2026 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
The 2026 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is a family sports car produced by Volkswagen. The 2026 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia is an anticipated electric and hybrid coupe that updates the classic model with a mix of classic style, modern technology, and performance. Expected to debut in late 2025 and arrive in early 2026, the car will feature design elements such as a dagger silhouette, LED lighting, and a refined cabin with digital displays, while offering powertrains including a 300+ hp electric option built on the MEB platform.
 2026 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Car |
 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 2026 |
The 2026 Volkswagen Karmann model features updated versions of classic design elements, a refined cabin with advanced technology, and powerful electric performance options. Starting in early 2026, in select markets such as the US, Germany, and the UK. A convertible version of the Volkswagen Karmann is also reportedly being developed for release around 2027. The 2026 Volkswagen Karmann is positioned as a high-performance sports car, aimed at providing easy handling and a range of up to 250-300 miles, with a starting price of around $48,000 USD.
2026 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia : Interior
Inside, the interior of the original Volkswagen Karmann Ghia reflects its origins as a stylish and high-end car, but it is still a Volkswagen at heart. Although more refined than the modern Beetle, the cabin is still very simple and functional, with a stylish dashboard highlighted with chrome. In the coupe version, there are two seats in the front, and a small, unusual back seat that is more suitable for luggage than passengers. Convertible cars do not have a back seat at all. The interior features durable materials such as vinyl for the seats and door panels, although professionals can provide appropriate upholstery for repairs. The driver sits lower in the car compared to the Beetle and grips a larger and narrower steering wheel.
2026 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
Later model years saw updates to the interior, with a facelift in 1971, which saw the dashboard and door panels covered in black plastic with an instrument cluster borrowing dials from the larger Type 3. The more expensive and rarer Type 34 Karmann Ghia, produced between 1961 and 1969, offered additional features, including upper and lower dashboard pads, door pads, and long, cloth-covered armrests. Throughout its production run, the interior continued to focus on combining the reliable and functional nature of its Volkswagen platform with the enhanced styling promised by its Ghia design and Karmann build quality.
2026 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia : Engine
The original Volkswagen Karmann Ghia shared its engine with the Volkswagen Beetle, a decision that offered legendary reliability at a cost-effective price. During its two decades of operation, the engine was an air-cooled, rear-mounted flat-four that saw slight increases in torque and horsepower. Early models from 1955 started with a 1.2-litre engine that produced just 30 horsepower, a figure that rose to 34 horsepower in 1960. In the following years, the engine was gradually improved, moving to 1300 cc in 1965 and then 1500 cc in 1967, bringing horsepower to 40 and 44, respectively. In its final years, from around 1970, the Karmann Ghia had a 1584 cc (1600) engine, which could produce up to 60 horsepower in its two-port version. This was very different from a real sports car, and its free acceleration was often a reference point for enthusiasts.
With the luxurious and rare Karmann Ghia Type 34, the engine was based on a very advanced Type 3 platform. This was also a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat four-inline “pancake” engine that was flat enough to allow cargo space under the rear hood. Initially, the Type 34 had a 1.5-liter engine that produced 45 horsepower; later, seeing power increased to 54 horsepower with twin carburetors. In 1966, this engine was replaced by a 1.6-liter unit that retained the 54 horsepower rating but was updated with 12-volt electrics. Although the Type 34’s engines still lacked performance, they made it the fastest and most expensive Volkswagen of its time, although still good by wide-body sports car standards.
2026 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia : Safety
The 2026 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia was built on a modified Volkswagen Beetle chassis and, as a result, lacked modern safety features such as airbags, rollover protection, or advanced driver assistance systems. However, during its production period, updates were made to comply with changing US safety regulations, including the introduction of a dual-circuit braking system, improved seat belts, and a collapsible steering column around 1966. Later models also received front disc brakes as an option or standard equipment, larger rear lights for better visibility, and, for the 1973 US model year, larger Ministry-approved energy-absorbing bumpers National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Despite these continuous improvements, the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia 2026 model is offered very little protection in a crash compared to today’s cars.