New VW Beetle revealed

[Kev]

This is the next-generation 2012 VW Beetle, which has now dropped the capitalized word 'New' from its name.

The next Beetle model will be making its official debut soon at the Auto Shanghai show and then later at the New York auto show this week.

The 2012 VW Beetle differs in styling from the previous generation with a flatter roof and more upright back end. The new Beetle is also wider than its predecessor by 3.3 inches (8.4 cm) and longer by 6 inches (15.2 cm).

Engine options will include the 2.0 liter TFSI engine and the 2.0 liter TDI diesel in both European and North American spec variants.

The North American Beetle still gets the 2.5 liter as an entry-level option with 170 bhp (127 kW / 172 PS) and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque.

VW will offer various performance packages to make the 2012 Beetle as sporty as ever, including 19-inch wheels and a rear spoiler as seen in the photos here.

[Shaun]

Hardly a radical change, although it does look better than the old one, thats not saying much though lol

[raffoul232]

Euhhhhhh ya that's a definate NO why put front LEDs on such a car and not a rocco? Ps I do dig the steering wheel looks like the one used The roc concept or the bluesports one

[Kev]

After having a better look at the pics I think it looks like a Chrysler PT cruiser. Never a good looking car.

Also, in an age when it's up against things like the fiat 500, mini and mito, they've de-cutified it making it less appealing to its target audience, females. It looks too butch and I think that's a mistake.

[cornelce]

I personally quite like it. Defo better looking than the old one!

[wigit]

this has been a bit of a grower, hint of bentley continental in the rear, wished the roof line had been like the concept

lowered with right wheels and stage 2 would be good fun

[jammyd]

if only they would have put the engine at the back!

[Trooper]

Rear lights kinda remind me of the Bugatti Galibier, just a litte... ??








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[nuroc]

Those mirrors look familiar.

[Kev]

VW showed an R concept version at the Frankfurt show today

[ZephyR]

The concept version looks a lot more muscular and even a bit more like the original.
Still bloody awful tho'

@jammyd - take it from me, you don't want the engine in the back. Too many years as a kid sat in the back of beetles getting car sick with all the noise, vibration and heat from the engine

[adamcheck]

The R just looks like an old porsche 911 Turbo thats been squashed together at the front and rear so it all goes up instead of being sleek.

[wigit]

i really shouldn't but love the R, slammed and stage2+ would put a smile on your face

[Chillout]

I'm ordering one... not the R but the 2.0 Turbo Sport, in Pearl Black, lowered and with retro-style wheels and possibly go for stage 2 tuning.

I made this Photoshop some time ago, and it shows the potential of this car:


or this: