2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to Bow at Chicago Auto Show

[AutoGuide.com]

The 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI is set to make its debut at the upcoming Chicago Auto Show. Though there aren't any confirmed details yet on the diesel-powered Beetle, it's expected to feature a 2.0L turbocharged, inline-four in its engine bay.

The same 2.0L can be found in the Volkswagen Golf, Jetta and Passat, with 140-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque with six-speed manual and DSG transmissions available. In the Passat, this powerplant has been good for up to 43-mpg on the highway, so it's safe to assume the Beetle will get the same, if not even a little better.

What is even more interesting is the speculation that VW might give its Beetle Convertible a diesel variant, making it the first clean diesel convertible in the United States. That's not confirmed yet though, but stay tuned to AutoGuide.com as we head towards the 2012 Chicago Auto Show to get all the details later on in early February.

More: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDI to Bow at Chicago Auto Show on Autoguide.com

[mel72349]

Looking forward to seeing a TDI at the dealer. Just might convince me to trade in my 2006 NB TDI.

[janitz]

Might not be able to resist an upgrade from 1998 to 2013. I was thinking of going for 20 years on my 98, but a new model TDI might get me to switch at 15.

Definitely must be a full on standard transmission, none of the electronic stuff for me. Also must be yellow, love my yellow bug.

[Smileybug]

If its anything like the Golfs, it will come with a 6-speed manual. *crosses fingers*

[TechnoTrix'd]

Originally Posted by Smileybug

If its anything like the Golfs, it will come with a 6-speed manual. *crosses fingers*

Now that would put one in my driveway!


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[janitz]

This model is a bit larger correct? So does that mean the weight of the car is greater too?

I'm wondering if that's part of the reason why the fuel consumption listed seems to be no better while the engine is supposedly more efficient on the new TDIs.

I looked it up myself, making this more rhetorical.

1967 Volkswagen: 840KG
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle 2.0L Manual: 1232KG
1998 Volkswagen New Beetle TDI Manual: 1280KG
2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2.5L Manual: 1333KG
2012 Volkswagen Beetle 2.0L Turbo Manual: 1380KG

The automatic 2.0L Turbo is even heavier, weighing in at over 1400KG.

The TDI seems to be a heavier engine, the 2012 Jetta TDI weighs an additional 52KG over the 2.5L engine model.

So best guess the 2013 Beetle TDI Manual is going to weigh in around 1380KG.

[warren]

Originally Posted by TechnoTrix'd

Now that would put one in my driveway!
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6 speed, TDi, and a vert? oh, my...maybe i can get one for my driveway.

[kcfoxie]

Originally Posted by warren

6 speed, TDi, and a vert? oh, my...maybe i can get one for my driveway.

I have to agree. A convertible TDI -- even if it were a DSG -- would be something I'd consider.

[Chuckie]

If I was to get one It would have to have a black interior and maybe black interior Rhino-Lining! Clean Diesel or not, it is still going to get awfully messy with that oily black soot that is endemic to all diesel engines.

Still, It is intriguing to think about. The extra hp and torque compared to my 02 TDI and O6 Jetta TDI would make this a fun Beetle to pilot!

Look out Honda Chuckie's Back!

Chuckie

[fernandoA]

You might want to get Volkswagen’s most fuel efficient modern Beetle, the 2013 Beetle TDI, has finally debuted at the Chicago auto show. This new oil-burner is expected to be rated at 29 mpg in the city and 39 mpg on the highway. Those relatively high fuel economy figures come courtesy of VW’s ubiquitous 2.0-liter, 140-horsepower turbocharged direct injection diesel four-cylinder. Like other applications that use the engine, the Beetle is rated at 236 lb of torque. Both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions are available, the latter of which is VW’s DSG dual-clutch unit. Extensive emissions controls ensure that the Beetle TDI will be 50-state compliant. I really love its features.

Read more here: The Chicago Auto Show focuses on consumers

[scarabY2k]

Hmmm, sounding pretty sweet. I'd be happy with a TDI with a panoramic roof or ragtop. Either way, rhe TDI can't get here soon enough.

So this engine will be sans timing belt, correct?

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[mwatters]

the volkswagen tdi looks really impressive! any release dates?

[Chuckie]

Found an illustration of the timing belt system for the 2.0 TDI that VW is putting into the B-13. Two cams to play with this time and the belt is now 30mm wide.

Chuckie

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by Chuckie

Found an illustration of the timing belt system for the 2.0 TDI that VW is putting into the B-13. Two cams to play with this time and the belt is now 30mm wide.

Chuckie

Oh nooo, say it isn't so. All the other 2012 Beetle's now have a timing chain. Is this 2012 TDI going to come back with a lousy timing belt?

[Chuckie]

As far as I know and can confirm, The current Beetles are the 5 cylinder 2.5 engine. They have a timing chain. The four cyl. versions are timing belt engines. Not completely sure on the smaller turbo gasser but the diesel definitely is. So with better than 19:1 compression, if this timing belt loses a tooth or breaks you may get the pleasure of purchasing TWO camshafts 16 valves, 8 rockers, and a couple pistons. All NOT covered by the warranty.

I think I will stick with my 02 TDI. Besides, it gets better fuel mileage anyway.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by Chuckie

As far as I know and can confirm, The current Beetles are the 5 cylinder 2.5 engine. They have a timing chain. The four cyl. versions are timing belt engines. Not completely sure on the smaller turbo gasser but the diesel definitely is. So with better than 19:1 compression, if this timing belt loses a tooth or breaks you may get the pleasure of purchasing TWO camshafts 16 valves, 8 rockers, and a couple pistons. All NOT covered by the warranty.

I think I will stick with my 02 TDI. Besides, it gets better fuel mileage anyway.

The 2.0TSI turbo motor definitely has a timing chain. Had it since 2008 actually when they switched from the 2.0FSI to the 2.0TSI motor. My brother has one of the last FSI motors in his 2008 Passat. Shortly after in 2008 they switched to the TSI motor with timing chain.

[mel72349]

It all sounds very nice, but when will we be able to "kick the tires" on the TDI ourselves?

Since the 2013 Beetle intro, I've found few at dealers: two or three average. My local dealer now has four-three identical strippers and a Turbo. It's as if VW is deliberately dribbling them in.

[crndg]

I've been shopping around for a 2012 Beetle, but was tempted to wait for the TDI Beetle. Yesterday I happened to have set up a test drive of the TDI Golf at my local dealer. And they had just received an allocation of their first TDI Beetle.

That means it (their first TDI Beetle) will show up in the showroom in approximately 3 months. Because they had just received the allocation, I guess they had the ability to go in and change the details on it (ext/int color, package) within the first couple of days. So they let me special order exactly what I wanted for the first TDI Bug in town. Pricing wasn't available yet, but I put some money down and ordered it in the color and trim level I had been lusting after.

Now comes the hardest part: the waiting.

But it might be worth a visit to your local VW dealer to ask.