Although the all-new 2013 Volkswagen Beetle’s most notable change might be its lowered roof line, the German automaker is set to change things even further when it releases a Cabriolet version later this year.

Expected to debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet will be offered worldwide as an alternative to the fixed roof example. A droptop version of the outgoing New Beetle (which wasn’t so new at the time) debuted for 2003, five years after the coupe model. Despite the wait, it proved tremendously popular, quickly changing the New Beetle’s image to that of a fun-loving beach cruiser.

The wait won’t be quite as long for the second-generation reborn Beetle, which loses its “new” nomenclature. A quick-stowing, fully insulated power top will be standard. Likely to not require any manual latching, it will hide away behind the rear seats to take up as little room as possible. A heated glass rear window will also be standard.

Otherwise, the Beetle Cabriolet will essentially mirror its hardtop sibling. Only two powertrains are expected to be offered in the droptop variant – the hardtop’s available TDI diesel unit won’t make the cut.

That means that retro-minded sun worshippers will have to choose between a 170 horsepower five-cylinder or a 201-pony turbocharged four. Both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic transmissions will be on offer, although the base model may not be available with the row-it-yourself unit.

Globally, the Beetle Cabriolet will serve as a more style-oriented sibling to the new Golf Cabriolet, although North American buyers will probably only get one droptop.

Pricing won’t be announced until closer to the Spring 2012 on-sale date, but the droptop should net about a 7-10 percent premium.



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