We predicted the Volkswagen E-Bugster concept, shown earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, was a teaser for the upcoming Beetle convertible and we were right. Our spy photographer just caught the Volkswagen Beetle convertible testing in the snow, which is far away from its ideal home in sun-soaked beach towns.
Volkswagen did an admirable job with the camouflage on this tester by tacking on last-gen Beetle bumpers, headlights, and taillights. Nice try, Wolfsburg. A closer inspection reveals body parts that are indeed from the new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle and not from its predecessor, including the flatter hood and more upright windshield. The high beltline and flat soft-top roof look similar to the E-Bugster concept.
No word if the Beetle convertible will be sold with the full range of power trains currently offered with its hardtop sibling, but the 2.5-liter, inline-five rated at 170 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque should serve as the base engine. We can’t see why VW wouldn’t offer the 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo four and the upcoming 2.0-liter, four cylinder turbo diesel. The 2012 Beetle convertible will likely go on sale sometime next year and there’s a good chance it won’t be the last member to join the Beetle family. There’s still that E-Bugster concept and the go-fast Volkswagen Beetle R concept we first saw at last year’s Frankfurt show.
Are you excited at the prospect of a drop-top version of the new, more aggressive Beetle?
Thanks to: Motor Trend
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