Red-faced rag top: Volkswagen unveils New Beetle "Blush"

Driving a New Beetle convertible alone is enough to make this 30-something, male blogger blush from embarrassment. Now there's a new, tarted-up version of the neo-Bug called the Blush that sports special colors and trimmings to match the driver's face. The Blush is painted up in a hue called White Gold – a metallic finish that will likely be the pride of the Real Estate Agent's parking lot, especially when paired with the red leather interior. Fold the red top down, cover it with the red boot and hit the road. You'll be spinning the car's uniquely-patterned 17-inch wheels on your way to the next showing. There's the standard kit underhood: a 2.5-liter engine and a six-speed automatic transmission. $27,000 is all that separates you from this hunk of awesomeness. We'd love nothing more than to show you a 50-image gallery of the Blush, but VW has released only two interior shots of the car. Maybe they're embarrassed a bit.

[Source: VW]

PRESS RELEASE:

VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES LATEST SPECIAL EDITION NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE-"BLUSH"

HERNDON, Va.-Volkswagen of America, Inc. has long been known for offering special edition models with unique characteristics that create excitement in showrooms and individuality among owners. Volkswagen's latest special edition, the New Beetle convertible "Blush", builds on the already great features of the standard version with added elements and design cues that are exclusive to this limited edition.

The special edition 2009 New Beetle convertible "Blush" features an exclusive exterior and interior color not offered on the standard version. An elegant metallic White Gold paint on the exterior nicely compliments the rich red leather interior, and red convertible top that gives this limited edition its namesake. The "Blush" edition is the only current New Beetle convertible available with genuine leather seating surfaces. Other unique features include a red boot for when the convertible top is down, and unique17-inch alloy wheels.

Like the New Beetle and New Beetle convertible the "Blush" edition features a 2.5L engine that produces 150 horsepower, and 170 lbs.ft. of torque. The "Blush" edition comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, and like all 2009 Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Program comes standard. The New Beetle convertible "Blush" edition is value priced at $26,990 and only a limited number will be produced.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, CC, Tiguan, Touareg 2 and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2009 Volkswagens come standard-equipped with Electronic Stabilization Program. This is important because the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.