Having been unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen has now decided to introduce its new Beetle TDI diesel model this summer.
The New Beetle has a lengthy history with diesel engines. From 1998-2006 it featured a 1.9litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine – but since then the engine has been radically revised in order to meet demands for both acoustics and exhaust emissions. Among the advancements have been converting to a fuel injection system and increasing capacity to a 1.5mm wider bore.
Now the new VW Beetle TDI will make use of Volkswagen’s 2.0litre turbocharged common-rail direct injection clean diesel engine. It can deliver 140hp and 236lb-ft of torque and has fuel economy of 29mpg city and 39mpg highway.
In addition, the engine will be mated to a six-speed manual transmission or the new DSG six-speed automatic. The latter is said to combine the easy use of an automatic transmission with the economy and responsiveness of a manual.
Furthermore, all VW Beetle models include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake pressure distribution; and it features a rigid body structure with ultra-high-strength, hot-formed steel and seamless laser welds. It also includes an Intelligent Crash Response System that can shut off the fuel pump, switch on the hazard lights and unlock the doors in certain types of collision.
