2012 Volkswagen Beetle

An all-new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle goes on sale this fall. The 2012 Beetle was revealed at April's New York International Auto Show.The Volkswagen Beetle is all grown up. After a protracted 12 years on the market, gone is the cutesy bubble-mobile imagined in the 1990s and replaced with a sleeker, more sophisticated silhouette that still evokes the original.Instead of updating the previous-generation New Beetle, designers went back to the drawing board in hopes of recapturing the popularity of an icon that sold 5 million units in the U.S. over 30 years in production.The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has updated lines evoking those of its Audi TT cousin, including a lower roofline, integrated spoiler and LED-ringed headlamps. Although it loses a half-inch in height, the 21st century Beetle is stretched 3.3 inches wider and 6 inches longer, with an increased track and wheelbase for a more hunkered-down look.Inside, VW ditches the New Beetle's hippie-chic flower vase for a more sophisticated instrument cluster, including optional auxiliary gauges in the dash above the center stack. Volkswagens are known for their quality interiors, and the 2012 Beetle looks set to follow suit, with tasteful colors and finishes, as well as a dual glove compartment carried over from the original Beetle. Also ditched is the "New" part of the Beetle name. Volkswagen of America now refers to it as the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle.Three engines will be available on the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Volkswagen's 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine makes 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, and is mated to either a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. The sportier 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine puts out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque and features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder TDI diesel engine produces 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. Both the turbocharged and diesel models will get a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. While fuel economy numbers aren't out yet, Volkswagen estimates a 10-percent improvement in models with the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. The TDI powertrain is expected to achieve 40 mpg highway, 29 mpg city and 33 mpg combined. Two trim levels will be offered for the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, and optional features will include a glass sunroof (with UV- and heat-blocking technology) keyless entry and starting, a premium Fender audio system and navigation. Standard safety features include electronic stability control, as well as front and side airbags for both front and rear passengers. The warranty will include scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will be available in late September or early October 2011. Pricing has not been announced, but we don't expect it to stray too far from that of the previous generation, which started at less than $20,000.