Another article I read says it won't be awd, which would be a killer for me, biggest reason I'd wan't an R.

 

Yes, it would be crazy if it wouldn't be AWD. They also axed the DSG for N. America for the Golf R, 6 speed only. Which is ok for me. However, I can't find exact specs on the R. Some sites say it is not confirmed yet.

We will have to wait. I am not worried because I won't buy the 2012 Beetle in any variant. MINI has my heart. :D

 

I like to have at least one Mini and one VAG at all times.

No DSG would be a deal breaker for me as well, best tranny I ever drove.

 

I like the VAG products too. Mum has two! Hahahahaha.

 

My god, that's a beautiful car... and that gray paint... wow...

 

That is awesome.

 

I have DSG in my 08 A3. It's pretty cool but it's not without faults. A little rough in first gear and there was a mechatronic tsb. I just can't get used to using paddles to shift either... feels... pointless to me. It is by far the best auto i've ever driven, but I'd have no problem going back to manual in the new R. I do hear the DSG in the new S4 is improved over the one I have though.

 

My buddy has the 2011 S4 with DSG. It is SLICK. I drove a 2007 A3 with DSG, they feel different for sure. But until I am no longer capable to drive a clutch because I have a bum knee or something, I will stick with manual.

 

I think its great. It's reportedly 3.5 inches wider, 6 inches longer with "flat roof" design. Definitely more masculine by design. They even eliminated the "bud vase" from the dash to prove this point.The last generation was "owned" by women. If VW is genuinely with Porsche that may explain the similarites. I see it too.

 

The VWVortex Beetle RS Project on their site right now (black with orange wheels) is pretty great looking.

 

I finally took one of these for a test drive the other day... a 2013 TDI with automatic transmission. It was a hoot to drive! I really loved the torquey TDI engine, and it seemed to pair nicely with the DSG transmission.

Also approx 40 mpg highway is a pretty nice touch with that particular engine. I wonder how it would run with the 6-speed stick...?

 

I still can't get past the fact that this looks like a girl's car, even though they butched it up, and upped the performance.

I just can't get the image out of my mind of all of these last gen beetles running around with flowers in the dash "vases".........