ABT Launches Tuning Program for New 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

After its motor show debut in Geneva last month, ABT Sportline has now announced the commercial launch of its modification package for the second generation of the New Volkswagen Beetle.

The German aftermarket firm starts with a power kit for the Beetle's 2.0-liter TFSI that bumps output from 197hp (200PS) to 236hp (240PS).

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Ward's Automotive Names the 10 Best Car Interiors in the 2012 Class

It's that time of the year again when Ward's Automotive announces its annual 10 Best Interiors list. For 2012, the magazine's editorial staff evaluated 40 vehicles with new or significantly improved interiors for the 2012 or 2013 model years and came up with 10 winners regardless of price (see last year's winners here).

"We saw a tremendously diverse group of interiors this year, and it's obvious to us that auto makers are pushing their design staffs harder than ever for interiors that are beautifully appointed, well equipped and extremely comfortable," commented WardsAuto World Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter.

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2013 VW Beetle Cabriolet Now Rumored to go on Sale Next Year, gets Diesel Option in North America

Originally thought to debut at the ongoing 2012 New York Auto Show, the next generation of the Beetle Convertible is now said to make its world premiere at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show this fall before it reaches dealerships in the first quarter of 2013, or at least that's what company officials told Car&Driver.

Volkswagen's North American execs added that the drop-top version of the new generation of the Beetle would be offered with the "same exact powertrain lineup as the coupe", which means a diesel option will also be on the table.

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Killing Machine: 1973 VW Beetle with a Subaru WRX STI 2.0-liter Turbo Engine

If you believe that even with its run-of-the-mill 44bhp 1.3-liter air-cooled engine, the 1970's Volkswagen Beetle is a tough car to handle on the road, then you can only imagine what it would be like to try and control a Bug fitted with the zappy 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer engine from a Subaru Impreza WRX STi…

To make matters worse, the German dealer who listed the converted Beetle STi on a Romanian car sales website called 'Webcar' doesn’t mention anything about suspension upgrades.

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