Apparently the Dodge Viper isn’t the only car we’ll have to say good-bye to soon. The Volkswagen New Beetle will be replaced by a new one soon, and Volkswagen have decided that the Beetle needs a good bye, just like the Viper. So they’ve released a special edition called the Final Edition at the LA Auto Show.
Truth be told, this isn’t really as special an edition as, say, the 1:33 edition of the Viper ACR. Nonetheless, Volkswagen will try to impress buyers with a selection of things. It’s available in both coupe and convertible forms. Only 1,500 of each will be made. Under the hood, they’ve placed a 2.5L inline-5 rated at 150hp. The power will be sent to the front wheels through a six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox. Now, this is available on normal Beetles, so nothing special here. The more important bit is that they’ve fitted the car with full sports suspension and special 17-inch alloy wheels.
The coupe gets Aquarius Blue paint while the convertible gets a two-tone paintjob, combining Aquarius Blue and Campanella White. The roof is all white. The coupe also gets a black roof and integrated fog lights. Both will get special badging on the front quarter panel and steering wheel. Each car will get its individual number printed on the steering wheel along with the badge.
The coupe will have a base price of $20,240 while the convertible starts at $27,170.
More details can be found in Volkswagen’s press release below:
Volkswagen Announces the 2010 New Beetle Coupe and New Beetle Convertible Final Editions
Only 1,500 of Each Model Will Be Available At U.S. Dealerships
LOS ANGELES, CA — December 2, 2009 – Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the 2010 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible Final Editions, which will mark the last of Volkswagen’s current generation of the iconic models. Available in U.S. dealer showrooms beginning in the Spring of 2010, the Final Editions will be limited to only 1,500 units each. The Final Editions will receive a host of unique upgrades and touches that will truly set them apart from others cruising across the country.
“Since its launch in 1998, the New Beetle – and the New Beetle convertible that later followed – have connected generations of fans that love the cars’ totally unique styling and characteristics that are simply unmatched,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Final Editions combine all of the elements that best represent what people love the most about the New Beetle, and that have created the car’s legacy, which will live on in generations to come.”
On the outside, the Final Editions come dressed in special Aquarius Blue paint with a painted black roof on the coupe, and a two-tone Aquarius Blue and Campanella White paint scheme with a white top on the convertible. Final Edition exterior badges help these models stand out from the crowd wherever they go. The coupe also adds individually numbered badges outside, and fog lights that are integrated into the front bumper. Both the coupe and the convertible have a full sport suspension and special 17-inch alloy wheels that provide a more fun-to-drive stance, and make getting from point A to point B even more exciting.
Inside, drivers are welcomed with an individually numbered, Final Edition steering wheel. The convertible entices with a sumptuous white interior that matches the top, and the special exterior paint scheme. Under the hood of both models is Volkswagen’s 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder gasoline engine, with its ready-to-go 150 horsepower, and 170 lbs.-ft. of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® puts the power to the pavement, and can change gears on its own, or let the driver select each gear by tapping the selector up or down. With the automatic transmission, the New Beetle can achieve an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city, and 29 mpg on the highway.
Like all 2010 Volkswagen models, the New Beetle and New Beetle convertible Final Editions come standard-equipped with the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP), for safe driving in most any conditions, as well as Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program. With this program, there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet over the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty – three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
The 2010 New Beetle Coupe and New Beetle Convertible Final Editions will be available for $20,240 and $27,170 respectively.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Golf, GTI, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Eos, Passat, Passat Wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2010 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.