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New Volkswagen Beetle to Be Radically Different

Despite the fact that the New Beetle did not enjoy as much popularity as Germany's first true people's car of VW's beginnings, the German manufacturer is still planning to build on the notoriety of the model with a new generation, expected to be presented at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next year. And, according to initial information, it will be radically different.

According to Autocar, citing internal VW sources, the new Beetle is not just a restyling of the current model, but a new vehicle altogether. Under the completely reworked body will be a new chassis, with wider tracks and a longer wheelbase to provide it with better handling. Also towards a better handling will work the MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the back.

For engines, the vehicle will rely on a wide range of offerings, spearheaded by the 2.0l 210 hp unit. It will be accompanied by a 1.2l unit (105 bhp), a 1.4l (160 bhp) and a 2.5l (170 bhp) which will only be marketed in the US. The diesel range will comprise 1.6l and 2.0l engines, with powers of 105 bhp and 140 bhp, respectively.

According to Autocar, the new Beetle will also turn hybrid and will use the powertrain featured on the Jetta CC, namely a 1.4l turbocharged engine which develops 150 bhp, coupled to a 27 bhp electric motor.

The current generation Volkswagen Beetle will go out of production this year. Earlier rumors pointed to the new model being released sometime in 2012, but that has apparently changed.
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About the author: Daniel Patrascu
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Daniel loves writing (or so he claims), and he uses this skill to offer readers a "behind the scenes" look at the automotive industry. He also enjoys talking about space exploration and robots, because in his view the only way forward for humanity is away from this planet, in metal bodies.
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