NYIAS 2011: Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen has officially pulled the covers off the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle, and we can only find three words to describe what we saw at the 2011 New York International Auto Show: retro, unisex and radical. First off, the new incarnation of the Bug drops the ‘New’ from its name, but becomes more mature in the process, dropping some of its cuteness in favor of modern-retro features.

The biggest change is the flatter roof and the upright rear end of the car. Daytime LED lights have been fitted and the taillights look Golf-like. The car is also a lot wider and longer than its predecessor, adding 3.3 inches (8.4 cm) and 6 inches (15.2 cm) to its dimensions respectively.

"The Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also substantially wider, the front bonnet is longer, the front windscreen is shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates a new dynamism," explains Klaus Bischoff.

VW will offer the Beetle to the global market in three equipment lines (Beetle, Design and Sport) and will introduce for the first time features like Bi-xenon headlights, Keyless Access and engine start systems.

Engine options will include a number of VW’s forced induction TFSI and TDI units, plus the 2.5-liter unit for the American market. An R version is also in the works, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine developing 266 hp. Transmission options will include both manual and DSG automatics in six-speed configuration, while the XDS differential will be fitted to the more powerful versions.