Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept Preview: 2012 Detroit Auto Show
A two-seater, chop-top, electric Beetle? Yep, that's the Volkswagen E-Bugster Concept, making its world debut tomorrow at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show--but getting an early sneak peek thanks to some leaks the night before.
The "speedster" look (though VW acknowledges it's not a true open-top speedster) of the low roof, flat/wide windshield, and shallow windows are the primary design departures for the E-Bugster. The real highlight is the all-electric powertrain.
Volkswagen says it's a 114-horsepower (85 kW), 199-pound-foot electric motor fed by a lithium-ion battery good for more than 100 miles range, though it doesn't disclose the kilowatt-hour rating of the battery pack. The battery weighs 695 pounds, so it's likely pretty substantial.
An underhood plug enables Level 1 (120-volt), Level (240-volt), and Level 3 (quick charge) charging. In Level 3 mode, the E-Bugster can reach 80 percent charge in just 30 minutes.
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