2012 Volkswagen Beetle to launch with Black Turbo edition

Volkswagen is borrowing a page from sister company Porsche and will turn to the color black to sex up the soon-to-arrive 2012 VW Beetle--and to draw attention to a preorder program launching this year.

The Beetle Black Turbo edition follows in the lineage of Porsche 911s augmented with Black editions, and the VW will sticker for $25,720, including shipping.

Power comes from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder rated at 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, which is the same as the regular turbo Beetle--and VW's hot hatch, the GTI. The Black Turbo also includes larger brakes, an additional glovebox recalling the original Beetle, 18-inch wheels and a rear spoiler.

The special edition is meant to serve as a catalyst for VW's Vehicle Pre-Order Program. Customers put down $495 to reserve the Beetle early, and that money goes toward the final price of the car. VW developed the online ordering process with Amazon. Cars are available starting today, and just 600 copies of the Black Turbo will be produced.

The 2012 VW Beetle arrives in dealerships this fall, starting at $19,765 for the base 2.5-liter, five-cylinder naturally aspirated mill making 170 hp. A diesel joins the lineup in 2012.

The new 2012 Beetle has been one of the most anticipated cars of the year and bowed in gala reveals at the New York and Shanghai auto shows this spring. VW has high hopes of attracting more male buyers to the car, which features a slightly tougher design, premium audio and dramatically redone interior.

“You don't change a car like that on a whim,” Volkswagen of America CEO Jonathan Browning said in New York. “The 21st-century Beetle is a great leap forward.”

READ THE PRESS RELEASE BELOW

VOLKSWAGEN LAUNCHES VEHICLE PRE-ORDER PROGRAM WITH SPECIAL EDITION 2012 BEETLE

- Early bird pre-order program offers online reservations for passionate consumers -

--2012 Black Turbo Launch Edition Beetle is Only Available Vehicle Through VPO Program

--Easy Ordering Process

--Pre-order Customers Have Early Access to Great Financing

--$495 Reservation Fee Goes Toward Final Purchase, with "No Hassle” Refund Policy

--A First for the Automotive Industry, the Amazon E-Commerce Platform is Used by VWoA to Administer the Program.

Herndon, VA – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the launch of the Vehicle Pre-Order (VPO) program, an easy-to-use online reservation process for consumers. The pre-order system is designed to allow consumers to be the first in line to reserve one of a limited quantity of certain Volkswagen cars, starting with the all-new 21st Century Beetle.

"With the introduction of Volkswagen's Vehicle Pre-Order program, we are able to offer enthusiastic drivers an exclusive opportunity to connect with our vehicles,” said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "Through this seamless ordering system, customers will be one step closer towards owning and enjoying a special launch edition of the 2012 Beetle.”

Through the 2012 Beetle VPO program, customers pay a $495 reservation fee that goes towards the final purchase of their 2012 Beetle Black Turbo launch edition model, with the promise of a "no hassle” refund policy. Volkswagen created the user-friendly online reservation process utilizing the leading e-commerce platform from Amazon.

The simple program involves the following steps: consumers access the pre-order site at www.VW.com/preorder and enter their zip code and review key program terms; select a dealer for retail delivery; enter and confirm billing information; and finally, receive a notice that their welcome kit is on its way.

The first model available for pre-order will be the turbocharged Beetle 2.0L TSI, in a limited run of 600 Black Turbo launch edition models. This sporty model has a starting MSRP of $24,950.

The Black Turbo launch edition is fitted with Volkswagen's DSG

By Greg Migliore