Still in a “design study” phase, Volkswagen offers up a look at the Beetle R on U.S. soil. Will it make it to production? Would it sell at a price tag similar to the Golf R’s $34K? One could easily reach these performance levels with APR software and a few add-ons. Do we like it? Yes, and the interior is superb.

At Volkswagen, the letter ‘R’ as an added identifier promises top-notch performance. Currently, this claim is being validated with turbo pressure by the Golf R with 199 kW / 270 PS of power and the Scirocco R (currently only in Europe) with 195 kW / 265 PS. In a USA premiere in Los Angeles, Volkswagen is now showing a third variation of this sporty theme: the Beetle R Concept. It is based on the 21st Century Beetle. Like its two larger siblings, the Golf R and Scirocco R, the R version of the Beetle was also created in the halls of Volkswagen subsidiary Volkswagen R GmbH. The Beetle R Concept is still a design study. Those who are familiar with the Beetle 2.0 TSI (147 kW / 200 PS) know the dynamic potential of this new car. As an ‘R’, the Beetle could demonstrate a performance potential similar to that of the Golf R and Scirocco R.

Exterior with 20-inch wheels

Visually, the Beetle R Concept, painted in ‘Serious Grey’, offers a glimpse of what a production version might look like. Outside, the concept is equipped with 20-inch ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels – whose styling is like that of the Golf R and Scirocco R. However, 18- and 19-inch wheels are mounted on those cars. Easy to spot on the Beetle’s wheels, which feature 5 triple spokes, are the blue brake calipers in R design.

Newly sculpted bumpers are wider

Designers completely redesigned the front and rear bumpers that were widened by 30 mm. In front, the bumper module practically consists of 3 air intakes, which are styled in contrasting ‘Black High Gloss’. The middle air intake supplies the engine with oxygen, while the outer two contribute to cooling the brakes. The front spoiler, also painted in ‘Black High Gloss’, is designed as a flat splitter (with a chrome strip); splitters of this kind are typically used in motorsport. To regulate engine temperature within an optimal range, even under extreme conditions, ventilation slots are found on the right and left sides of the engine bonnet.

The rear bumper also has air exhaust slots that are integrated in the aerodynamic concept of the Beetle R Concept. There is also a diffuser that is integrated in the lower bumper area. Together with the rear spoiler – which is significantly larger than the one on Beetle production models with up to 200 PS in power – and its black trailing edge, ideal downforce values are generated at the rear axle. A visual and acoustic highlight is the exhaust system with its 2 sets of dual chrome tailpipes.

On each side, the bumpers transition into the free-standing wings; they were also widened 15 mm per side. The side sills are styled in ‘Black High Gloss’; a high-end chrome trim strip is incorporated here. Also painted in ‘Black High Gloss’ are the roof, the upper part of the bootlid connecting to it, the door mirror housings and door handles.

Interior with Nappa leather sport seat system

As is usual on R models, the interior also makes a customized and sporty impression. In the front, the driver and passenger sit in motorsport shell seats with what are referred to as Ergopads made of gray nubuck leather. The seats are upholstered in black Nappa leather. Embossed on the seats is the R logo. The seat seams and piping are in the color ‘Space Blue’.

The contrast color ‘Black High Gloss’ that was already used on the exterior is used in the interior as well, such as for dashboard accents and decorative elements around the gear shift grip. Interior designers also styled the instruments to be R-specific. Modified here are the central instrument cluster (with tachometer in the middle, in the style of a sports car) and the auxiliary instruments laid out above the centre console. The door sill plates are upgraded with the R logo. Meanwhile, brushed aluminum is used for all pedal caps. Matching the seats with their blue piping are the fabric floor mats with their blue-black double borders.

Notes:
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.

- Volkswagen AG

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1. VW Beetle R coming with 270 HP

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The completely newly developed Beetle from Volkswagen is the star of the Beetle Sunshine Tour, for which thousands of visitors are expected to come to the Baltic Sea shores at Travemunde on 13 August. On the show stages along the boardwalk, the 200 PS powerful Beetle of the 21st century is to be seen ten weeks before its market launch in October. It will be supported by live music by the Volkswagen Sound Foundation: Jenix, Feinkost and Wilhelm Tell Me will be playing in the Brugmanngarten.

