2012 Vw Beetle R
Berlin, Germany—It is both a blessing and a curse for any designer to restyle an iconic car, especially one that has been so recognizable for its shape alone. For Volkswagen, a rounded profile has defined the Beetle for 70 years. So how do you reinvent the beloved Bug?
For 2012, VW is looking ahead again with a new-generation Beetle. There's no "New" in the car's name anymore. And the number one priority with the new car was to make it more masculine and sporty.
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A quick look at the new 2012 Volkswagen Beetle reveals a car with more creases and edges to give it a more aggressive stance. The 2012 Beetle is 3.3 inches wider, 0.5 in. shorter in height and 6.0 in. longer than its predecessor. The roofline no longer carries a semi-circular shape; it's more of a flat-top design reminiscent of the original one first introduced in 1938.
The squashed greenhouse gives the new Bug a sinister, almost gangster, feel, and the Turbo model has a standard rear spoiler. Inside, the new Beetle ditches the stylish predecessor's panel in favor for a more tradition design. Gone are the deep dashboard and the faraway windshield that make you feel like you're inside a bubble.
Masculine enough?
Beyond the sporty looks, VW is hoping that improved driving dynamics will also sway more men behind the wheel. For the U.S., the 2012 Beetle will be available with two engines: a 170-hp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder mated to a 6-speed automatic, or a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 coupled to a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Manual transmissions—a 5-speed for the 2.5L and a 6-speed for the 2.0 Turbo—will come later. A 140-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 direct-injection diesel is also in the works for next year. It will be offered with a 6-speed manual or the dual-clutch gearbox. VW estimates the fuel economy for the diesel to be 40 mpg highway and 29 mpg city.
On the roads near Berlin, we put the Beetle through its paces. While the non-turbo Bug comes with rear torsion beam suspension setup, VW engineers have tuned the Turbo's chassis (struts in front, multilink in back) to ride comfortably on the open road while giving the Beetle spirited handling through the turns. In fact, the car reminds me of the VW Golf, which provides the basis for the Beetle chassis. The Turbo is available with sport suspension, whose firmer springs and damping provide sharper steering response. Also on turbo models is EDS, which uses braking action to simulate a limited-slip differential and enhance traction out of corners.
The 2012 VW Beetle goes on sale in September or October. Pricing starts at $18,995, and can hit $29,095 depending on model and options. In addition to the upcoming diesel, look for a convertible next year.
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Source: https://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a17425/2012-volkswagen-beetle-1/
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