Volkswagen unveiled the all new 2012 Volkswagen third generation Beetle in New York and Shanghai and guess what?
The newest Beetle is all grown up and much more masculine.
Gone is the cute bud vase replaced by an available flat bottom steering wheel…for that manly and racy touch.
In America we get a base Beetle powered by a 2.0-liter TDI turbo diesel with 140HP with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Or American buyers can opt for a more powerful 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged gasoline bigger boiler with 200HP and combined fuel economy of 25 mpg. The bigger engine is available with either a 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed DSG.
The new car is bigger (and of course) more fuel efficient than the old car and will be available in Europe and North America at the end of the year.
Published reports confirm that VW plans to eventually produce a sporty R version of the new Beetle like the new 2012 Golf R (see our first drive video review below).
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