While the Volkswagen Beetle has been known for staying virtually unchanged for decades, the second-generation New Beetle will feature radical styling.
Details are limited, but the car is described as daring and fresh. It will be based on the 2011 Jetta and, as VW Group design chief Walter de' Silva has previously said, "will be a big step" forward.
Under the hood, a variety of four-cylinder engines will be offered. On the petrol side we can expect a 105 hp (78 kW / 106 PS) 1.2-liter, a 160 hp (119 kW / 162 PS) 1.4-liter, and a 210 hp (157 kW / 213 PS) 2.0-liter. Diesel units will include a 105 hp (78 kW / 106 PS) 1.6-liter and a 140 hp (104 kW / 142 PS) 2.0-liter. Volkswagen will also offer a 170 hp (127 kW / 172 PS) 2.5-liter five-cylinder (exclusive to North America) and a hybridized 1.4-liter four-cylinder with a 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS) electric motor.
As we have previously reported, the 2012 New Beetle will be positioned as an affordable halo car. It will feature improved packaging and additional interior room.
Look for an unveiling at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
