| The New Beetle |
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The new beetle is no longer the entry level car it was of yesterday, in fact it carries a price just over that of a base model Golf. Volkswagen only expected to sell about 50,000 of these per year, however, when the New Beetle was first introduced, buyers had to be on a waiting list approximately six months. Skeptics say the Beetle will have little popularity in the future and that it is just a fad. To combat this, VW has planned to add new features each year. |
| The first addition has just come out. A turbo version of the beetle. The motor is borrowed from the Audi A-4, it is a 1.8 liter with five valves per cylinder. You will definitely notice the difference. The zero to sixty time is improved by a full 2.1 seconds. This brings it from 9.7 down to 7.6. The turbo package also adds stiffer springs and larger brake rotors. The new optional sunroof and speed activated spoiler add to the Beetle's unique look. The spoiler is not really practical in the U.S. seeing how it raises at 93 MPH and we can't legally drive that fast.(not that it isn't fun to try)At 93 MPH this spoiler is actually functional, it applies the extra down force needed to keep good traction at high speeds. The sunroof is closed automatically if the spoiler deploys to make the car more aerodynamic. If you just like the look, the spoiler may be operated manually. The VW traction control system has also been added. |  |
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The next planned addition will be the Power Beetle. It will have the VR6 motor, 200 + horsepower, all wheel drive, wider wheels, and lowered suspension. After that who knows. There are a couple of things under speculation, one is a retractable glass roof, a convertible version and the resurrection of the original Beetle companion- the MicroBus. |
 
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The interior comes standard with cloth seating, however you can option leather seats and steering wheel. Also standard are driver, passenger, and side impact air bags. Just like the original, it has a dash vase. This one even comes equipped with it's own flower.(a fake one) This cars interior has plenty of headroom and cargo space. Another feature on this car are the dent resistant fenders. The headlights are very good projector beam halogens, you can see exactly where you want to go. |
| Beetle GL 2.0 Beetle GLS 1.8Tand GLX 1.8T |
| Engine configuration | I-4 cast-iron block,cast aluminum head | Engine configuration | turbocharged I-4,iron block, cast aluminum head |
| Bore x stroke | 3.25" x 3.65" | Bore x stroke | 3.19" x 3.40" |
| Displacement | 1984 cc | Displacement | 1781 cc |
| Valve train | SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder | Valve train | DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder |
| Horsepower | 115@5200 RPM | Horsepower | 150@5800 RPM |
| Torque | 122@2600 RPM | Torque | 156@2200RPM |
| Transmission | 5 speed manual,4 speed Auto | Transmission | 5 speed manual, 4 speed auto |
| length | 161.1" | length | 161.1" |
| width | 67.9" | width | 67.9" |
| height | 59.5" | height | 59.5" |
| base curb weight | 2769 lbs. | base curb weight | 2921 lbs |
| acceleration | 0-60 9.7 sec. | acceleration | 0-60 7.6 sec. |
| Base price | $15,900 | Base price | $19,000 |
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