VW is hard at work on the replacement for the Beetle, which will be previewed as a concept car at the Los Angeles Auto Show at the end of this year. According to sources the next Beetle is going to get a reworked chassis as it will share its drivetrain with the next Jetta. It’s also expected to have a longer wheelbase and wider tracks, which should improve some of the complaints with the current model’s interior.
In terms of styling, some insiders claim that the 2005 Ragster concept can be seen as a hint of what we can expect for the next Beetle. The design will continue to feature elements of the original Beetle with its rounded headlights and taillights and separate wings over each wheel, but the roofline is expected to be less rounded.
In the US the Beetle will be powered by the 170-hp 2.5L five-cylinder engine. A hybrid is also in the works.
Full Story: Autocar
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