2005 Volkswagen Ragster Concept

Volkswagen Ragster (ragtop + speedster) was developed by Volkswagen as a bold reinterpretation of the Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible. The concept kept the Beetle’s recognizable shape but pushed it in a more aggressive, performance-focused direction.

The Ragster’s most striking feature is its dramatically lowered roof, achieved by shortening the A-pillars and adding a U-shaped roof frame. While the silhouette still recalls the production New Beetle, nearly every exterior panel was redesigned, including the fenders, bumpers, headlights, taillights, and the large 19-inch aluminum wheels.

Inside, the cockpit is clearly performance-oriented. Racing-style bucket seats and a sport steering wheel dominate the means of control. The steering wheel also integrates the engine start button on the right and ragtop controls on the left, reinforcing the concept’s driver-first layout.

Volkswagen said that if the Ragster ever moved beyond the concept stage, it could be powered by either a strong gasoline engine or a high-torque TDI diesel. As a show car, the Ragster demonstrated how far Volkswagen could push the New Beetle platform toward a raw, speedster-inspired driving experience.