VW Super Bowl Ad Teaser: 21st Century Beetle Revealed

Okay, so it's a beetle, but not the Beetle we were all expecting. Getting ready for the Super Bowl ad frenzy, the Germans from Volkswagen found a very funny, exciting way of previewing the next generation of the lovable car, which will be revealed in full glory alongside the all-new 2012 Passat during the Super Bowl XLV, on February 6.

The good news is that, after being presented, sort of, during Oprah's Ultimate Favorite Things giveaway, the whole world will get a glimpse at the reinterpreted car. The bad news is that it will take a few more months before the model actually hits the market.

"The iconic shape of the Beetle and its place in pop culture gives us creative license to take a bold and unconventional approach in this spot where viewers only see the silhouette and not the car itself," said Tim Ellis, vice president of Marketing, Volkswagen of America.

When the new car is made available, it will likely come with a wide choice of engines, including the range topping 2.0l 210 hp unit, followed by a 1.2l unit (105 bhp), a 1.4l (160 bhp) and a 2.5l (170 bhp). The diesel range will comprise 1.6l and 2.0l engines, with powers of 105 bhp and 140 bhp, respectively.

A hybrid version of the new Beetle is a must, and will hit the market at a later date, featuring the 1.4l turbocharged engine which develops 150 bhp, coupled to a 27 bhp electric motor (the same power train fitted onto the Jetta CC).

"The Super Bowl is unlike any other media platform in the world in terms of its reach and cultural influence. It is tailor-made for big announcements and is the perfect way for VW to engage the American public," added Mike Sheldon, Deutsch LA CEO.