Ten weeks before the market launch: Presentation of the new generation at the biggest Beetle get-together in the world in Travemunde

The automotive reunion of Volkswagen fans on the Baltic Sea has been taking place once a year since 2004. Many hundreds of Bug and Beetle drivers from all over Europe will get together there just to swap ideas about the “round Volkswagen,” as organizer Gaby Kraft points out. She refers to all models from the Beetle era and the era of the New Beetle and, for the first time this year, the new edition of the brand icon, the Beetle of the 21st century. Before the get-together takes place, the fan community will gather at the Volkswagen Center in Lubeck (Berliner Strasse) for a joint drive through the Hanseatic city at 1:00 p.m.

At the destination in Travemunde, there will be a feast for the ears starting at 4:00 p.m.: The Volkswagen Sound Foundation is bringing Jenix (pop), Feinkost (rock and club music) as well as Wilhelm Tell Me (electro pop) to the beaches of the Baltic Sea. More than 240 Beetles and New Beetles have registered for the Sunshine Tour so far; more drivers who are interested may register on the Internet at: www.beetle-sunshinetour.de.

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1. New Beetle Sunshine Tour 2010 with over 400 Volkswagens

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Here we go… Again a lot to late. Rumor has it that the VW Beetle R will pump out 270hp from the same TFSI engine that will go in to the Golf R.

The Beetle R version has been mentioned from the debut but a price point of roughly $27,100 Euro for the 200hp TFSI model where will the R fit in?

The Beetle R’s output of 270hp/258tq vs the Beetle Turbo’s 200hp gets you a bit more but lets (theoretically) upload APR’s software in and you’ll hit 254hp/303tq (2.0 TSI).

The price point will make it or break it. Will it be a limited production? We have yet to see the Golf R on U.S shores, so how long will it take to get here?

Special thanks to Luis Baston of Kane Design for the renderings.

- World Car Fans

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1. Video: Official 2012 Beetle Reveal

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Take a seat, start the engine, and be astonished. Beetle of a new era focuses fully on dynamics

Volkswagen is launching a new Beetle into the market. And this is anything but a commonplace event in the automotive world. That is because the original model of this car series – the Beetle – is one of the three most successful cars ever, with 21.5 million units sold. Now, the successor to these icons is making its way to the market.

Beetle shaped people’s consciousness

The Beetle has always held a special place in people’s hearts. Over the years, it has shaped people’s collective consciousness. Children painted a Beetle when they painted a car. Americans bought a Beetle when they bought a Volkswagen. Germans drove a Beetle when they drove the Economic Wonder of the 1950s. Europeans chose “Made in Germany” when they chose a Beetle. South Americans were excited about a Beetle, when they were excited about an extremely rugged car built on their continent.

New Beetle produced a car cult

Then the New Beetle debuted in the late 1990s. It brought with it Beetle Mania and a new automotive exuberance. Americans were excited about it, and Europeans too. The original Beetle wrote history as the car that moved the masses; the New Beetle offered a certain lifestyle, and it sold over one million units – alongside the Golf, which had long taken over the job of the original Beetle and became the most successful car in the world! By the dawn of the new millennium, it had become clear: the classic car, whether a Beetle or New Beetle, and whether it was from the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s, had become a cult car. Furthermore: the various generations of the Beetle aka Beetle aka New Beetle reflected what is certainly the most recognizable automotive design in the world – a design that continues to win over the hearts of people of all generations.

Beetle of the year 2011 as the icon of a new era

Those who want to drive a car that shows emotions, offers dynamic performance, and yet provides lots of space – and as number 1 in the car pool masters everyday tasks and long journeys – will in the future think of the Beetle. This should be noted straight away, because dynamic performance alone no longer suffices: at 4.3 l/100 km (European 1.6 TDI) and 33 mpg (American 2.0 TDI), the new car is the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever.

