Apr 18th, 2011 by Dean Hightower
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle has been revealed, thanks to an oversight by Motor Trend and the quick saving skills of Jalopnik. The new Beetle will be officially unveiled later on today In New York and Shanghai, but Motor Trend published pictures to it’s web site ahead of schedule. Jalopnik found copies of the new 2012 VW Beetle pictures and has published them.
The 2012 Beetle is completely redesigned from the iconic New Beetle (VW has dropped the “New” from the title on the 2012 model) originally launched in 1998 and refreshed once over the course of the 12 years it was on sale. New Beetle sales stopped after the 2010 model year.
The new 2012 VW Beetle abandons the last generation’s design, which was obviously based on the original VW Beetle’s, in favor of a chopped-top look that emulates popular hot-rod modifications. The new 2012 Beetle also looks an awful lot like the Porsche Panamera from the rear. The Beetle’s redesign was overdue, but the new car’s success will hinge on whether or not the sporty, aggressive styling changes appeal to Beetle buyers.
Volkswagen will be equipping the 2012 Beetle with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sourced from the GTi. The 2012 Beetle 2.0 turbo will be available with a six-speed manual or a six-speed DSG.
Images via Jalopnik.
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