Spied: The 2012 Volkswagen New Beetle looks a bit squished

Volkswagen's upcoming onslaught of new products includes a redesign for the New Beetle. The new New Beetle is expected to arrive in 2011 as a 2012 model, with a convertible version set to arrive a year after the coupe.

Recent spy photographs of a prototype being tested on public roads in Europe show that the 2012 New Beetle has a roofline that has less arch than the current model. This design allowed VW engineers to lengthen the roofline and create more room inside the car.

The squish effect also shows up in the prototype's fenders and hood, which trade a curved look for something a bit more elongated.

The 2012 VW New Beetle is expected to continue with gasoline and diesel powertrains, and we expect a hybrid to join the lineup within the next few years.

For comparison purposes, here's a look at the current New Beetle.

By Dale Jewett