Volkswagen has unveiled the latest incarnation of its iconic Beetle at the Auto Shanghai show in China.

The German automaker said that the new Beetle has been envisioned with the target “design a new original” to ensure it paid tribute to 70 years of Beetle history.

The redesigned model has been made significantly more aggressive, with a lower profile than its 1998 predecessor and a more confident design which is reflected in the vehicle’s self-assured stance — although it’s still unmistakably a Beetle.

To avoid the bubble-dominated profile of the 1998 version, Volkswagen has shifted the windshield backwards and lowered the roof, widening and lengthening the car to give it a more sporty look.

Despite this, the 2011 Beetle is set to be the most fuel-efficient ever, says Volkswagen, with a top fuel efficiency of 4.3 l/100km and a range of new engines.

US buyers will get a choice of a 2.0 liter turbodiesel and 2.0/2.5 liter petrol engines and other markets such as Asia, Australia, Europe and News Zealand will be offered five engines including 1.2 ‘Bluemotion’ and 2.0 liter petrol turbocharged engines and a 2.0 liter turbodiesel.

It will be offered in three lines — “Beetle”, “Design” and “Sport” — each with their own equipment, with keyless access and bi-xenon headlights being offered with the vehicle for the first time.

The North American launch will be in October this year, while European buyers will see the new Beetle in October November and Asia and South America in 2012.

Source: AFPrelaxnews