Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept shows face before Detroit debut

Volkswagen had done a decent job reinvigorating the new Beetle as of recent and alongside with it, the “People’s Car” make has also introduced several conceptual variants of the new Beetle. And what we have in front of us is another addition, unveiled just before its full world debut at the 2012 North American International Auto Show: the Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept.

Short for “ragtop” and “speedster,” the E-Bugster is an all-electric Beetle coupe concept that’s obviously based on the latest Beetle that features a much lower-slung roofline than the standard Beetle, black A-pillars and wide C-pillars with fancy 19-inch five-spoke wheels complementing the concept.

And while it’s most likely that this E-Bugster Concept will not reach production, the real magic that could end up in your driveway lies under the hood. And that would be a 114hp electric motor powered by a lithium-ion battery pack. Called “Blue-e-Motion,” Volkswagen said that this motor can allow a range of up to 100 miles on one charge along with zero emissions. Additionally, it’s compatible with both 120V and 240V chargers as well as quick chargers, which could recharge the battery pack up to 80% in just 30 minutes.

Check out more news on the Volkswagen Beetle.

Full details will be announced at its debut later on at the auto show, but so far, Volkswagen has confirmed that their “Blue-e-Motion” system will be used in future vehicles such as the Golf Blue-e-Motion.

– By: Chris Chin