Earlier this year we learned that Volkswagen has been readying a new New Beetle, and we now have the first spy photos of the next-generation Bug out testing. Rumor has it that this car could debut as early as next month at this year's Los Angeles Auto Show, but we think a Detroit or Geneva debut is much more likely.

Though still in test mule stages, it's obvious that the next Beetle will take a lot of its styling cues from Volkswagen's Ragster concept, first shown in 2005. The longer, flatter greenhouse and softened curves give the cutesy Bug a more aggressive stance. Perhaps Volkswagen is trying to break the Beetle out of its "chick car" stereotype.

The 2012 Beetle will ride on the new Golf VI platform, and it's expected that powertrains will be shared between both cars. Volkswagen's 2.5-liter inline-five is a safe bet, as is the 2.0-liter TDI four, but sources within Volkswagen have told us that the next-generation Beetle will be available with a pretty potent engine. "Something you can take to the track," they said. Hmm... Whatever the case, we'll know more when the car makes its official debut within the next few months.



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