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Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept [w/video]

Michael Harley — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Volkswagen, Electric, Quick Spins

Prelude To A Beetle Speedster?

Driving $2 million prototypes on public roads is risky, so rather than increase the count of gray hair on their heads, Volkswagen's public relations team invited us up to Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca to spend some time in its all-electric E-Bugster Concept. But don't think the German automaker handed us the keys and set us free on the famed racing circuit - our drive was on the near-empty perimeter roads and our top speed was limited to less than 20 mph.

Tooling along at an insect's pace (pun intended) was hardly electrifying. But as it turned out, driving impressions weren't our primary objective. Not only did Volkswagen want to showcase its electric technology, but they also wanted to give us a sneak peek of the next-generation Beetle Convertible and gauge consumer interest in a potential Beetle Speedster model. With more than a sedate drive on our agenda, our leisurely cruise through the hills of Monterey became much more interesting.

Continue reading Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept [w/video]

Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jul 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen E-Bugster concept lowers its lid in Beijing

Noah Joseph — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Volkswagen, Beijing Motor Show, Electric

Back in January at the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen unveiled a concept car called the E-Bugster. A chopped-down, electric-powered Beetle roadster, the E-Bugster cut a lean, mean, green profile. The only thing that was missing, ironically, was a chance to see the convertible with its top off.

If you're going to make a roadster, at least have the courtesy of showing it off with the roof down, right? Fortunately, Volkswagen has fixed that in time for the concept's Asian premier at the Beijing Motor Show, revealing a cowled rear deck replacing the rear seats inside the chrome bezel surrounding the cabin.

Aside from the open cockpit, the E-Bugster you see here is the same as the Detroit car, complete with its 114-horsepower electric powertrain that can take you up to 100 miles and quick-charge to 80-percent capacity in just half an hour. Scope it out with its hair down in the gallery above and with it up in the gallery below.

Continue reading Volkswagen E-Bugster concept lowers its lid in Beijing

Volkswagen E-Bugster concept lowers its lid in Beijing originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept electric slides into Detroit [w/video]

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Volkswagen, Electric

Don't call it a Ragster. Though it shares its basic body shape with the slammed New Beetle that debuted at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show, the Volkswagen E-Bugster is a completely new concept that's based on the latest version of VW's iconic Beetle. And it's electric.

That electric motor puts out 114-horsepower (85 kW) and 199 pound-feet of torque, which out to be plenty to get this squashed Bug down the road with a quickness. Range is listed at about 100 miles, courtesy of a 695-pound lithium ion battery pack that resides both under the rear seats and trunk floor. A charging port is located under the VW logo at the car's nose, and, depending on the charger being used, an 80-percent charge can happen in just 30 minutes.

The electric drivetrain is only half of the story. The E-Bugster's most distinctive styling element is no doubt its chopped roof, which, when combined with the wide, flat windshield, makes the E-Bugster look like a 2012 Beetle that's seen a California-based ~~plastic surgeon~~ customizing shop. Also take not of the 20-inch wheels, which remind us a bit of the Fuchs wheels seen on many retro Beetles all around the country.

But you don't have to take our word for it. Check out our high-res image gallery of live photos from Detroit, and then watch a video that shows the E-Bugster topless after the break.

Continue reading Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept electric slides into Detroit [w/video]

Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept electric slides into Detroit [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept gives sexier shape to upcoming electric drivetrain

John Neff — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Electric

The Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept is not so much an exercise in adding even more edge to the redesigned Beetle and its more masculine retro look. Nope, it's more about what an all-electric Beetle would be like were VW to build one. The three-inch chopped roof and 20-inch wheels are just eye candy to get us to pay attention.

What's really going on here is VW applying its Blue-e-motion electric drive unit to a sexier shape ahead of its production debut in the decidedly more plebeian Golf. In this application, VW has fitted the E-Bugster Concept with an electric motor and 695-pound lithium-ion battery fitted under the rear seat and trunk floor. Combined, they'll be good for a 100-mile driving range, according to VW, and accept all kinds of charges, including a Level 3 quick charger that can get the pack back up to 80 percent in 30 minutes. The motor produces 114-horsepower (85 kW) and 199 pound-feet of scoot.

Besides the chopped top and big wheels, the E-Bugster also gets slightly reworked front and rear fascias that feature the trademark LED daytime running lights that VW uses on all of its EV projects. The only change on the inside of the car is a new instrument cluster with an "energy consumption display" where the tachometer would be and additional gauges for the battery charge, range indicator and braking regen.

This also isn't even the first time that the Beetle has received the speedster treatment, with Volkswagen having shown the similar-looking Ragster concept at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. We'd gladly welcome such a Beetle were VW to give it the green light, but expect the electrified drivetrain to reach dealerships before the chopped roof.

Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept gives sexier shape to upcoming electric drivetrain originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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