The new 2012 Beetle isn't even on sale yet (world launch is scheduled for Berlin in July, the US release in September and it will be available in South Africa from the first quarter of 2012) but already American customers are being invited to plonk down their dollars to pre-order the first limited-edition special version - the Black Turbo.
Just 600 will be built, all finished in a special black pearl paint with gray Turbo badges on the sides, and motivated by a two-litre TFSI engine (hence the name) for which VW quotes 147kW and 280Nm, driving through a standard dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Each will have 18" alloys, a rear spoiler, uprated brakes with red callipers, special fabric upholstery, foglights and alloy pedals. Electrotech includes Bluetooth technology, iPod connectivity, three-colour ambient lighting and an RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers.
The Black Turbo will also have a "kaeferfach" an additional glove compartment similar to that of the original 1950s Beetle.
All of which will cost US trendsetters $24 950 (R168 500) plus a $770 (R5200) delivery charge, and they'll need to put down a $495 deposit - which VW says will go towards the cost of the car and be refundable if you change your mind.
When the second-generation New Beetle does go on sale in the US in the third quarter of 2011, prices will start at $19 765 (R133 400), considerably less than half the price of the current base model in South Africa.