Originally thought to debut at the ongoing 2012 New York Auto Show, the next generation of the Beetle Convertible is now said to make its world premiere at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show this fall before it reaches dealerships in the first quarter of 2013, or at least that’s what company officials told Car&Driver.
Volkswagen’s North American execs added that the drop-top version of the new generation of the Beetle would be offered with the “same exact powertrain lineup as the coupe”, which means a diesel option will also be on the table.
In the States, the Beetle hatch is currently available with a choice of two gasoline units, the 170hp 2.5-liter inline-five, and the 200hp 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four.
However, in the summer, VW will enhance the Beetle’s range with a TDI version equipped with the Jetta’s popular 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine producing 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of peak torque that returns an estimated a fuel economy of 29 mpg city and 39 mpg highway.
Like its hatchback sibling, the European market version of the 2013 Beetle Convertible will be available with a slightly more comprehensive and modern lineup of engines that will include the 160PS 1.4-liter TSI among other options.
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