Volkswagen has officially revealed the 2013 Beetle Convertible, ahead of its public debut at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show. It has a folding fabric roof that takes 10 seconds to open and close. This procedure can be done at speeds of up to 30 mph (48 km/h).
To make the car safe, the German carmaker has strengthened the A-pillars and developed an "Automatic Rollover Support System" which incorporates two roll-over bars located behind the back of the foldable rear bench seat.
In the States, the third generation of the Beetle Cabriolet will be available with three engine options. The 2.5-liter gasoline produces 170 hp and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter diesel develops 140 hp and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm) of torque that returns 41 mpg with the standard 6-speed manual (a DSG is offered optionally). There's also a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI gasoline engine with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque, which can be connected to either a six-speed manual or DSG automatic.
The European version will be offered with an even wider range of engines, starting with the entry-level petrol 1.2-liter TSI that produces 104 hp, followed by the same engine but equipped with the company’s fuel-saving BlueMotion Technology package. Other gasoline engines include a 158 hp 1.4-liter TSI and a 197 hp 2.0-liter TSI, while diesel options include a 103 hp 1.6-liter TDI and a 138 hp 2.0-liter TDI.
In Germany, customers can order the all-new Beetle Convertible from November with prices starting at €21,350, while U.S. prices will be announced closer to launch, which occurs in the last quarter of 2012.
