2012 Volkswagen Beetle pricing at a glimpse

Those of you who read our First Drive of the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo already know that the highest-performing version of the iconic Bug will require you to write a check for $23,395*. Step up to the well-received six-speed DSG transmission and you'll be looking at a $24,495 window sticker.

Not interested in the tire-squealing performance promised by a turbocharged engine? Base model Beetles, equipped with the 170-horsepower 2.5-liter MPI inline five-cylinder engine, start at $18,995 with VW's age-old five-speed manual gearbox. Step up to the Tiptronic six-speed auto for $20,895.

There will be three versions of the Beetle, whether it's equipped with the base engine or the turbo: Base, Sunroof and Sunroof, Sound and Navi. A top-shelf 2.0T with the panoramic sunroof, Fender hi-fi sound system and navigation will start at $27,995 with the manual gearbox or $29,095 with DSG.

At some unannounced point in 2012, Volkswagen will begin offering the Beetle with its 2.0-liter TDI engine with 140 horses and 236 lb-ft of torque. VW estimates that it will be the most efficient Beetle ever, scoring 40 miles per gallon highway, 29 mpg city, and 33 mpg combined.

Want a full rundown of all the prices and option packages? Find it in the press release pasted after the break.

(*All prices exclude $770 for destination)

Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 unveiled

Volkswagen revealed the official details about its new race-prepped Scirocco GT24. Scirocco GT24’s power comes from the same 2.0-liter TFSI turbo four engine that drove the race-prepped GTI to victory at the Ring last year. With this incredible power engine, it can pump out 242KW and maximum torque of 340Nm at 2,100 rpm.

Power is channeled to the front wheels through VW’s six-speed DSG dual clutch gearbox, identical to the transmission used in the road-going model. Dimensions for the racing version have grown slightly, with an extra 227mm in length for aero stability and 61mm in width to cover the 18-inch racing rims on a wide track which drops the ride height by 75mm.

The interior has been entirely stripped down and race-fitted with a full roll cage, Recaro racing seats with five-point harnesses and a competition steering wheel, electronic instrumentation and fire extinguisher, all adding up to a total weight reduction of 178kg from the interior.
We’d love to have a production model of these running around on the road.