The electric VW Beetle concept developed for the animated feature “Miraculous: Ladybird & Cat Noir” may not be a digital-only project, according to new video evidence, as a full-size prototype was sighted in Paris, on the day of the original announcement.
The EV was parked in full view adjacent to a location that appeared to be conducting a Miraculous franchise-related event. The concept’s physical manifestation maintains the same cartoonish traits, exaggerated proportions, and ladybug-inspired features as the 3D-generated model from the movie poster. The rear end is also revealed for the first time, and thanks to the round taillights and the built-in duck-tail spoiler, it resembles the contemporary production Beetles between 1997 and 2011.
The Beetle concept was featured in a video by the French YouTube channel Paris Videostars and on a few Instagram stories. The lighting units appear to be inoperative and the enormous greenhouse and glass doors are grey, indicating that this is most likely a static model without an interior or any mechanical components. A wedge under the right front wheel that prevents the design from rolling down the pavement is also visible. It’s not the first time that life-sized versions of animated movie vehicles are displayed next to the costumes and other accessories of the movie’s leading players, but the Beetle’s appearance in Paris raises some eyebrows.
The vehicle’s footprint appears to be identical to the final Beetle in production, which was retired in 2019. Herbert Diess, the former CEO of VW, said that “many other emotional cars are possible on our scalable MEB platform” after the ID. Buzz’s launch last year. His remarks fueled speculation about an “ID. Bug” that would share its EV-only foundation with other ID. family production models.
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Only time will tell if Volkswagen is actually planning to return to manufacture the Beetle or if this is just another movie car intended to attract younger consumers to the brand’s EVs.
The “Miraculous: Ladybird & Cat Noir” movie will feature the newest rendition of the VW Beetle spirit with previous VW concepts like the ID. Crozz, ID. Buzz, and ID. Vizzion. The primary character Ladybird, a Parisian teen/superhero who teams up with her sidekick Cat Noir, will operate the electric bug.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
