Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept

[HighestOfHigh]

A two-seater, chop-top, electric Beetle? Yep, that's the Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept, making its world debut tomorrow at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show--but getting an early sneak peek thanks to some leaks the night before.

The "speedster" look (though VW acknowledges it's not a true open-top speedster) of the low roof, flat/wide windshield, and shallow windows are the primary design departures for the E-Bugster. The real highlight is the all-electric powertrain.

Volkswagen says it's a 114-horsepower (85 kW), 199-pound-foot electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery good for more than 100 miles range, though it doesn't disclose the kilowatt-hour rating of the battery pack. The battery weighs 695 pounds, so it's likely pretty substantial.

An underhood plug enables Level 1 (120-volt), Level (240-volt), and Level 3 (quick charge) charging. In Level 3 mode, the E-Bugster can reach 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes.


- Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept Preview: 2012 Detroit Auto Show

 

[wookieecrisp]

Looks quite interesting, but "bugster" is definitely on the worse side of car names...

 

[Mark]

Concept thread here:

[Concept] Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept Picture Thread

VW AG has recently released new images of this beautiful E-Bugster Concept. As many of you already know, back in January 2012, VW released the initial facts and world premiere of the E-Bugster, the electrified Beetle. Here's that press release: Beetle concept car is powered by an 85 kW...

www.germancarforum.com

 

[Cashmere]

faux fog lights on the bumper?

 

[Human]

Forget the "e" stuff, that Beetle look awesome!

 

[Centurion]

That Beetle look awesome!

But how many of the public agree? VW desperately wants to be the master of cute and imitate what Fiat and Mini have achieved. It's been a while since this car was unveiled and I have only seen one. People don't seem to want it. In my eyes, the modern day Beetle is the Audi TT. That's a car that has young people excited, both guys and girls.

The probability of this new Beetle taking a chew out of the Mini, TT or 500 is nill.

 

[Human]

But how many of the public agree? VW desperately wants to be the master of cute and imitate what Fiat and Mini have achieved. It's been a while since this car was unveiled and I have only seen one. People don't seem to want it. In my eyes, the modern day Beetle is the Audi TT. That's a car that has young people excited, both guys and girls.

The probability of this new Beetle taking a chew out of the Mini, TT or 500 is nill.

I do agree in terms of the new "std" Beetle, it does nothing to make me want it. That said the e-buster Concept's styling is awesome IMO. I mean look at it! This looks like: "I want one." For me it does.