Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept Makes World Debut at 2012 North American International Auto Show +VIDEO

Volkswagen E-Bugster concept

Two-seater convertible concept blends iconic Beetle styling with zero-emissions motoring

Latest addition to the Blue-e-motion family of concept cars

Powered by a 114-horsepower electric motor and a lithium-ion battery

Removable hardtop and unique styling make E-Bugster stand out

DETROIT - Januar 9, 2012: Volkswagen's iconic Beetle has been redefined for the 21st century. Now, it has been further reinvented as a concept car for the future: the pure electric E-Bugster.

What's in a Name?
The name "E-Bugster" is a combination of "E" for electric, "Bug," the American nickname for the Beetle, and "speedster," which typically describes an open-top two-seater. The E-Bugster concept sports the typical speedster profile of shallow windows and a dramatically cut-down windshield.

Blue-e-motion for a Cleaner Future
At the heart of the E-Bugster is an electric motor that makes 114 horsepower (85 kW) and 199 pound-feet of torque. A lithium-ion battery enables the car to go more than 100 miles in zero emissions driving. Stored under the trunk floor, the battery weighs 695 pounds. The battery is recharged via a plug interface located underneath the hood's VW logo and can accommodate all three types of available chargers: Level 1 (120V), Level 2 (240V), and, where available, Level 3 (quick charge, 80 percent charge in 30 minutes). Holistically, Volkswagen calls the electric drive unit used in the E-Bugster "Blue-e-motion," and it will be found in future products such as the Golf Blue-e-Motion.

• FYI: Volkswagen Buyer's Guide

Unique Design
In addition to being a study in pure-electric mobility, the E-Bugster is also a dynamic study in Beetle design. Up front, the E-Bugster's flat and wide windshield is distinctive. The E-Bugster utilizes LED Daytime Running Lights, just like the production Beetle, except that here they form a distinctive graphic on either side of the lower air intake in the front bumper. This LED graphic is mirrored by reflectors in the rear bumper. Ever since the e-up! concept car was presented in Europe, these unique DRLs have become a signature element on Volkswagen electric vehicle studies.

Volkswagen E-Bugster concept

The E-Bugster's profile previews what a Beetle convertible might look like - except that the windshield has been dramatically lowered by nearly three inches. Between its flared fenders and 20-inch wheels, there's a distinctive Beetle "V" that runs along the side of the vehicle. Above its side sill, a decal with the "E-Bugster" signature can be seen. Just above this point, the chrome has been lengthened from the lower window border towards the rear of the car. The E-Bugster has a removable hardtop, which extends in a flat arch over this chrome line and borders the vehicle's side windows. The height between the chrome lower edge of these windows and the uppermost roof line is tight, like a chopped-down coupe.

Watch the E-Bugster concept promo video

EV-specific instrumentation
A unique exterior look isn't all that sets the E-Bugster apart from the production Beetle; it also sports EV-specific gauges inside. The traditional tachometer has been replaced with an energy consumption display that fluctuates with vehicle acceleration. Other instrumentation includes a driving range indicator, a display showing the battery's charge state, and a display that shows the driver the intensity of battery regeneration.

Watch the complete VW Press Conference at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show