During the co-running Shanghai and New York Auto Shows, the Volkswagen Orchestra presented the world with the all new rendition of their best hit ever, the 2012 Beetle.
The Beetle is as much a pop culture icon as Beethoven’s 5th or Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries; it has been with us for over the past 66 years and in all its generations combined has been produced in several countries with a total in excess of 22 million units. And now that number is set to grow indefinitely.
Volkswagen presented the new generation of its automotive classic, the Beetle, during a world debut on three different continents (New York, Shanghai, Berlin), embedded in MTV World Stage Concerts.
With a completely new take on the classic design, fitted with the latest technologies (this time), the new 2012 Beetle has finally entered the 21st century. And this time around, it sports both masculine and feminine friendly touches.
The new 2012 Beetle shakes off the former’s circular shapes and breaks step with an extended bonnet, sharply swept-back windscreen and a longer wheelbase, all in all giving a stretched impression. Naturally the extensions mean that interior space has also been improved and the modified interior ergonomics lend to a more driver-oriented coupe experience. The longer roof section and reconfigured rear roof slant give the all new beetle a Shooting Break impression, minus a few inches, but nevertheless the overall exterior look is definitely sportier with an interior that can be described as closer to the Sirocco’s than anything else in the VW line-up, despite the obvious component similarities. VAG club membership obliges.nbsp;
Highlighting the exterior are LED DRLs within the gem like headlights, air intake leads and hood edge accents as well as the rear slope drop off and new taillights that are the clearest departure with their new semi-circular/semi-rectangular shape that give the rear a menacing, purposeful look.
Along with the complete makeover, the all new 2012 Beetle also gets a host of power train options that collectively and individually (with the diesel) make this the most fuel efficient and sportiest Beetle ever.
All throughout its range the new Beetle will be available in a range of petrol engine power outputs with 105 hp, 160 hp and 200 hp. All engine versions (all are four cylinders) are being used for the first time in a Beetle.The most fuel-efficient petrol Beetle is powered by the 1.2 TSI with BlueMotion Technology which includes Stop/Start and battery regeneration. It delivers 105 hp and is capable of a top speed of 180 kph with a combined fuel consumption of 5.5* l/100 km.
The new power trains on the Beetle are all about efficiency, and even the fast moving 225 kph Beetle 2.0 TSI with 200 hp consumes just 7.4* l/100 km with a manual transmission. Also extremely economical is the 1.4 TSI with 160 hp shifted by a 7-speed DSG; in the Beetle it consumes just 5.9* l/100 km.
To ensure that the power of the two strongest Beetle versions is applied properly to the road in quickly approached curves as well, the 160 hp and 200 hp models come with a factory-installed XDS electronic differential lock. This system extends the familiar EDS functionality. XDS improves handling in fast curve driving and calibrates the car toward more 'neutral' steering; it does this by using active brake intervention to prevent wheel-spin of the unloaded wheel on the inside of the curve, improving traction.The all new Beetle now plays a multi role in the VW lineup. It’s not just a nostalgic car that looks cute and invokes wistfulness; it’s spacious, sporty and economical. It should be a fun drive (something we will confirm at a later date). It’s a symphony of sorts, blending all of the orchestra’s output into an amalgam, a digitally re-mastered and enhanced version of an eternal classic.
Source: http://pk.msn.com/autos/news/meacars/2011/october/9757524/auto-review-the-new-beetle-2012.aspx