2012 VW New Beetle Caught Testing, will get 2.0T and Possible Hybrid

Before you are spy pictures of an all-new second-generation New Beetle. While the test mule appears to still be wearing the current model's nose and rear, the big news here is the appearance of the less "cute" and more "masculine" roof line that seems to be part Beetle and part stubby Chrysler Crossfire or Porsche 356; take your pick.

Volkswagen hopes the larger and lower-slung Beetle, which should get at least a few cues from the Ragster concept, will make the retro compact more appealing for the style- and space-conscious (and men, too, we hear).

Also, the actual production front and rear fascias will likely be more chiseled in order to be closer related to VW's current design language.

Other than the brand new design, power trains should be similar to Volkswagen's Golf/Jetta lineup. That means an entry-level 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, a 2.5-liter 5-cylinder, and 210-horsepower-strong 2.0-liter turbo engine in the States. For other markets, the Beetle will also appear with a variety of smaller gasoline mills as well as some TDI diesel units.

We should have more info and pics as we get closer to the Beetle's debut (right now, that's anywhere from L.A. in November, Detroit in January, or Geneva in March). That's also when we should be getting some information on any Cabrio, hybrid, Turbo S, and 4Motion variants.

By Phil Alex

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Paris Show Debut for Redesigned 2011 Volkswagen Passat Confirmed

The Paris Motor Show organizers have confirmed the world premiere of the facelifted Volkswagen Passat in both sedan and Estate body styles. Expect the first photos and intel on the revamped Passat to go up just before the grand opening of the show on September 30.

From what we've seen in the spy photos and videos, VW's offering in the mid-size segment will receive significant styling changes to the front and rear ends, including a new hood and grille, plus redesigned bumpers and head lamps / tail lights, for a crisper and more dynamic look.

A plusher cockpit with higher quality materials and a refreshed design is also in the cards. Other changes inside will include new audio and navigation systems as well as the introduction of new extras.

It is believed that for the most part, the current lineup of engines, including the four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline and diesel units, will be carried over to the facelifted model.

(Video via: Youtube/AMS)

Volkswagen Files Design Patents for Jetta Coupe

Found on the trademark office, are these patent drawings of the Volkswagen Jetta Coupe, or as the German automaker named the concept version of the car at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the NCC (New Compact Coupe).

Those skimming the photos may notice a couple of changes over the concept model that was motivated by a gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. These include the more production like grille and addition of fog lamps up front, and the visible exhaust tail pipes at the back.

The fact that Volkswagen filed these drawings doesn't guarantee that the company will go ahead and produce what we like to call, the poor-man's Audi A5. However, since Volkswagen has no plans to bring the Scirocco to the States and given that the NCC is more or less a coupe version of the all-new Jetta, we can't see why it shouldn't make it into production. Any thoughts?

VW JETTA COUPE PATENTS

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VW NCC

SPY VIDEO: 2011 Volkswagen Passat Saloon and Estate Facelift

Here's a spy video of the redesigned (and not all-new, as some reports suggested) for the 2011 model year, Volkswagen Passat that will break cover at the Paris Motor Show in October and arrive in dealerships early next year.

Caught here in both four-door sedan and estate body styles while trailer testing, the new Passat is expected to receive a new front- and rear-end design that will bring it more in line with the automaker's latest products such as the Scirocco and more recently, the 2011 Jetta.

The Passat's interior will also be refreshed for the 2011 model year. As you can see in the spy video after the jump, the steering wheel and the door panel designs are new. Expect to see some other changes including new audio and navigation systems as well as fresh trim options.

Unless Volkswagen surprises us, the engines and transmission options will be carried over unchanged (for the most part) from the current model.

Video: Youtube/AMS

SPY SHOTS: 2012 Volkswagen Golf Mk7 Test Mule

What at first blush appears to be the current VW Golf, is in fact a test mule for the all-new, seventh generation of Volkswagen's best-selling model, which is planned to hit showrooms worldwide sometime in 2012.

Although hidden under bodywork from the current car, the blistered and wider wheel-arches are a clear indication that the test mule is running the next generation Golf's underpinnings.

More specifically, the Mk7 will be built on the VW Group's more space-efficient and, according to sources, substantially lighter, MQB platform that comes with a longer wheelbase and shorter overhangs. First seen on the new Sharan minivan, the flexible MQB platform will be used on a raft of VW Group models including the next Audi A3, which is expected to be revealed either in late 2011 or early 2012.

Under the bonnet, the Golf Mk7 will feature the latest generation of turbocharged petrol engines with direct injection and fuel-efficient turbo diesels, ranging from a small-displacement 1.2 TSI all the way up to upgraded versions of the 2.0 TSI in the GTI and the 'R' AWD sport models.

Volkswagen has already confirmed that it will also offer an all-electric, plug-in variant as well as hybrid [gasoline-electric or diesel-electric] versions of the new Golf.

The Golf EV plug-in model will make its market debut in 2013 and according to the automaker, it will be equipped with an electric motor delivering 115HP and 270Nm / 199 lb-ft to the front wheels and a set of lithium ion batteries. In the current development phase, that combination is said to offer a driving range of up to 150 kilometers or 93 miles.

Given that Volkswagen has not yet started to test actual Mk7 prototypes, it's hard to say what the next Golf will look like. However, the new Jetta saloon with its sharper profile and snout as well as some video shots of an early clay model that we showed you last year (see pictures below), should provide some hints for the styling.

Along with the three- and five-door hatchback body styles, the new Golf will form the base for a range of future models including a convertible, estate and the successors to the Scirocco and Touran MPV.