AUBURN HILLS, Mich.—Ask a designer what makes one car stand above another, and you will invariably hear very subtle differences. Fortunately the New Beetle and its convertible version get subtle new touches that add class, but leaves the class that make it timeless. Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced pricing for the 2006 New Beetle and New Beetle convertible. The refreshed New Beetle 2.5L will start at only $17,180 with the TDI model at $18,390. The New Beetle convertible with the 2.5L engine has a base MSRP of $21,920. The destination charge remains at $615.

The 2006 New Beetle and the New Beetle convertible will arrive in showrooms in September and will come standard with a more powerful new 2.5 liter, five-cylinder engine that creates 150 horsepower. Another significant technical update is the addition of an Electronic Stabilization Program, which is now offered as standard equipment.

Styling changes for the 2006 New Beetle include bolder, slightly sharper bodylines, especially at the wheel wells and bumpers that are tailored for a more modern overall impression. New details include a larger, more oval headlight treatment, new taillights, and new bumper designs; inside, the freshening involves a new instrument cluster design with chrome applications to the instruments and also the air vents.

As an icon to the brand, it is appropriate that the freshened New Beetle will launch during the 50th anniversary of Volkswagen of America, Inc. The New Beetle evokes times past yet remains timeless, still stirring the emotions and communicating with owners, drivers and everyone who sees it. The 2006 New Beetle remains distinctive, unique and recognizable, but with a more powerful appearance and a more powerful base engine.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. 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 of America and its affiliates employ approximately 3,000 people in the United States and are responsible for the sale and service of Audi, Bentley, and Volkswagen products through retail networks comprising in total more than 900 independent U.S. dealers.

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