Here's the story:

Volkswagen Reveals 2003 New Beetle Convertible

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Volkswagen of America, Inc. has released the first official photographs of its highly anticipated 2003 New Beetle convertible, due to arrive in North American dealerships by the end of the year.

The United States will be the largest market for the 2003 New Beetle convertible, which is being built at Volkswagen's long-standing assembly plant in Puebla, Mexico. When the convertible hits showrooms, it will be sold alongside the New Beetle sedan, first launched in North America in March of 1998. The sedan has since recorded U.S. sales of more than 320,000 units.

The New Beetle convertible follows in the footsteps of two of the highest-selling cabriolets in the world, the Volkswagen Cabrio and the original Beetle convertible of the '50s, '60s and '70s. Its design is absolutely distinct and strives to symbolize status-free fun. The new convertible's emotional elements and technical features reflect a top-down, free-spirited driving experience.

In the U.S., the 2003 New Beetle convertible will be initially offered with the 115 hp 2.0 engine in the GLS trim. Later in calendar year 2003, a 2.0 GL model will be available, as will the 150 hp 1.8T engine in the GLS and GLX trim levels. In Canada, the 2003 New Beetle convertible will be sold in the 115 hp 2.0 GLS and late-arriving 1.8T GLX trim levels. All models feature a standard five-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® -- a first for a car in this segment.

The technical highlights of the convertible design are the operation of the cloth-lined, three-layered top and the Automatic Rollover Supports. The open soft-top rests on the area of an imaginary C-pillar, which is reminiscent of the classic Beetle convertible. The power top is initially opened using a button and a one-hand release mechanism. With this power system, the top opens and closes at the press of a button, taking a mere 13 seconds each way.

The Automatic Rollover Supports have been harmoniously integrated into a silhouette of the open convertible. The system is located behind the rear seat. The rollover and crash sensors detect when the car is in danger of rolling and trigger the protection system.  Volkswagen will release pricing for the 2003 New Beetle Convertible later this fall.



Edited By Quarex on 1034546296