The new 2012 Beetle isn’t scheduled to arrive in U.S. dealerships before the beginning of September, but Volkswagen is attempting to draw attention to its new Vehicle Pre-Order (VPO) program with the launch of a limited run version of the latest Bug called the Black Turbo Edition.
As the name suggests, the first 2012 Beetle available for pre-order is based on the 2.0L TSI model fitted with a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine pumping out 200-horsepower and 207 lb-ft. of torque, coupled to a standard dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Only 600 examples will be built, all finished in an exclusive black pearl paint with gray Turbo decals on the side. Other standard features include 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, beefed up brakes with red calipers, a “kaeferfach” additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport cloth seating surfaces, foglights, and alloy pedals. Bluetooth technology, iPod connectivity, three-color ambient lighting and an RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers are also offered as standard.
Pricing for the 2012 Beetle Black Turbo Edition is set at $24,950 plus a $770 delivery charge. Volkswagen asks potential buyers to pay a $495 reservation fee that goes towards the final purchase of the car, with the company promising a “no hassle” refund policy for those that change their mind down the road.
Once the car goes on sale this fall, U.S. customers will also be able to purchase the 170HP 2.5-liter model at a starting MSRP of $19,765, the standard 200HP 2.0 TSI version priced from $24,165 and the 140HP 2.0-liter diesel model, the price of which has not yet been announced.
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