With over 21 million units sold since its launch in 1938, the Beetle is the oldest vehicle and produced on the same design in history.
In 1948 Wilhelm Karmann bought a Beetle sedan and turned it into a four-seater convertible. It was in 1949, after a successful presentation at Volkswagen in Wolfsburg, production began. This first version went out of production on January 10, 1980 and managed to sell 331.847 units worldwide.
If I could go back in time, try to bring me one of the new units and present it to Mr. Karmann. Sure the new Beetle Convertible identifies as such and would be surprised to know that his creation will live more than 60 years.
Although this "Future Beetle" has features of his great grandfather, this could not have survived without his ability to adapt to new technologies.
The new Beetle was announced to the public in 1997, the largest drop engine change later and the distribution of traction to the rear wheels. From that time will be located on the engine front wheel drive and distributed to the front wheels.
This new, modernized generation "Beetle convertible version" introduced in 2003 and would stop production in 2010, after selling more than 117,000 units. Today, two years after Volkswagen presents a Convertible version of the car that started the craze for "retro-modern" in the Los Angeles Auto Show 2012.
The new generation is offered with three engines: the basic cost is $ 25,000, is 4-cylinder, 2.5 liter, 170 HP and 177 lb-ft of torque. The intermediate version costs $ 28,000, is equipped with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine capable of producing 200 HP and 207 lb-ft of torque. The latest version costs $ 28,000 and an engine load TDI (turbo diesel) of 140 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque. The latter is capable of traveling 41 miles per gallon on the highway and 34 in town.
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| 2013 VW Beetle Convertible Interior |
This is not the first time a diesel-powered Beetle wheel, as in 1951 VW fabricate two prototypes of a boxer diesel engine air cooled (no turbo). The diesel Beetle was tested for speed in getting Nürburgring and acceleration from 0-62mph (100km / h) in 60 seconds.
For this new version of the Beetle convertible effort focused on the car and minimizes the sacrifice of space to accommodate the removable canvas roof.
The "masculinization" is performed based on changes in size and cosmetics. It reduced its height and was widened to give a sportier, plus a rear spoiler found in all versions.
Inside eliminated the "vase" (thank God) and improved the environment based on new materials and a sportier design. The alliance resulted Fender sound system and optional high-performance exclusive to this model.
The operation is quite simple roof via a button located on the front of the roof. This can be folded or unfolded in less than 10 seconds and this can be done as you roll up to 31mph (49.6km / h).
Its handling is right in the segment. The car is easy to drive and responds well to legal speeds. Engineers used rigid steel in strategic locations to maintain decent torsion rigidity.
Volkswagen has worked to develop accessories to personalize the vehicle, the 3 versions commemorating Beetle golden decades (50s, 60s and 70s) and included accessories like Bluetooth-as-standard. In conclusion, the new 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible is a nice car that has begun to rediscover their masculine side.
