clothing Design

The Beetle was unveiled in 2011 as the successor to the New Beetle, infused with the spirit of the beloved original Beetle. While its styling is simple, it incorporates 21st-century modernity throughout, such as headlamps with integrated LEDs and sharp press lines made possible by Volkswagen's manufacturing prowess.

In this regard, it is particularly interesting to see how Naoki Takizawa, who masterfully integrates technology into fashion, would evaluate it.

"I was immediately reminded of the original Beetle. That car was incredible. The fact that various derivative models could be created—like off-road 4WD versions for the desert or amphibious versions with propellers—proves how highly complete its original design was."

Mr. Takizawa speaks as if seeing The Beetle Turbo Exclusive and the original Beetle superimposed. He finds similarities in clothing design as well.

"Remarkable beauty can emerge from clothing designed for specific purposes. The length of a jacket might be determined by the tools it needs to hold at the waist, or the position and shape of pockets designed for easy access. I love that kind of functional clothing, and I believe it's the same principle as a car's fundamental design."

Mr. Takizawa sometimes utilizes the textile technology of Japanese companies, such as those capable of producing high-density weaves, in his designs. His ability to combine high-tech and traditional techniques is unparalleled.

"While one can immediately sense the advanced technology of VW in The Beetle Turbo Exclusive through driving, it also reflects the original's charm, which was loved for its functional beauty and somewhat humorous, human-like presence. I am impressed by how skillfully VW balances these elements, even as an outsider to the automotive industry."

Volkswagen The Beetle Turbo Exclusive
Volkswagen The Beetle Turbo Exclusive

Fashion Designer Naoki Takizawa × The Beetle Turbo Exclusive

Fashion and Cars in Harmony (3)

A Car with a Story and Product Appeal

Another appealing aspect of The Beetle Turbo Exclusive is its interior. Opening the well-fitted door reveals a unique world created by the textured black dashboard and the distinctive amber brown and black seats, exclusive to this limited edition model.

"German cars excel at creating texture with black and chrome, but using only two colors can sometimes feel bland. That's why The Beetle Turbo Exclusive combines these elements with seats in a lovely diamond-stitched brown leather, reminiscent of old racing cars. It truly elevates the mood when you get in."

Mr. Takizawa draws a parallel with fashion.

"For example, when coordinating a shirt, jacket, and pants all in dark tones, if the overall look feels a bit subdued, I might balance it with shiny shoes. From my perspective as a fashion designer, the interior of The Beetle Turbo Exclusive is a masterful touch."

Mr. Takizawa, who believes cars are for enjoyment rather than just transportation, concludes that The Beetle Turbo Exclusive is a car with a compelling story and product appeal.

"Cars need two emotions: the emotion of driving and the emotion of entering. You must also feel pride in owning it. Therefore, The Beetle Turbo Exclusive, which is enjoyable to drive and exciting to look at inside and out, is truly excellent."

And above all else, I was impressed—, Mr. Takizawa added at the end of the interview.

"Product quality and design. And one more thing: VW truly understands what is important for a brand. Even when creating diverse products, they excel at establishing a signature, what we call the company's 'face.' The Beetle Turbo Exclusive is a prime example of this. Anyone can recognize which manufacturer's car it is. That is crucial for a product. It's actually very difficult to achieve."


Volkswagen The Beetle Turbo Exclusive Special Site
http://thebeetle.jp/exclusive/

Volkswagen Customer Center
Toll-free0120-993-19

Volkswagen The Beetle Turbo Exclusive | Volkswagen The Beetle Turbo
Body Dimensions | Length 4,270 × Width 1,815 × Height 1,495 mm
Wheelbase | 2,535 mm
Tread Front/Rear | 1,570 / 1,535 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance | 130 mm
Minimum Turning Radius | 5.0 meters
Weight | 1,385 kg
Engine | 1,984cc Inline 4-cylinder Direct Injection DOHC Turbo
Compression Ratio | 9.6 : 1
Maximum Output | 155 kW (211 ps) / 5,300-6,200 rpm
Maximum Torque | 280 Nm (28.6 kgm) / 1,700-5,200 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed Automatic (6DSG)
Drivetrain | FF
Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension | 4-link
Tires | 235/45R18
Brakes Front/Rear | Ventilated Disc / Disc
Fuel Economy (JC08 Mode) | 13.4 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions | 173 g/km
Body Colors | Oryx White Mother-of-Pearl Effect, or Deep Black Pearl Effect
Price | 3.97 million yen (Limited to 50 units nationwide, 25 units per color)