| Press Release |
The Iconic Volkswagen Beetle
Hits the Market With a Base Price of Just $18,995
The highly customizable Beetle offers German
craftsmanship and sophistication and a sporty new
attitude
- Powerful, Efficient 2.5L and 2.0 TSI® Turbocharged
Engines at Launch
- Forthcoming TDI® Clean Diesel Model Will Offer an
Estimated 40 mpg Highway
- Longer, Lower, and Wider than the Previous Beetle
- Sporty Features Include 19-inch wheels,
Performance-Handling Packages, and Sport Seats
- Available Premium Features include Bluetooth®
technology, Slide and Tilt Panoramic Roof, Fender®
Premium Audio System, Keyless Access with push- button
start, leather seating surfaces, and BI-XENON™
Headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights
- No-Charge, Three-Year/36,000-Mile Carefree
Maintenance® Program
HERNDON, Va., June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of
America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 21st
Century Beetle, the third generation of the classic
"people's car." The new Beetle will start at just
$18,995, offering an agile, driver-oriented coupe that
respects the Beetle's past yet looks to the future.
"The 21st Century Beetle is an automotive icon
reinvented, a nod to the heritage and character of
Volkswagen and our remarkable history," said Jonathan
Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of
America, Inc. "This new interpretation of the original
Beetle holds true to the traditional spirit of the car,
with all the benefits of modern technologies and
efficiencies."
The 2.5L model, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995,
has a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine and
offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent
over past 2.5L models. When outfitted with the
five-speed manual transmission, the mileage is estimated
at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional
six-speed automatic offers EPA fuel economy ratings of
22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.
The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat,
aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering
wheel, unique and customizable 17-inch alloy wheels, and
an eight-speaker audio system. Desirable options include
a "kaeferfach" additional glovebox that is similar to
that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth® technology,
iPod® connectivity, heated front seats, three-color
interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating
surfaces.
The sportiest model-the 2.0L TSI-will have a starting
MSRP of $23,395. This model uses Volkswagen's critically
acclaimed 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder turbocharged
engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of
torque. As well as providing sparkling performance, the
four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission offers
an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and
22 mpg city.
The 2.0L has a standard six-speed manual transmission,
with the option of Volkswagen's DSG© dual-clutch
automatic transmission. It takes the standard equipment
found on the 2.5L and adds Bluetooth® technology, iPod®
connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger
brakes with red calipers, a "kaeferfach" additional
glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle,
sport seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear
spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the
dashboard, and alloy pedals.
In 2012, a TDI Clean Diesel model will become available,
powered by Volkswagen's highly efficient 2.0-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces
140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This will be the
most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected
highway estimate of 40 mpg.
The 2012 Beetle features sportier, more dynamic, and
bolder styling than the previous model. It is also 3.3
inches wider, 6.0 inches longer, and 0.5 inches lower,
giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a
broad appeal. The Beetle will be available in three trim
lines, some of which include the transparent, panoramic
tilt/slide glass sunroof that is 80 percent longer than
on the previous model.
The Beetle comes standard with the RCD 310 sound system
with eight speakers; an optional premium VIII audio
system features a CD changer, interface for SD cards,
and a touchscreen. The Beetle will also offer
concert-quality sound with an available Fender® Premium
Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a
partnership that combines quality automotive engineering
and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender
have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to
the driving experience.
The Beetle includes Volkswagen's advanced Intelligent
Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump,
unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if
the car is involved in some types of collisions. The
Beetle is also covered under the no-charge,
3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance®
Program. |
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