2010 New Beetle Final Editions: 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show

LOS ANGELES — In a swan song for the current generation of the Volkswagen New Beetle, the German automaker on Wednesday rolled out Final Editions of the coupe and convertible at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. The two models will go on sale in the spring with a limit of 1,500 units each.

When asked by Inside Line if this means the New Beetle is going away, Volkswagen of America spokesman Steve Keyes replied in an e-mailed message: "No, these cars represent the end of the first-generation New Beetle."

Another VW official told Inside Line that "a new future model in this segment and revised naming would be a possibility."

The 2010 New Beetle Coupe Final Edition will start at $20,240. The 2010 New Beetle Convertible Final Edition will start at $27,170, the automaker said.

The appearance package includes a special "Aquarius Blue" paint with a painted black roof on the coupe and a two-tone "Aquarius Blue" and "Campanella White" paint treatment with a white top on the convertible. Both models get a sport suspension and 17-inch alloy wheels. The cabin touches include an individually numbered Final Edition steering wheel.

Power comes from a 150-horsepower 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine linked to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Inside Line says: For those who have trouble with goodbyes, here's a little something to remember the current New Beetle by. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent