The second incarnation of the immortal Volkswagen Beetle - they call it the New Beetle, although at this point, there’s really nothing new about it - is set to ride of into the sunset. However, before it makes its final curtain call, VW is accepting final orders for the little bug before it completely ceases production in the near future.
This should pave the way for the highly-toute new version of the Beetle, which Volkswagen has reported to have given a thorough revision with more emphasis placed on the "New" Beetle’s tech specs rather than the overall aesthetics.
In any case, final orders for the current-generation New Beetle are being taken in anticipation of its eventual departure, which would then pave the way for the next-generation Beetle’s release sometime in the early part of next year.
Volkswagen is currently preparing the next generation Beetle city car. It will be previewed by a concept version in November at the Los Angeles Auto Show with a production version to follow in 2011.
The 2012 Beetle will be built on a new chassis with wider tracks and a longer wheelbase and will feature MacPherson struts suspensions at the front and a torsion beam at the rear. Engine line-up will include a 105bhp 1.2, a 160bhp 1.4 and a 210bhp 2.0 liter. The US market will also get a 170bhp 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. Diesel line-up will include the new 105bhp 1.6 and a 140bhp 2.0 liter.
In an interview with AutoCar, a Volkswagen insider said: "It is more contoured, with additional structuring and defined feature lines used to help to break up the simple surfacing and unadorned character of the current model. The screen angles are less extreme and the roof structure is less rounded than it is at the moment."
Volkswagen Australia has just revealed a new special edition Volkswagen New Beetle, which they’re making available for both coupe and convertible versions and petrol and diesel engine options. Prices for the new Beetle BlackOrange start at $27,500 for the coupe version and at $37,700 for the convertible one. The auto transmission is an optional feature that will cost you $2,500.
The New Beetle BlackOrange is distinguished by 17-inch alloy wheels with sports suspension, leatherette seat upholstery, cruise control, and front fog lights. Meanwhile, the car’s interior will be outfitted with an aluminum finish clutch, brake and accelerator pedals, as well as a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob.
As far as color options are concerned, the New Beetle BlackOrange will be available in two color combinations. One offers a Black gloss exterior with silver exterior mirrors, silver alloy wheels and lower body side decals in silver. The alternative combination is a Red Rock Metallic exterior with black roof and exterior mirrors as well as black alloy wheels and lower body side decals in Black.
The Volkswagen New Beetle entered production in 1998, and like it predecessors it was a very successful model. But Volkswagen is preparing to end the current generation of the iconic models; and to mark this even today at the Los Angeles Auto Show they have revealed the New Beetle Final Edition, for both coupe and convertible models. The company will build 1,500 units each, and prices will start at $20,240 for the coupe and $27,170 for the convertible model.
The Final Edition beetle features a special Aquarius Blue paint with a painted black roof on the coupe, and a two-tone Aquarius Blue and Campanella White paint scheme with a white top on the convertible. Both the coupe and the convertible have a full sport suspension and special 17-inch alloy wheels that provide a more fun-to-drive stance, and make getting from point A to point B even more exciting.
Both versions are powered by a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder gasoline engine rated at 150 hp and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque and mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic.
Press release after the jump.
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Volkswagen is offering the new New Beetle Black Orange special editions, available for both hatch and convertible. Customers in Germany can already start ordering this new edition with prices starting from €22,550 (around $33,800 at the current exchange rates).
This new edition can be ordered in either a black exterior finish contrasting white stripes on the sides or an orange finish with black stripes. There are also 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, called "Sarasota".
On the inerior Volkswagen placed a three-spoke leather steering wheel and sports seats, fabric floor mats and gear lever gaiter with contrasting stitching in Burt marked orange and aluminum pedals.
Standard options include: air conditioning, radio "gamma CD," center armrest and electric windows.
