The 2013 NEW VW Beetle!

Wolfsburg / Shanghai / Berlin / New York ?   When the first Beetle rolled off the production line, it was called   simply the Volkswagen ? "the people's car" ? but its distinctive shape   inspired nicknames across the globe: Beetle, Käfer, Vocho, Coccinelle,   Fusca, Maggiolino or ???! In total, 21.5 million cars were sold.

More than 60 years later, in 1998, the "New Beetle" rekindled the spirit and imagination of the   original to a new generation of Volkswagen owners. The second generation   version sparked another round of uplifting and joyous enthusiasm known   as Beetle Mania.

In   beginning of 2012 the Beetle was re-launched as the third generation   Beetle.  It was given a more masculine look, with sleeker lines, more   high tech features and a Fender Premium audio system.  Now,   the Beetle opens a new chapter in its remarkable story. The third   generation of the internationally beloved Beetle is celebrating Its   second year as the third generation 2013 Beetle.  

Updating an icon

Only   someone who knows and respects the Beetle's heritage could produce a   new generation of this storied vehicle. The task for Volkswagen   engineers was clear. They had to develop a modern interpretation of the   Beetle, with all the benefits of today's technologies and efficiencies,   and the driving characteristics that define the Volkswagen brand. The   result had to remain affordable and stay true to the Beetle's spirit and   great heritage.

The design of the new Beetle presented another challenge. How does one reinvent a look that is so recognizable and unique? Volkswagen Group Design Chief Walter de Silva and Volkswagen Brand   Design Chief, Klaus Bischoff, welcomed the task and set an ambitious   objective: "Design a new original!"

The   designers wanted to develop the new car around the earliest Beetle   profile rather than the 1998 New Beetle. They wanted a car that respects   the past but looks toward the future. And that is what they created.

Exterior

The   2013 Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented. Placing the original   Beetle and the 21st Century Beetle next to one another, it's clear that   the lines of the rear sections are nearly identical, but the overall   look is bolder and more dynamic. The Beetle also breaks free of the   design geometry defined by three semi-circles (front wing, rear wing,   domed roof above it).

"The   Beetle is now characterized by a clean, self-confident and dominant   sportiness. The car not only has a lower profile; it is also   substantially wider, the front hood is longer, the front windshield is   shifted further back and has a much steeper incline. All of this creates   a new dynamism," explains Klaus Bischoff.

The   2013 Beetle is 71.2 inches wide (3.3 inches wider), 58.5 inches tall   (.5 inches lower) and 168.4 inches long (6 inches longer). The new focal   point is the C-pillar. The development team also increased the car's   track widths and wheelbase. All of this gives the Beetle a powerful   appearance with muscular tension.

Another   feature is the rear spoiler that is integrated into the design   (standard on 2.0L TSI engines with 200 hp). The top surface of the rear   spoiler is black, while the underside is painted in body color.

The   Beetle is sportier, offering a turbo-charged gasoline engine, in   addition to dual exhaust, performance-handling packages, 19-inch wheels,   sport seats and new, sleeker styling. Volkswagen will offer a panoramic   roof, a range of audio options, including the Fender® Premium Audio   System, and a customization program for the 2013 Beetle with a large   number of personalization options, including a wide variety of colors   and wraps along with an annual theme model.

Interior

The   21st Century Beetle offers an agile, driver-oriented coupe experience   with a quality of materials that goes beyond all class limits. The car's   styling, ergonomics and quality interact to create a new, friendly car   with a highly individual nature.

The shape and use of color in the painted or carbon-look dashboards harkens back to the design of the first Beetle.

Three   round instrument gauges are arranged in front of the driver   (tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge) providing all key information at a   glance. A multifunction display is integrated in the speedometer in   middle position. The steering wheel is specially designed with optional   painted accents in the spokes depending on the equipment line.

Framed   by two air vents, the selected audio/navigation system is optimally   located in the driver's visual field on the dashboard. Within easy   reach, climate controls are situated just below.

Similar   to the original Beetle, the new car has an extra glove box integrated   into the dash. The lid folds upward, while the standard glove box opens   downward. Another classic feature: the optional auxiliary instruments   above the selected audio/navigation system: oil temperature, clock with   stopwatch function and boost pressure gauge.

The   "cathedral ceiling" dome roof of the New Beetle has been replaced with a   sleek and sporty roofline. Front and rear passenger headroom remains   plentiful. In the rear seating area, the longer roof section results in   more space. The trunk is significantly larger, offering 10.9 cubic feet   of space. A split-folding rear seat and a wide opening trunk lid ease   loading and unloading.

Engine and Transmission

The   2013 Beetle offers three engines: the 2.5L gasoline five cylinder and   the 2.0L TSI® turbocharged gasoline engine. Transmission choices will   include a 5-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic on 2.5L models.   Volkswagen's acclaimed DSG® 6-speed dual-clutch transmission will be   offered on the 2.0L TSI turbocharged gasoline models, while a 6-speed   manual will come standard.

Fuel   economy values are also improved up to 10 percent over prior 2.5L five   cylinder engine models. Mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, it   offers manufacturer estimates of 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The   optional 6-speed automatic offers manufacturer estimates of 22 mpg city,   29 mpg highway. The five cylinder engine produces 170 hp and 177 lb.-ft   of torque.

The   Beetle 2.0L TSI is the sportiest model offered. With 200 hp and 207   lb.-ft of torque, power delivery will remain smooth and direct across   the rpm range. The four cylinder turbo engine is estimated to provide 30   mpg highway fuel economy. To ensure that power is applied properly in   challenging conditions, the 2.0L TSI model features the XDS® cross   differential (limited-slip) system. The system electronically monitors   input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage,   transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction.

Premium Features

The   2013 Volkswagen Beetle has a unique character. The Beetle can also be   customized with a wide choice of optional features. Key features   include:

Radio-CD and radio-navigation systems. Standard in the Beetle is the RCD 310 sound system with 8 speakers   (includes dual tuner). The premium VIII top audio system is the RCD 510   with integrated CD changer, interface for SD cards and touchscreen. For   the first time ever, navigation will be offered in the Beetle, with the   RNS 315 featuring a 5-inch touchscreen, CD player and SD card slot.

Panoramic roof. The transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof is 80 percent   larger than on the previous model. The insulating glass blocks 99   percent of UV radiation and 92 percent of heat energy.

Fender Premium Audio System. The 2013 Beetle will also offer concert quality sound with an optional   Fender Premium Audio System equipped with an additional subwoofer and   400 watts of output power. Embedded in the vehicle design is proprietary   Panasonic® speaker technology. The system covers the cabin with   directional sound from front door speakers that generate imaging beyond   the capabilities of traditional speaker designs. It cuts through the   noise and other distractions with front dual voice coil speakers, with   extended range for all musical genres. Those choosing this sound system   also receive adjustable interior ambiance lighting.

Safety

The   2013 Beetle features both active and passive safety. It includes   Volkswagen's advanced Intelligent Crash Response System, which initiates   automatic safety protection in some types of collisions ? the   electrical supply to the fuel pump is shut off, the doors unlock and the   hazard lights switch on. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is   standard, as are driver and front passenger airbags and Side Curtain   Protection® airbags in front and rear.