VW TO OFFER ’13 BEETLE CABRIOLET WITH THREE ENGINES

[marwan25]

Unlike the outgoing car, which was offered to North American consumers with just one engine option (a 150-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder), the redesigned model will be available with the same powertrain lineup as its hardtop brother.

That means that entry-level models will be powered by a 170 horsepower version of the 2.5-liter five, while more uplevel Beetle Cabriolets will be available with either a 200 horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four or a 140 horsepower 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel. The turbocharged gas engine will also come with a limited slip front differential.

Fuel economy might take a small hit compared to the hardtop given the additional weight necessary for the convertible configuration, but the thriftiest Cabriolet should still tickle 40 mpg on the highway with the TDI four-cylinder.

Six-speed manual and six-speed dual clutch automatic transmissions will be available on all three engines.

What we know so far
Although the all-new 2013 Volkswagen Beetle’s most notable change might be its lowered roof line, the German automaker is set to change things even further when it releases a Cabriolet version later this year.

Expected to debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet will be offered worldwide as an alternative to the fixed roof example. A droptop version of the outgoing New Beetle (which wasn’t so new at the time) debuted for 2003, five years after the coupe model. Despite the wait, it proved tremendously popular, quickly changing the New Beetle’s image to that of a fun-loving beach cruiser.

The wait won’t be quite as long for the second-generation reborn Beetle, which loses its “new” nomenclature. A quick-stowing, fully insulated power top will be standard. Likely to not require any manual latching, it will hide away behind the rear seats to take up as little room as possible. A heated glass rear window will also be standard.

Otherwise, the Beetle Cabriolet will essentially mirror its hardtop sibling.

Globally, the Beetle Cabriolet will serve as a more style-oriented sibling to the new Golf Cabriolet, although North American buyers will probably only get one droptop.

When can I buy one?
Look for more details on the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet to become available soon.

Pricing won’t be announced until closer to the Spring 2012 on-sale date, but the droptop should net about a 7-10 percent premium.