Volkswagen has finally unveiled the 2012 Beetle at the Shanghai Auto Show. The design was taken from the Ragster Concept but the feminine touch was dropped and made it sportier, bolder and dynamic. With its release, reliable source immediately reported that the 2012 Beetle will also be offered in a more aggressive version known to be as the Beetle R. Nothing is still official with the more masculine version but it is speculated that they will use a turbo charged 2.0 liter engine that can develop 266 bhp with 258 lb ft of torque.
Volkswagen has confirmed though that a drop top version will be available and will be out in 2012 and expected to be a 2013 model.
The cabin was vastly improved and shows top of the line materials used being inline with the 21st century models. The legroom was also extended and the boot space can now hold up to 11 cu ft of luggage. Other optional goodies include a Fender audio system, a panoramic sunroof and a GPS navigation.
As for the power train, North America will have a choice of a 2.0 liter TDI engine that can produce 138 bhp or a 2.5 liter five cylinder petrol engine that can give out 168 bhp or a more powerful 197 bhp.
Europe will have choices from a petrol engine; a 2.0 liter TSI power plant that can give out 197 bhp, a 1.4 liter TSI that breathes 158 bhp or a modest 1.2 liter TSI Bluemotion that gives 104 bhp. A diesel power train is also available and it’s a 1.6 liter TDI that can rev up to 104 bhp or a 2.0 liter TDI engine churning to 138 bhp.
[nggallery id=231]
