The convertible/ragtop has always been an essential part of the Volkswagen Beetle equation. Towards the end of the previous car’s run, there were a lot of special edition models and concepts. One idea that VW has toyed around with is the Register/Bugster. We’ve seen it for the previous generation model and already for the current car.
This leads us to believe we’ll see a production version of it at some point. The Beetle is ripe with opportunity for special edition models and offshoots, much like the MINI and Fiat 500. Volkswagen completed a major re-launch of the Beetle coupe for the 2012 model year, and now it is turning to the convertible for 2013.
VW didn’t waste any time announcing pricing information. As always, the convertible model costs more than the standard car. The convertible starts at $24,495, $4,700 more than the $19,795 base model. One key difference, however, is the fact that the convertible is available only with the automatic. $24,950 will get you VW’s 2.5-liter five-cylinder, which makes 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque.
The model everyone cares about, the Turbo will set you back $27, 795. If you want better fuel economy, you’ll have to pay for that too-the TDI diesel starts at $27,895. We’ve never figured out why they don’t price diesel lower to gain more sales. From the sounds of it though, VW isn’t having any trouble moving them. That’s what high gas prices will do. It looks like the rumor about special edition models called Fifties, Sixties, and Seventies didn’t pan out. VW says the Beetle convertible will go on sale next month, just in time to put a bow on it.
