2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Unveiled ahead of LA debut

Volkswagen has pulled the digital covers from the new Beetle Convertible, ahead of the vehicle's debut at next month's LA Auto Show.

As expected, the new topless Beetle draws on the look of the earlier E-Bugster Speedster concept, featuring a low-cut belt line and a short, upright windscreen.

To compensate for the lack of a roof, Volkswagen equips the Beetle Convertible with a host of new safety features — notably the automatic rollover support system, which automatically deploys two roll-over bars from behind the rear seat. The Beetle Convertible also comes equipped with driver and front passenger head-thorax airbags.

We can select between three engine choices, including a 2.5-liter five-cylinder good for 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder is also available with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. At last, diesel customers will be pleased to hear Volkswagen will offering the 2013 Beetle Convertible with a familiar 2.0 turbo-diesel four-cylinder good for 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. That mill can be bolted to a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG.