Among the 2013 VW Beetle convertibles unveiled at the Los Angeles Auto Show was this limited-edition heritage model.(Photo: Chris Carlson, AP)
Volkswagen uncovered the Beetle
convertible in a trio of unique "launch" colors that will go out of
production when 1,000 are produced.
The brand-new but not-unique
version of the Beetle ragtop hits showrooms in December, starting at
$25,790. No limit on making that one.
The convertible styling
differs slightly from the hardtop Beetle and the folding top car sits
slightly lower. The top can be operated while the car is moving up to 30
mph. Many convertibles lock out top movement if the car's underway.
The
top drops in a quick 9.5 seconds and goes up in 11 seconds, VW says.
Those times are about half what it often takes on other folding-top
cars.
The three unique versions all have standard leather
interiors rather than the normal VW leatherette (fancy vinyl). The
unique trio and the eras they are meant to represent:
- 1950s:
Black, tan interior, wheels with large chrome centers, 2.5-liter
five-cylinder gasoline engine rated 170 horsepower, 177 pounds-feet of
torque. $26,890.
- 1960s: Denim blue, two-tone seats, 2-liter
turbo four rated 200 hp and 207 lbs. ft. It's the only model that offers
the turbo engine in a denim blue car. Price not given.
- 1970s: Toffee brown, a color not otherwise available on the Beetle droptop, and 2-liter engine. Price not given.
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