Volkswagen Creates Car for Shark Week

Shark Week is officially over. Not that I know what that means or anything, but I know everyone talks about it. All of my social media feeds were full of “Shark Week!” status updates, Shark Week links, Shark Week videos, Shark Week everything. I mean, it’s cool to be passionate about sharks. They are awesome creatures. But I guess I won’t ever understand the appeal of Shark Week until I actually sit down to watch it.

I feel like the only thing I would love to do that involves sharks is go in one of those shark observation cages. It sounds terrifyingly thrilling. I’d love to see something so dangerous and beastly in person– as long as I knew they wouldn’t injure me in anyway.

The only thing about those shark cages is that they stay in one position. You are simply dipped into the ocean like a teabag and stuck in the same spot. It doesn’t make for a very interactive experience.

For the 25th anniversary of Shark Week, Volkswagen has created a mobile shark observation cage...in the outline of a classic VW Beetle.

The shark car can drive on the ocean floor via two propellers and a full air system. Divers can also hook up to the car. It’s made of tubular aluminum and also has a set of alloy wheels, as well as those iconic bug headlights. Volkswagen reeled in marine biologist Luke Tipple and a team of engineers to ensure the car was perfect for shark experiences.

It took about three weeks to build. Justin Osborne, the manager of marketing communications for VW, said they wanted it to be authentic and to fit “naturally” with the brand. “Imprinting our signature style on Shark Week, the Beetle shark cage plays on the silhouettes of two of the most iconic images, the shark fin and the Volkswagen Beetle.” 

We can't help but hear the Jaws theme playing in our heads...