Few automobiles have captured our imagination like the Volkswagen Beetle. Since returning as the New Beetle in 1998, it's been sold all over the globe without receiving any major updates. Thirteen years later, the German automaker is celebrating the world debut of the third-generation Beetle simultaneously in Shanghai, Berlin and New York.
While retaining the same distinctive silhouette, the new model looks much bolder and sportier than its predecessor, harkening back to the Ragster concept introduced at the 2005 NAIAS in Detroit.
The 21st-century Volkswagen Beetle is 3.3-inch wider, 6.0-inch longer and 0.5-inch lower. It comes with three different powertrains:
In the back, the trunk is significantly larger, offering 10.9 cubic feet of space. A split-folding rear seat and a wide opening trunk lid should ease loading and unloading.
Customers will be able to choose from a wide range of options, including a navigation system, panoramic roof, 400-watt Fender premium audio system, keyless access and bi-xenon headlights. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard, as are driver and front passenger airbags and Side Curtain Protection® airbags in front and rear.
Volkswagen plans to launch the 2012 Beetle on the North American market in September or October 2011.
While retaining the same distinctive silhouette, the new model looks much bolder and sportier than its predecessor, harkening back to the Ragster concept introduced at the 2005 NAIAS in Detroit.
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| Photo: Volkswagen |
The 21st-century Volkswagen Beetle is 3.3-inch wider, 6.0-inch longer and 0.5-inch lower. It comes with three different powertrains:
- 2.5L 5-cylinder: 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 5-speed manual, optional 6-speed automatic
Estimated fuel consumption: 10.69 L/100 km (city), 7.59 L/100 km (highway) - 2.0L 4-cylinder TSI (turbo): 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual, optional 6-speed dual-clutch DSG
Estimated fuel consumption: 7.84 L/100 km (highway) - 2.0L 4-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel: 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque
Transmission: 6-speed manual, optional 6-speed dual-clutch DSG
Estimated fuel consumption: 8.11 L/100 km (city), 5.88 L/100 km (highway)
In the back, the trunk is significantly larger, offering 10.9 cubic feet of space. A split-folding rear seat and a wide opening trunk lid should ease loading and unloading.
Customers will be able to choose from a wide range of options, including a navigation system, panoramic roof, 400-watt Fender premium audio system, keyless access and bi-xenon headlights. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is standard, as are driver and front passenger airbags and Side Curtain Protection® airbags in front and rear.
Volkswagen plans to launch the 2012 Beetle on the North American market in September or October 2011.
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| Photo: Volkswagen |
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