Design of the original, re-interpreted

Coke bottle, iPhone, Ray Ban Aviator, Leica M9, Beetle – how do you reinvent a design that is so recognizable and independent? There is a clear answer to this: you can only do it if you understand the product and the brand. Volkswagen Design Chief Walter de Silva (Group) and Klaus Bischoff (Volkswagen Brand) “understand” both, and therefore they set this as the objective for the Beetle: “Design a new original!” And that is how the design of the 2011 Beetle came to be in Wolfsburg – a car of today as well as a design tribute to the automotive seed of an entire corporate group. And unmistakable indeed: If one were to take the first Beetle and the new Beetle and place them together – shining light just over the roofs and viewing them from the side – one would see that the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical.

Dynamics in the style of the Ragster

A comparison to the 1998 New Beetle shows this: nothing remained as it was on the previous car model. “The Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front bonnet is longer, the front windscreen is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism,” explains Klaus Bischoff. The roof profile actually runs distinctly lower and can be considered a continuation of the Ragster concept car shown in Detroit in 2005 – a type of hot rod based on the New Beetle. The latest generation Beetle is bolder, more dynamic, more masculine.

Entirely new proportions

The figures confirm this: the new one is 1,808 mm wide (84 mm wider), 1,486 mm high (12 mm lower) and 4,278 mm long (152 mm longer). This has resulted in entirely new proportions. The gain in length means that the roof could be extended further, the front windscreen could be shifted back, and the rear section could follow the contour of the original Beetle. The new focal point is the C-pillar. In parallel, the development team increased the car’s track widths (front: 1,578 mm with gain of 63 mm; rear: 1,544 mm with gain 49 mm) and wheelbase (2,537 mm with gain of 22 mm). All of this gives the Beetle a powerful appearance with muscular tension.

3 equipment lines

In Europe, America and Australia / New Zealand, the Volkswagen will launch on the market in the 3 equipment lines “Beetle” (base version), “Design” (mid line) and “Sport” (top version). In China, the “Design” and “Sport” versions will be offered. Each of the equipment lines has an entirely independent character.

Black Turbo and White Turbo at launch

For the market launches in Europe and the USA, Volkswagen has created 2 very special versions – the “Black Turbo” and “White Turbo” – which are based on the high-performance Beetle Sport 2.0 TSI DSG (147 kW / 200 PS). They will be available alongside the other equipment lines. In the USA, the Beetle White Turbo will be delivered with a “Candy White” exterior, while in European countries the body color will be “Pure White”. On both sides of the Atlantic, the Beetle Black Turbo is painted in “Deep Black”. Exterior features of the special editions include the “Turbo” signature on the sides (above the side sills) and on the color-contrasting mirrors and wheels: on the White Turbo Beetle, the machine polished “Tornado” alloy wheels are in black as are the door mirror housings; on the Black Turbo Beetle, both of these features are trimmed in White. Inside, meanwhile, the dashboard, steering wheel badge and door panels are painted in body color.

Tell me your name!

This time, there really is a country-specific nickname on the back of the car – that is, a name like Käfer, Beetle, Vocho, Coccinelle, Fusca, Maggiolino or 甲壳虫. Only if the customer wants this, of course. If a country really exists whose vernacular does not include a nickname for the bestseller, this is not a problem either: the Beetle signature can be selected. And of course there is another name available as an option: Volkswagen!

Interior also shows character

This is especially noticeable on the dashboard. The shape and use of color in the painted or carbon-look front facia panel (“dash pad”) hark back to the design of the first Beetle, yet the new car does not have a retro look. In Europe, for example, this panel is in “Monochrome Black” on the base model (“Beetle”); the panel in the “Design” equipment line is always painted in the exterior color of the car body. Customers choosing the “Sport” – the new top version – get a panel with carbon look (“Carbon Fibre”). Regardless of which colors are used, Volkswagen drivers will be able to locate the car’s interior features with their eyes closed, such are the ergonomics of the cabin.

