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Peace, love and turbo. Now, flower can also have real power.
The rambunctious latest edition of the "new" VW Beetle sports a turbo engine that's powered, according to the marketing folks at VW, by "Turbonium." With 150 horses driving it, VW has boosted the power of its new Beetle, introduced in 1998, some 50 percent. The turbo edition's telltale race feature is the new-age wraparound rear spoiler, said to actually lift up and into action at 93 mph; it drops back down once the Beetle stops.
Retro or De Novo
Like its ordinary cousin, the VW Beetle Turbo seats enthusiasts in the lap of firm and dependable German engineering. Enthusiasts will feel right at home in the futuristic yet timeless cockpit. Haute couture hardly affects economy, though: The Beetle boasts miserly fuel consumption. And its innovative front-mounted engine is nimble and responsive. Rear seating and trunk space are better than in days of old but still on the tight side.
Safety Uber Alles
The new Beetle stuns its longtime safety-conscious critics with its stellar collision results. With the engine mounted up front, a new buffer zone of protection is built into the new model. This subcompact has a fantastic safety record, and front dash and front side air bags come as standard equipment. |
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VW Turbo Beetle
Flower power -- and oh so much more.
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Email this VW to... |
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| base price |
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$20,900 |
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| dealer invoice |
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$19,234 |
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| standard transmission |
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5-speed automatic (with turbo) |
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| engine size |
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1.8L |
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| horsepower |
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150 @ 5,700 rpm |
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| mpg (city/highway) |
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24/31 |
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| best features |
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turbo. cute. fuel economy. bud vase. |
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Manufacturer:
product info |
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picture, specifications |
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Volkswagen |
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| Comparable Products |
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| Very few cars can score as high as the Beetle on the "fun-o-meter." But if affordability, style and fun are your main concerns, take a look at the Mazda Miata, which has a base price just a bit higher than the Beetle's. Ford's venerable Mustang convertible offers a little more muscle plus top-down fun for a similar price. |
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