2012 VW Beetle Revealed with More Retro Look

[AutoGuide.com]

Volkswagen has just revealed the all-new 2012 Beetle, returning the 'Bug' to its retro-styled ways. You'll have to pardon the poor photos though. Officially that isn't supposed to have debuted yet, but Motor Trend busted the embargo so we're using their grainy pics.

The replacement for the 'New Beetle' the car is set to debut first at the Shanghai Auto Show and then at the 2011 New York Auto Show on Wednesday. Sitting 0.5-inches lower than the previous car, it's also 3.3-inches wider. With a significantly improved interior, it's near-luxury inside and that theme flows throughout with items like bi-xenon headlights and 19-inch wheels.

Continuing to be a front-driver, engine choices are no surprise with the usual selection of gasoline and diesel powered VW mills, including a 200-hp 2.0 TFSI, a standard 170-hp 2.5-liter 5-cylinder and a 140-hp TDI engine with 236 lb-ft of torque and a 29/40-mpg rating. The 2.5-liter engine comes with the choice of a 5-speed stick shift or 6-speed manual, while the turbo gas engine gets either a six-speed stick or six-speed dual-clutch unit and the brand's XDS electronic differential, which first debuted on the 2010 GTI.

Get more: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle at AutoGuide.com

[Tico4Life]

LOL, its a rounder gti

[kcfoxie]

HALF INCH LOWER? Did they NOT listen to anything we've complained about? LIFT IT!

[iluvmyVersa08]

If that is the final pics, I like it

Now to just wait and find out the price tag for us Canadians

[Toad]

I hate pretty much everything about it.

Might as well call it, the ugly american scirocco

[Fl_bug]

Originally Posted by kcfoxie

HALF INCH LOWER? Did they NOT listen to anything we've complained about? LIFT IT!

Half an inch isn't bad at all. Especially for those of us who were intending to lower it another 2-4 inches anywho lol. Plus oil pan busting shouldn't be a problem since mk5+ have them still sitting above the subframe.

I the interior!!!!

[Blugg]

I like it

[Timber]

Nice job, I'll wait for the convertible

[Fowvay]

Love the interior except... no budvase.

[Steve Meister]

I like it quite a bit. Better looking than the staid new corporate design, IMO.

[macdave]

Here's the full press release:

VOLKSWAGEN DEBUTS THE SPORTIEST, MOST FUEL-EFFICIENT BEETLE EVER

[Lov3Bug]

China video

Link to video in China (lots of blah blah blahing at the beginning)

[Smileybug]

There is an actual photo and some video up on Car Lounge: VWVortex.com - 2012 Beetle debuts Monday at 8AM EST!

Its growing on me pretty quickly. I think they did a great job with this. No plans on ditching my Darla for one, but we'll see what the future holds...

[JonK]

Not getting the "WOW" factor as of yet!

Still loving the "New Beetle" More like it was, but glad Vw is keeping the beetle going!!!


JonK

[Herbie3Rivers]

I like it. Now for the order banks to open and to pick what color combo to order.

[Howie]

I'm a purist, and still love the original NB better!

Round for a Reason. No more trick rear spoiler on the turbo, I guess. Will there be toys??

I was quoted today in the Associated Press online articles... do a search for "associated press new beetle howie".

Howie

[katiex10204]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!! omgggggg! i cannot wait for Butterkup to have a little sister!

[deeceedub]

I expected to hate it...

but I don't. It's really growing on me.

That red and black interior is amazing!

[JonK]

I will stay with this for now, this is a Beetle to me!

But new is good, and some will really like it, and thats a good thing!

JonK

[robertsnowden1990]

I like it, but its not going to make me go out and buy it. I'll keep my 2001 and 2003. I remember when people were going crazy when the original new bug came out. Not sure that's going to be the same case with this bug. Overall vw did a nich job with redesign. I'm guessing this body style will last for 13 years too. Lol