Comeback of the Beetle box and auxiliary instruments

Similar to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glovebox (“Beetle box”) integrated in the front facia whose lid folds upward (the standard glovebox that is integrated with it opens downward). Another classic feature: the optional auxiliary instruments above the selected audio/navigation system: oil temperature, clock with chronometer function and boost pressure gauge. Also new: the steering wheels specially designed for the Beetle with painted accents in the spokes that differ depending on the equipment line.

It simply fits

A distinguishing feature of the contemporary Beetle is that its interior ergonomics and packaging are based on completely new parameters. While drivers in the air-cooled Beetle travelled in a very low-slung seat, and drivers of the New Beetle could feel as if they were being chauffeured, because the bonnet was so far forward, the latest Beetle now offers a driving experience that is a lot sportier. Every feature is within easy reach. In addition, Volkswagen has once again succeeded in implementing a quality of materials that goes beyond all class limits.

Plenty of space for 4 and lots of luggage

The car’s styling, ergonomics, operability and quality interact to create a new, friendly car with a highly individual nature. In addition, it offers everyday practicality: 4 adults have plenty of space, even on long journeys, and the boot can handle up to 905 litres of luggage. The panoramic tilt/slide sunroof lets the sunshine in during the winter, and a Fender sound system entertains during the drive. The Keyless Access locking and engine starting system is available for the first time in the Beetle; it operates without a traditional door or ignition key. And the latest generation engines ensure that the environment and budgets are impacted as little as possible. Engine power outputs range between 77 kW / 105 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. The most fuel-efficient engine for Europe – the 1.6 TDI with 105 PS – consumes the noted 4.3 l/100 km. In the USA, the most fuel-efficient engine is the 2.0 TDI, which attains a Highway fuel economy of 40 mpg and offers fun that is in harmony with the environment.

Key facts summary

Name: The Beetle

World debut: 18 April 2011 (Shanghai, New York, Berlin)

Market launch, North America: September / October 2011

Market launch, Germany: October 2011

Market launch, Europe: November 2011 (right-hand steering version: January 2012)

Market launch, Asia: February 2012

Market launch, South America: end of 2012 / beginning of 2013

Character: Icon

Equipment lines: “Beetle”, “Design”, “Sport”

Power range: 77 kW / 105 PS to 147 kW / 200 PS

Combined minimum fuel consumption, Europe: 4.3 l/100 km (1.6 TDI)

Combined fuel economy, USA: 33 mpg (2.0 TDI)

Engine specifications: Petrol engines: TSI (petrol direct injection engines, except 2.5-liter engine for USA). Diesel: TDI (common rail engines). All EU engines fulfill Euro-5 emissions standard; all US engines fulfill BIN5 / ULEV PZEV

Debut of original Beetle: 1938

Debut of New Beetle: 1998

Total units built to date: > 22.5 million

Designers: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand). Exterior: Marc Lichte (team leader), Chris Lesmana, Nisan Kucam. Interior: Tomasz Bachorski (team leader), Ingo Brückmann. color and Trim: Oona Scheepers (team leader), Susanne Gerken

Dimensions: 4,278 mm length, 1,808 mm width, 1,486 mm height, 2,537 mm wheelbase, 310 to 905 liters cargo capacity

Notes:
TDI, TSI, DSG and Twincharger are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG or other companies of the Volkswagen Group in Germany and other countries.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in Germany. They may differ in other countries. All fuel economy and emissions data cited in this press release are forecast values as of June 2011.

- Volkswagen AG

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1. Britney Spears flashes Beetle in I Wanna Go video

You're reading Everything you wanted to know about the VW Beetle originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.

Such a contrast to Jeremy Clarkson’s opinion. Ever popular automotive enthusiast, Jay Leno headed over to Wolfsburg for a drive. This wasn’t just any old drive, it was in the oldest Beetle living. A back on black 1938 split-window Beetle with 24hp. Shortly after, he hops in the newest Beetle and tours around. Good reviews from Mr. Leno!

