On the topic of the 2012 VW Beetle...I like it, as it speaks to my "inner hippie". I have 2 Fords in the driveway ('00 Taurus wagon, '07 Focus), and am restoring a '67 Beetle. I really do like the next version of the Beetle (VW has dropped the "New" from the name, and did introduce it in April as the 21st Century Beetle, as was mentioned)). It will likely be one of the most customize-able cars available, as in there will be many accessories available from VW, plus an aftermarket following. The RS was the first pre-production car to be fitted with swapped parts, as was said, isn't certified for road use (no air bags, etc etc). Many of the Golf and GTI performance parts are bolt-ons.
From what I have read, there is to be 3 engines available...2.5l 5 cyl, 2.0l turbo, and the TDI clean diesel. Price starts at US$18,995 (no Canadian pricing as of yet). Here's a configurator from the VW Germany website. Shows the wheels and colours available. They will likely be different for North America.
I will seriously consider this car when they become available. Toffee Brown, 'Circle' wheels (the most retro!), and the TDI, with a manual.
Yes, I would have bought a new type 1 when they were being built and I would like to see a VW Beetle as a reliable entry-level car that is entry-level priced as well. Not much of a market for that in North America, so here we are.
Personally, I hope they sell a whole bunch of them!