2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDi

You may already know that we’ve added a controversial Chevy Volt to our long-term fleet to explore what alternative drivetrains mean to the future of enthusiast cars. Well, Volkswagen challenged our assumptions and let us know that they were already building the ultimate combination of fun and frugality: The diesel-powered TDi drivetrain.

Project proudly supported by
VW of America
TSW Wheels
Revo/Stasis Group
BFGoodrich Tires

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2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDi

Latest updates

Feb 19, 2015 | Volkswagen

Goodbye Stranger

Our Beetle goes to a better place.

Jun 4, 2014 | Volkswagen

Our Beetle Visits Sebring

Posting some laps around the famed Florida track.

Apr 28, 2014 | Volkswagen

Racking Up the Miles

We rack up the miles in our TDI Beetle.

Apr 18, 2014 | Volkswagen

Fresh Oil for the Oil Burner

Our diesel Beetle gets similar oil to big rigs.

Apr 7, 2014 | Volkswagen

Race Day

We go racing in our diesel Beetle.

Mar 31, 2014 | Volkswagen

Tiring Choices For Our Beetle

We examine our quiver of Beetle tires.

Mar 24, 2014 | Volkswagen

The Beetle Visits Sebring

We drive 6 hours to see the 12 hours.

Mar 17, 2014 | Volkswagen

Pack Mule—er, Beetle

We load up our Beetle for the Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance.

Mar 3, 2014 | Volkswagen

A New Driver

We teach the fine art of using a manual transmission.

Sep 12, 2013 | Volkswagen

Solo Nats Recap

How did our Beetle fare in Road Tire FWD?

Aug 30, 2013 | Volkswagen

Solo-Worthy Brakes

Our Beetle needed fresh pads after lapping VIR.

Aug 28, 2013 | Volkswagen

Battling Sulphur

Motor oil for diesel engines is special stuff.

Aug 23, 2013 | Volkswagen

We’re Going to Solo Nationals

Our Beetle will soon be heading to Lincoln.

Aug 8, 2013 | Volkswagen

Testing Tires

Did stability control play a role when testing our BFGs?

Jul 18, 2013 | Volkswagen

Testing Tires at VIR

We're ready for some ultimate track time.

Jun 21, 2013 | Volkswagen

Hub Studding

Lug bolts are just a pain.

Jun 18, 2013 | Volkswagen

Resistance is Futile

We measure rolling resistance with our fuel-sipping performance car.

Jun 4, 2013 | Volkswagen

False Start

We were going to fit new, fat rubber, but ...

Mar 8, 2013 | Volkswagen

Sipping diesel, spitting torque

We add a VW to our green grass(roots) projects

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2013 Volkswagen Beetle TDi Specs

Body type:

Coupe

Country of origin:

Germany

Original price:

$23495

Displacement:

2000cc

Stock horsepower:

140 bhp @ 4000 rpm

Torque:

236 lb.-ft @ 1750 rpm

Engine configuration:

Inline-4

Transmission:

6-speed manual

Drivetrain configuration:

Front-wheel drive

Suspension:

strut (front)
twist beam (rear)

Brakes:

disc/disc

Curb weight:

3073 lbs.

Wheelbase:

99.9 in.

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