- German Car Scene

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If the Beetle is more masculine and male targeted in this go around then why is in a Britney Spears video. Yes, she is frisked while on the hood, flashes the Beetle and other sexual innuendoes but does it sell the Beetle to males? Either way, Volkswagen has done a perfect job with product placement. Pause it at 1:41… Enter Karman Ghia, which then has a male driver splatter himself with milk… WTF?

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1. Video: Official 2012 Beetle Reveal

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As I’m sure you know by now, there are very few things on which all the TopGear presenters agree. James and I, for instance, like Sandwich Spread very much, but Hammond doesn’t, because he dislikes food “with bits in”.

Then you have the Fiat 500. Hammond and I think this is a terrific car, with lots of character and a genuine lust for life. May, meanwhile, thinks it is too backward-looking. Strange for a man who sees everything in black and white and was born aged 53.

Motorbikes? May and Hammond love them to bits and spend about six hours a day saying letters and numbers to one another. “ZZR?” “No, CBR.” “The 600?” “I prefer the 750.”"GT?” “No, TT.” So far as I’m concerned, it’s all gibberish. All bikes are exactly the same.

There are, however, one or two things on which we do all agree. The Subaru Legacy Outback, for example. We all like that a lot. And the Volkswagen Beetle, which we all detest on a cellular level.

When I was a child, my mother had one. Actually, to be fair, over the years, she had five. Followed by a Volkswagen Variant, which, so far as I could tell, was the stupidest car ever made. It was a shooting brake, but since it was rear-engined, all of the space where you would normally put things in an estate, was full of engine. So really it was a cramped four-seater with a very long parcel shelf.

Still, it wasn’t as terrible as all the Beetles that preceded it. Of course, I didn’t know then about the woeful handling or the involvement of Hitler in the original design. I just thought it smelt funny. It doesn’t matter if someone with a penchant for garlic, flatulence and large cigars has owned a Beetle for 50 years, it will still smell of Beetle. Hard to put my finger on what that smell is exactly. It’s a sickly odour that pools at the back of your throat, causing you to gag and spasm. I’ve checked on the internet, and I think it may be vinyl chloride, coming from the seats. It’s highly toxic and carcinogenic.

“There has never been a sporty Beetle. Not even Herbie. He wasn’t sporty. He was just speeded up”

Of course, fans of the Bug will explain that there is no such thing as ‘a Beetle’ and point out that over the years, 78,000 separate changes were made to the original design. I would counter by suggesting that this means there were 78,000 things wrong with the original design. And that’s incredible. There aren’t even 78,000 things wrong with Richard Hammond.

So why, you may be wondering, did so many millions of people flock to buy a car that would give them cancer and which had 78,000 things wrong with it? Simple. It worked.

The soundtrack of my youth is the wheezing starter motor of my Dad’s Ford churning pointlessly in the damp, cold mornings we used to get back then. Followed by several bits of swearing as he attached a tow rope to the back of my Mum’s fully functioning Beetle.

Now, of course, we all like reliability in a car. We all want the damn thing to start in the morning. But not if it would kill you in the first bend it encountered, or give you liver cancer.

The second-generation Beetle was built in Mexico. So obviously, it was exquisite in every way. Except that it was basically a Golf with a big pricetag and a vase. The vase was supposed to put us in mind of the Summerof Love, when various Beetle-driving hippies met up on the corner of Haight and Ashbury in San Francisco and sang songs about putting flowers in each other’s hair. To forget perhaps that they’d turned up in a car that was the brainchild of perhaps the most evil man who ever lived.

But the Joni Mitchell thing didn’t really work, because mostly the modern Beetle was not driven by ex-hippies. It was driven by plump girls who had the time to pluck a flower for the vase every day. Because they didn’t have a love life.

I was very happy when the second-generation Beetle went away, because I felt that the world could now move on from its obsession with the carcinogenic Hitlermobile. And buy something else instead.

But no. It seems that the damn thing’s coming back again. Only this time, we’re told, it will be ‘sporty’.

