Volkswagen Beetle Shows Off Its Range at SEMA Show

Baltimore, 11/16/2012 / SubmitMyPR /

Car customizers can choose from an endless selection of vehicles to find their muse, but few could warrant the kind of attention the VW Beetle received at the 2012 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show. Receiving modifications from a number of notable tuners, the latest iteration of the Beetle proved popular at the event, which took place Oct. 30 through Nov. 2 in Las Vegas.

Five new VW Beetle coupes and one classic model were on display at SEMA, each offering a unique take on the iconic car. A few played on the new model's sporty exterior design, including the Rotiform Beetle, which added chrome accents and an air suspension, and the VWvortex Super Beetle, which received a APR Stage IV GTX Turbocharger System to reach more than 500 horsepower. Meanwhile, other versions emphasized the Beetle's playful side, like the European Car Magazine Beach Battle-Cruiser and the 50s- and 60s-styled Galpin Auto Sports Chopped Top Beetle.

"SEMA featured a wide variety of Beetle stylings, and they each showed how the car's instantly recognizable shape can represent a lot of things to different people," said Michael Coleman, general manager of Russel Volkswagen, a VW dealer in Baltimore, Md. "Beetle owners have a lot of personality, and many of them like to customize their cars to reflect their personal style."

Volkswagen is also doing its part to provide Beetle fans with bespoke options right off the assembly line, including the new Beetle Fender Edition that is on the way to dealerships now. Named for the legendary guitar manufacturer, the Fender Edition pulls design cues from Fender's famous guitars and features a branded premium audio system from the company.

The exterior of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Fender Edition is clad in a unique Deep Black Pearl Metallic paint, punctuated by brushed chrome mirrors, 18-inch alloy wheels and Fender badges on the sides of the car. Inside, the Fender theme becomes more prominent, with the dash sporting a sunburst design that matches the finish of many of the brand's legendary guitars. Of course, the centerpiece of any music-themed ride is the sound system, and the car's 400-watt award-winning audio setup can accurately recreate the sounds of the rock gods.

While the Beetle Fender Edition may be taking center stage with its launch, it will soon have to share the limelight with the new Beetle Convertible, which will make its public debut at the LA Auto Show later this month before going on sale by the end of the year. Volkswagen hopes the new additions will help augment the Beetle's success in the showroom, which continued in October with 2,439 units sold in the United States.

"The Volkswagen Beetle has always attracted buyers from all walks of life, but the latest generation has a new edge that appeals to drivers that may not have previously considered the car," added Coleman. "The Beetle is still a very fun vehicle to own, but more importantly, it is also more fun to drive than ever before."

About Russel Volkswagen:
Committed to building lasting relationships with Volkswagen customers in the Baltimore area one family at a time, Russel Volkswagen backs up its wide inventory of new and used VW vehicles with a no-hassle buying environment. Their team of factory-trained technicians, parts experts and knowledgeable sales professionals goes the distance to ensure every customer experience is a positive one. Visit their Baltimore, Maryland Volkswagen dealership at 6624 Baltimore National Pike for a test drive, or browse their inventory online at www.russelvw.com. They can also be reached by phone at 866-540-5268 and found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarylandVW.