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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.

GM unveils electric Cadillac Converj concept at the Detroit auto show

General Motors pulled perhaps a surprise at the Detroit Auto Show Sunday morning, unveiling an eye-catching two-door Cadillac concept powered by a "future evolution" of the Chevrolet Volt's electric powertrain. Called the Converj, the Cadillac will have a range of 40 miles on electricity, with a potential total range of 700 miles after a generator kicks in. GM says the powertrain, formerly known as E-Flex, is now called Voltec, and could be used in a variety of applications.

Ford offers trip to the summer X Games with Focus ST contest

Ford is holding a contest to get drivers interested in the new Focus ST--as if we weren't already. Ford will have driving simulators at this year's auto shows, and the person who records the fastest time will get a trip to ESPN's summer X Games. Those interested can follow the leaders at Ford's Facebook page, where all of the lap times and info will be posted.