It’s a rare day in the automotive world when the adjectives tough, cute and fuel efficient get brought together within four wheels but it appears that Volkswagen will soon make that happen. When the 2013 model year comes around later this summer, the veil will be pulled off the all-new Beetle line-up’s third installment to make both VW fans and hypermilers around the nation stand up and take notice. Finding its way under the chiseled hood and in between the widened fenders will be a German icon: the TDI Clean Diesel engine to create the 2013 Beetle TDI. Soon to join the already impressive 2.5 and Turbo offerings will be the most fuel efficient 21st century Bug produced.
In order to achieve an estimated 39 mpg on the highway and 29 mpg in the city, all Volkswagen had to do was drop in the tried and true 2.0 liter turbocharged diesel inline four cylinder. Using common-rail, direct fuel injection, a single turbocharger and dual overhead camshafts, the little glow-plug wonder puts out a solid 140 horsepower. More impressive is its stump pulling, driveway wrinkling 236 lb-ft of torque which will be available almost instantly. Unlike diesels of yore, the newest VW unit features a forged steel crankshaft with four counterweights to reduce vibration and noise. Two counter-rotating balancer shafts are in place as well to keep the industrious theme away from this diesel. Another Rudolf assumed trait will be absent from the TDI Beetle: high emissions. The car will pass all 50 states emissions standards, including California’s, by way of a high and low pressure EGR, three catalytic converters and a particulate filter. A choice of two transmissions will be offered to spin the front wheels: the six speed manual or the six speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.
Besides the lack of spark plugs, the 2013 TDI will be unchanged from the current Beetles. The same wide and low body that lost the phrase “chick car” from the Bug’s vocabulary is present as well as the front strut and rear torsion beam suspension. On the outside, unique 17 inch wheels, badging and chrome trim are all that separates the TDI from the 2.5 and Turbo. The diesel will gain the hot-rod, petrol powered Beetle’s electric power assisted steering rack which will be featured on all three initial trim levels. The highest tier TDI will earn navigation, a Fender premium stereo system and a sunroof. Full pricing will be announced later in the year.
Source: Volkswagen
