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

Feb 19, 2015 | Volkswagen

Goodbye Stranger

Our Beetle goes to a better place.

Jun

04

Jun 4, 2014 | Volkswagen

Our Beetle Visits Sebring

Posting some laps around the famed Florida track.

Apr

28

Apr 28, 2014 | Volkswagen

Racking Up the Miles

We rack up the miles in our TDI Beetle.

Apr

18

Apr 18, 2014 | Volkswagen

Fresh Oil for the Oil Burner

Our diesel Beetle gets similar oil to big rigs.

Apr

07

Apr 7, 2014 | Volkswagen

Race Day

We go racing in our diesel Beetle.

Mar

31

Mar 31, 2014 | Volkswagen

Tiring Choices For Our Beetle

We examine our quiver of Beetle tires.

Mar

24

Mar 24, 2014 | Volkswagen

The Beetle Visits Sebring

We drive 6 hours to see the 12 hours.

Mar

17

Mar 17, 2014 | Volkswagen

Pack Mule—er, Beetle

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

Mar

03

Mar 3, 2014 | Volkswagen

A New Driver

We teach the fine art of using a manual transmission.

Sep

12

Sep 12, 2013 | Volkswagen

Solo Nats Recap

How did our Beetle fare in Road Tire FWD?

Aug

30

Aug 30, 2013 | Volkswagen

Solo-Worthy Brakes

Our Beetle needed fresh pads after lapping VIR.

Aug

28

Aug 28, 2013 | Volkswagen

Battling Sulphur

Motor oil for diesel engines is special stuff.

Aug

23

Aug 23, 2013 | Volkswagen

We’re Going to Solo Nationals

Our Beetle will soon be heading to Lincoln.

Aug

08

Aug 8, 2013 | Volkswagen

Testing Tires

Did stability control play a role when testing our BFGs?

Jul

18

Jul 18, 2013 | Volkswagen

Testing Tires at VIR

We're ready for some ultimate track time.

Jun

21

Jun 21, 2013 | Volkswagen

Hub Studding

Lug bolts are just a pain.

Jun

18

Jun 18, 2013 | Volkswagen

Resistance is Futile

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

Jun

04

Jun 4, 2013 | Volkswagen

False Start

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

Mar

08

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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