2017 VW PinkBeetle

In one of the most ridiculous things they’ve ever done – and they’ve done a fair few – Volkswagen has launched a new version of the Beetle, the first car to be named as its own hashtag. They call it the PinkBeetle and insist we use the hashtag (i.e. #PinkBeetle) which we refuse to do. The car is silly enough being a Beetle and pink, it really doesn’t need that hashtag.

The reason Volkswagen has done these awful things to the poor Herbie is because, they say, they want to be a “social media influencer,” by which we reckon they mean they want to go viral. Now, as you know, in order to go viral on the social media you don’t necessarily have to be amazing. Most of the things that do go viral are silly stuff people share because they want to laugh at the sheer stupidity of the thing. So yes, VW PinkBeetle probably will go viral.

Available in coupe and convertible guises, the 2017 VW PinkBeetle is, mercifully, a limited edition powered by a 170 PS and 184 lb-ft of torque 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection TSI engine mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. It comes with Fresh Fuchsia Metallic paint, 17-inch multi-spoke Linas aluminum-alloy wheels, a bunch of LED lights, Pink Club cloth seats,leather steering wheel and standard MIB II infotainment system with Apple Car and Android Auto features.