New Car: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 53 Edition

Volkswagen is preparing the ultimate retromobile: a new special-edition Beetle that pays tribute to Herbie the Love Bug, star of a number of movies starting with “The Love Bug” in 1968. The Volkswagen Beetle 53 Edition is, at this point, an exclusive special-edition model for Spain.

Herbie, a 1963 Volkswagen Beetle, had a mind of his own and could drive himself — with technology being developed by Google, Volvo, and others, that last part may not be science-fiction for much longer. Like the classic ’63 Beetle, the new 53-Edition Beetle wears the number 53, and has red, white, and blue off-center stripes on one side of the hood. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard, as are parking sensors and a reference to the special-edition model on the glovebox.

 Power comes from one of three engines: a 1.2-liter unit with around 100 hp as well as 1.6- and 2.0-liter diesels. We like the idea of a Herbie-themed Beetle, but would like to see a few more special-edition details inside and out.

Thanks to: Motor Trend