2012 VW Beetle Black Turbo Kicks Off Pre-Order Program

Having announced pricing for the new Beetle last week, the North American division of Volkswagen today launched the Vehicle Pre-Order (VPO) program for the model. To mark the launch of the respective online reservation process for consumers, the company has made available a turbocharged Beetle 2.0L TSI, in a limited run of 600 Black Turbo launch edition models.

The special edition Beetle, the first model available in the range, has a starting MSRP of $24,950. Through the 2012 Beetle VPO program, customers pay a $495 reservation fee that goes towards the final purchase of their 2012 Beetle Black Turbo launch edition model.

What makes the Black Turbo launch edition so special is not only its limited availability, but also the sporty powertrain and eye-catching features. The model is fitted with VW's DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and the 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft. (280 Nm) of torque. The unit offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway when outfitted with the automatic transmission.

Standard features include Bluetooth technology, iPod connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a "kaeferfach" additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport cloth seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, and alloy pedals. It also includes an RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers.

This fall, customers will have access to the 2.5l model, at a starting MSRP of $18,995. In 2012, a TDI Clean Diesel model will become available, which is expected to be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever.

If you want to be among the 600 Volkswagen customers to get a 2012 Beetle Black Turbo launch edition, then rush to the VPO page by following this link.