Many expected the droptop variant of the recently-launched Volkswagen Beetle to bow at the Beijing Motor Show last April. That was not the case but Volkswagen previewed the car with a thinly-disguised all-electric concept dubbed E-Bugster.
The production variant of the Beetle Cabriolet is now scheduled to make its public debut at the Los Angeles Motor Show later this year. A report published by Car & Driver indicates that Volkswagen will introduce three retro-styled special edition models to celebrate the car’s launch.
Called ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, the special editions will borrow period-correct design cues such as interior and exterior colors and whitewall tires from their respective decades. They will go on sale in Europe and in the United States shortly after the L.A. show. For the time being it is not clear what engines they will be offered with.
Aesthetics
Leftlane’s ever-vigilant spy photographers have managed to capture six images of the upcoming 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet undergoing testing with its top up on public roads in Europe.
The images reveal that the Cabriolet will follow in the footsteps of the 2012 Beetle coupe with a longer, less arched roofline than the outgoing model. The side windows also mimic the chopped-down glass of the coupe. The overall look is more masculine than before, though certainly not as aggressive as the Chevy Camaro convertible or other drop-top competitors against which upper trim levels of the Cabriolet will be priced.
Three engines: two gas mills, one oil-burner
As previously reported by Leftlane, the new Cabriolet 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
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 car’s on-sale date, but the droptop should net about a 7-10 percent premium.
