The Official 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
Love it or hate it (as many of you seem to in our site’s comments) the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has been official unveiled by the German auto maker at the New York International Auto Show.
The vehicle is still undoubtedly a Bug – with its Herbie-like face, dating back to the 1930′s and 40′s, and small stature, “New” Beetle has also been given a few updates. Actually, “New” has been dropped from the name plate all together.
With various performance packages being offered by the company, VW Beetle can remain as neutral as your grandmother’s old Love Bug, or sportier than your brother’s coupe. Options include 19-inch wheels and a rear spoiler, which you can see on the white model pictures.
There’s also several engines to choose from. Volkswagen will offer a 2.0 liter TFSI engine, along with 2.0 liter TDI diesel in both Europe and North American. The North American Beetle also has a 2.5 liter entry-level option, with 170-bhp and 177 lb-ft of torque. There’s even a 200-hp variant available.
2012′s VW Beetle differs in styling from previous generations, with a wider roof and upright back end. Beetle looks more like a hatchback these days, echoing the rising trend for spacious rear compartments in the auto world. Beetle is indeed wider than its predecessor, by over 3 inches, and longer by 6.
I think part of it is the back end of the car looks like it belongs on a different vehicle. I drive ’74 super beetle and there are definitely things I like about the 2011 but like I said before the backend of the ’11 seems off.
the beetle here looking from the back almost looks like a distorted bentley gt
Apr 18th, 2011 at 10:05 am
[...] With its official world debut today at The New York International Auto Show Press Day, German auto maker Volkswagen unveiled the redesigned 2012 Beetle. Next year’s Beetle will be shorter, wider and come with hatchback rear. The car offers several engine options, from a conservative 170 horsepower diesel to over 200-hp turbo gas. You can read more about 2012′s Beetle at Volkswagenpedia. [...]