I’m sorry. Sporty? Where’s that come from? The new Fiat 500 can be sporty because the last one was fun and lively and Italian. The new Mini can be sporty because it harks back to the days of the Coopers and the Monte Carlo rally. But there has never been a sporty Beetle. Not even Herbie. He wasn’t sporty. He was just speeded up.

Launching a modern-day incarnation that has sporty credentials is like launching a modern-day incarnation of the Mona Lisa who’s crapping herself laughing. It’s not a modern-day incarnation at all. It’s something that’s completely different. It’s a new car. But of course, when you look at it, it’s not a new car at all, because it’s been willfully designed to look like the car that took me to school every day. Because my Dad’s Cortina wouldn’t start again.

Like the last Beetle, this one will also be built in Mexico – my God, but they’re an industrious lot – alongside the Jetta, with which it shares a platform.

Ah, so it won’t be sporty. A Jetta is as sporty as an aqualung. It is motoring’s answer to the Hush Puppy and the big, sensible pair of pants. If it were a man, it would have a hat. I do not understand why anyone in history has ever looked at a VW Golf and said, “Yes. But do you have a version that’s a bit worse in every way?” Because that’s what the Jetta is: a s**t Golf.

And now, you have the opportunity to say “Yes. I was interested in having a s**t Golf, but can it be even s*****r?”

“Well, sir, how about this steaming pile of horse manure? It is available early next year with exactly the same engines you get in a Jetta, but at the back there is a spoiler which rises up at a given speed for no obvious reason at all. Plus, and here’s the clincher, sir, there’s no vase.”

There is also no point. And I suspect m’learned colleagues will agree on that as well.

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1. Volkswagen Beetle pricing to start at $18,995

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Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the launch of the Vehicle Pre-Order (VPO) program, an easy-to-use online reservation process for consumers. The pre-order system is designed to allow consumers to be the first in line to reserve one of a limited quantity of certain Volkswagen cars, starting with the all-new 21st Century Beetle.

“With the introduction of Volkswagen’s Vehicle Pre-Order program, we are able to offer enthusiastic drivers an exclusive opportunity to connect with our vehicles,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Through this seamless ordering system, customers will be one step closer towards owning and enjoying a special launch edition of the 2012 Beetle.”

• 2012 Black Turbo Launch Edition Beetle is Only Available Vehicle Through VPO Program
• Easy Ordering Process
• Pre-order Customers Have Early Access to Great Financing
• $495 Reservation Fee Goes Toward Final Purchase, with “No Hassle” Refund Policy
• A First for the Automotive Industry, the Amazon E-Commerce Platform is Used by VWoA to Administer the Program.

Through the 2012 Beetle VPO program, customers pay a $495 reservation fee that goes towards the final purchase of their 2012 Beetle Black Turbo launch edition model, with the promise of a “no hassle” refund policy. Volkswagen created the user-friendly online reservation process utilizing the leading e-commerce platform from Amazon.

The simple program involves the following steps: consumers access the pre-order site at www.VW.com/preorder and enter their zip code and review key program terms; select a dealer for retail delivery; enter and confirm billing information; and finally, receive a notice that their welcome kit is on its way.

The first model available for pre-order will be the turbocharged Beetle 2.0L TSI, in a limited run of 600 Black Turbo launch edition models. This sporty model has a starting MSRP of $24,950.

The Black Turbo launch edition is fitted with Volkswagen’s DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission and the acclaimed 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft. of torque. In addition to the turbocharged performance features, the four-cylinder engine offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway when outfitted with the automatic transmission.

Standard features include Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a “kaeferfach” additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport cloth seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, and alloy pedals. It also includes an RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers.

Customers will also be able to purchase the 2.5L model through dealerships this fall, at a starting MSRP of $18,995. The base 2.5L uses a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine with a five-speed manual transmission. It offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models, with an EPA fuel economy rating of 29 mpg highway and 22 mpg city for automatic models.

In 2012, a TDI® Clean Diesel model will become available, powered by Volkswagen’s highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The TDI® is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever.

