2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible Makes First Official Appearance

The drophead makes use of the same flattened roof line of the 2012 Beetle Coupe when the folding soft top is in place. Stow the roof, and the mechanism lays flat to increase rear visibility. Volkswagen says the roof can go from fully stowed to in place in just 10 seconds, and engineers built in an automatic rollover support system comprised of two computer-actuated bars behind the rear seat that pop up in just four milliseconds in the event of a collision.

Buyers can choose between three engine options, including a 2.5-liter five-cylinder good for 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque and paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. A 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder is also available with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque and can be mated to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Finally, diesel buyers will be happy to hear Volkswagen will offer the 2013 Beetle Convertible with a familiar 2.0 turbo-diesel four-cylinder good for 140 hp and 236 lb-ft of torque. That mill can be bolted to a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG.