Volkswagen Beetle

The 2012 Beetle has been unveiled ahead of its Shanghai Motor Show reveal. The new 'New Beetle' is said to draw on design cues from the original Beetle launched 73 years ago.

Retaining a similar silhouette to the 2003 New Beetle, the 2012 model gains a stronger influence from the 2005 Detroit show 'Ragster' concept. As such, the new car is longer, wider and lower giving the car a more 'masculine and dynamic appearance'.

The car also gains design cues from across the VW range, with lower bumper treatment akin to the Golf range. Inside the Beetle, the cabin is said to be a modern, practical and distinctive appearance with easy to identify and ergonomic controls.  Whilst certain features, such as the glove box and color accent panels hark back to the original.    

The car also gains the range of obligatory environmentally conscious features, such as stop/start systems and battery regeneration systems whilst seeing a range of more fuel-efficient engine and drive train options.

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