The 2012 Beetle is 3.3 inches wider, 6.0 inches longer, and 0.5 inches lower, giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a broad appeal. The Beetle will be available in three trim lines, some of which include the transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof that is 80 percent longer than on the previous model. There are two optional audio systems: a premium VIII system featuring a CD changer, interface for SD card, and a touchscreen; and the Fender® Premium Audio System with concert sound quality, designed exclusively for Volkswagen.

The 2012 Beetle includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collision. The Beetle is also covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.

“TDI”, “TSI”, “DSG”, “VW”, “Volkswagen”, all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. “Carefree Maintenance” is a registered trademark of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “Bluetooth” is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. “Fender” is a registered trademark of Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. “iPod” is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries. Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. All other fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for the USA; those EPA estimates were not available at time of release.

- VWoA

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Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 21st Century Beetle, the third generation of the classic people’s car. The new Beetle will start at just $18,995, offering an agile, driver-oriented coupe that respects the Beetle’s past yet looks to the future.

The 21st Century Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented, a nod to the heritage and character of Volkswagen and our remarkable history, said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. This new interpretation of the original Beetle holds true to the traditional spirit of the car, with all the benefits of modern technologies and efficiencies.

• The highly customizable Beetle offers German craftsmanship and sophistication and a sporty new attitude
• Powerful, Efficient 2.5L and 2.0 TSI® Turbocharged Engines at Launch
• Forthcoming TDI® Clean Diesel Model Will Offer an Estimated 40 mpg Highway
• Longer, Lower, and Wider than the Previous Beetle
• Sporty Features Include 19-inch wheels, Performance-Handling Packages, and Sport Seats
• Available Premium Features include Bluetooth® technology, Slide and Tilt Panoramic Roof, Fender® Premium Audio System, Keyless Access with push- button start, leather seating surfaces, and BI-XENON Headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights
• No-Charge, Three-Year/36,000-Mile Carefree Maintenance® Program

The 2.5L model, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, has a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine and offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. When outfitted with the five-speed manual transmission, the mileage is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional six-speed automatic offers EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. Desirable options include a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces.

The sportiest model the 2.0L TSI will have a starting MSRP of $23,395. This model uses Volkswagen’s critically acclaimed 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. As well as providing sparkling performance, the four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city.

The 2.0L has a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the option of Volkswagen’s DSG© dual-clutch automatic transmission. It takes the standard equipment found on the 2.5L and adds Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard, and alloy pedals.

In 2012, a TDI Clean Diesel model will become available, powered by Volkswagen’s highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This will be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg.

The 2012 Beetle features sportier, more dynamic, and bolder styling than the previous model. It is also 3.3 inches wider, 6.0 inches longer, and 0.5 inches lower, giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a broad appeal. The Beetle will be available in three trim lines, some of which include the transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof that is 80 percent longer than on the previous model.

The Beetle comes standard with the RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers; an optional premium VIII audio system features a CD changer, interface for SD cards, and a touchscreen. The Beetle will also offer concert-quality sound with an available Fender® Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.

The Beetle includes Volkswagen’s advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collisions. The Beetle is also covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.

- VWoA

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The new Beetle for the 21st Century ha only been out in the wild for a few days and the photoshop “tuners” have come out to play. We’ve thought about doing one or two up but two guys beat us to it. The first is from Andrew Ritter via Stance | Works.

VW may have pchopped the Beetle on the track but Andrew gave it the real deal makeover. Recaro seats, roll-cage, FMIC and even a tow-hook. Probably the best addition is the Porsche Phone Dial’s, camber and classic stripes down the side. Oh and the color w/ black accents is the icing on the cake! Well done!

Andy Carter, photographer and GA rez, took more of a classic OEM+ approach. Straight up Lamborghini Gallardo wheels and slam make this on point. We’d love a color version but b/w rocks.

If you’ve done one or have come across anymore, let us know!

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1. Video: Official 2012 Beetle Reveal

You're reading 2012 VW Beetle hits photoshop tuning originally posted on oneighturbo.com. If you've enjoyed this article, be sure and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and YouTube.