Volkswagen E-Bugster Revealed: 2012 Detroit Auto Show

[AutoGuide.com]

The rumors of Volkswagen bringing an electric concept to the 2012 Detroit Auto Show are true as VW revealed its E-Bugster Concept today. The all-electric Beetle features a three-inch chopped roof and 20-inch wheels, giving us that hot rod look we expected.

VW integrated their Blue-e-motion electric drive unit to the current generation Beetle, giving a preview to the product debut in the Golf. The E-Bugster features an electric motor and 695-pound lithium-ion battery underneath the rear seat and trunk floor. Combined, the Bugster manages a 100-mile driving range and can have its pack charged to 80-percent in 30 minutes with a Level 3 quick charger. The motor offers 114-hp and 199 lb-ft of torque to the Bugster.

The exterior styling of the E-Bugster also slightly differs from the standard Beetle, getting tweaked front and rear bumpers featuring LED daytime running lights.

AutoGuide will be sure to get more photos of the E-Bugster in its flesh at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show.

More: Volkswagen E-Bugster Revealed: 2012 Detroit Auto Show on Autoguide.com

[SMG]

The concept really shows how good this car can look without the hideous Jetta grille that it currently wears.

[GOBUGWILD]

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS.......??????

Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept: Detroit 2012 photos

[TennesseeBug]

Originally Posted by GOBUGWILD

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS.......??????

Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept: Detroit 2012 photos

I think it looks awesome!!!

[yellow99]

I love the interior, only thing is a white steering wheel won't stay clean very long!

I wonder if this roof design would be an indication of the convertible top? I've seen the other images of the ragtop where it has rear side windows, but I think this would look nicer!

[2nd_BugMan]

Look closely, i think this is the body of the next beetle convertible. From the rear it looks like it has a trunk, not a hatch back. Remove the roof, raise the windshield and put the standard bumpers on it and you have the convertable.

[miffmole]

Originally Posted by yellow99

I wonder if this roof design would be an indication of the convertible top? I've seen the other images of the ragtop where it has rear side windows, but I think this would look nicer!

Only if you take the back seat away...the mechanism has to go somewhere, and the trunk is too tiny as it is.
A hardtop NBC would be great, though, even sans back seat.

[AutoGuide.com]

It's not intended for production, but rather showcases just what possibilities are out there when it comes to Volkswagen's best loved car. The new 2012 Beetle is proving that interest in the iconic Bug is still strong, so given the current trend towards EVs, why not have some fun and make a sporty, zero emissions concept out of it.

Although not a true roadster (the roof is fixed), the E-Bugster lends a feeling of fun and intimacy due to its two-seat cabin, cropped windshield and swoopy roof, which does actually look like a removable hardtop.

As it's name suggests, the E-Bugster relies on pure electric power for motivation, in this case an 85 kW (114 hp) electric motor and lithium-ion battery pack. Projected range is over 100 miles according to VW, while three charging options are available.

Level 1 operates off a standard household 120-volt system, Level 2, off 240 volts and Level 3 is a quick charge setup. For the latter, VW says that around 80 percent of battery capacity can be restored in 30 minutes. Inside VW has fitted EV specific gauges to monitor charge and and driving range, as well as the intensity of battery power generation.

The electric drive system in the E-Bugster, dubbed Blue-e-Motion by Volkswagen, will probably pop again in the near future, as it's slated to be fitted in an upcoming version of the bread and butter Golf Hatchback. And who knows, depending on its success in the marketplace, perhaps we'll see another E-Bugster a few years from now, one you'll be able to actually lease or buy.

More: E-Bugster Concept Electrifies a VW Beetle: 2012 North American International Auto Show on Autoguide.com

[JR Martinez]

Electric eBugster,
Chopped Removable Top

More Info
Beetles-at-NAIAS-in-Detroit