The new Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet has been scooped virtually undisguised ahead of its launch later this year. The model was recently previewed at the Detroit motor show as the VW E-Bugster concept.
The new Beetle cabrio keeps the folding soft-top roof of the last-generation model. The production car gets a similar front windscreen surround to the E-Bugster concept, as well as the concept’s rear-end styling and high shoulder line.
See pictures of the Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet in development
The new Beetle coupe will launch in the UK in April. The Beetle cabrio had been expected to make production also in April this year at VW’s Mexico plant, but this would appears to have slipped into the latter part of 2012.
Engines will mirror those offered in the coupe. A 104bhp 1.2-litre TSI, a 1.4-litre TSI producing 158bhp and a 2.0-litre TSI with 197bhp will be the petrol variants. Diesel options will include a 104bhp 1.6-litre TDI BlueMotion Technology and a 138bhp 2.0-litre TDI.
A range-topping Beetle R variant is likely to be restricted to the coupe, however. That car is likely to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with around 265bhp.
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Re: VW Beetle Cabriolet scooped
If this is the new one, it looks a little to similar to the old one.
Can't see many current owners "having" to trade up to the new model to impress the neighbours - they'll never know!
Re: VW Beetle Cabriolet scooped
That looks suspiciously like the current model rather than the new one
Re: VW Beetle Cabriolet scooped
The only thing VW could do to the new, new beetle to attract me is stick the S3 (not RS, too much pooooweeeeerrr) running gear into it.