Volkswagen is launching a new version of its EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct-injected TSI engine with 10 extra horsepower in the 2013 version of the Beetle Turbo, Beetle Turbo Convertible, and the Jetta GLI. This Gen 3 engine is produced in Silao, Mexico.
The new engine is rated at 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, which enable the Beetles to go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds – 0.2 seconds faster the previous version – and the Jetta GLI in 6.7 second – that’s a tenth faster with the manual transmission and two tenths quicker with the DSG dual-clutch automatic.
Lighter and more fuel efficient than the outgoing engine, the EA888 unit features a thinwall crankcase casting; exhaust headers that are integrated into the cylinder head; smaller diameter main bearings; roller bearings for the twin balancer shafts; and a crankshaft that has four counterweights instead of eight.
The 2013-spec models also get some subtle visual upgrades, with the Beetles benefiting from R-Line bumpers with grained black surfaces and chrome-framed turn signals at the front and a diffuser at the rear, and the Jetta GLI getting LED taillights on all three trims.
