km : Automotive News

It's been over a decade since the Volkswagen New Beetle was introduced (does anyone remember it on the Automobile cover with Jerry Seinfeld awkwardly posing next to it?) and finally, we're about to say goodbye. At the LA Auto Show today, Volkswagen unveiled a Final Edition, which will come in both coupe and convertible form. Each bodystyle will get 1500 units of the special model, which will arrive in dealers this coming spring.

“Since its launch in 1998, the New Beetle – and the New Beetle convertible that later followed – have connected generations of fans that love the cars’ totally unique styling and characteristics that are simply unmatched,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, “The Final Editions combine all of the elements that best represent what people love the most about the New Beetle, and that have created the car’s legacy, which will live on in generations to come.”



The Final Edition will come in just one color, Aquarius Blue, and the coupe will sport a painted black roof. The convertible, however, gets Campenella White paint accents and a white convertible top. Special badging also denotes these unique models, and each gets an individually-numbered badge. The FE also gets 17-inch alloys and a full sport suspension.

On the inside, each car gets an individually-numbered special steering wheel. The convertible's white leather matches the Campenella paint and cloth top. The only engine option is Volkswagen's 2.5-liter inline-five, which produces a not-so-special 150 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic is the only transmission, and it helps deliver an EPA 20/29 miles per gallon.



All Final Edition cars also get the full list of standard equipment for other Beetles, including stability control and VW's Carefree Maintenance program. The 2010 New Beetle Coupe and New Beetle Convertible “Final” Editions will be available for $20,240 and $27,170 respectively.

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