You know how it is for famous families—always ducking the paparazzi. It’s no different for the Beetle brood, but they’ve decided to welcome the press with open arms. The Beetle International Drive offers automotive journalists a rare opportunity: two days in Berlin with the all-new 2012 Beetle. But the newest member of the Beetle family is not the only attraction at the event, which begins, appropriately, on the Boulevard of Stars in Potsdamer Platz before moving to a specially constructed Beetle Center (more on that later.) Select journalists will also have an opportunity to drive a pair of automotive legends: a 1951 Volkswagen Type 1 and a 2003 Final Edition Beetle.
The event offers the automotive press an at-a-glance Beetle family portrait that clearly shows how the newest member of the Beetle bloodline carries on the tradition of automotive excellence—and more importantly, of driving fun. Other Beetles on display include the 1973 Super Beetle, the 2000 Beetle RS and Herbie, the Bug that loves you back.
When you look at the 2012 Beetle alongside its ancestors, the family resemblance is easy to spot, from the iconic design cues and interior features to the enthusiastic (read: fun) driving character. This is the Beetle’s Beetle, one that acknowledges its rich heritage, but also redefines what a Beetle can be through 21st century power, safety and convenience.
Over the next few days, we’ll hand over the keys to the experts and see what they have to say. Stay tuned for photos, blog posts, video and more.
Tell us: which Beetle is your favorite?
Related Links
All-new 2012 Beetle starting at less than $19,000
From classic to current: Jay Leno drives the oldest and the newest Beetle
Beetle Retrospective: From 1949 to the 21st Century, we celebrate the Beetle in America