Stuttgart - Volkswagen is planning the next generation of the New Beetle including a Roadster version in 2012 despite recent reports that it is planning to end production of the model, Germany's auto-motor-sport magazine reports.

The New Beetle, a retro-style version of the original Beetle 'people's car' that was last produced in Germany in 1978, has been criticised as too expensive and lacking appeal.

A Roadster version of the New Beetle would replace the closed Beetle version and convertible in 2012, the magazine reports quoting company sources.

A Volkswagen spokesman however described the report as 'speculation'.

The new model is based on the two-seater 'Ragster' concept VW presented at the Detroit Motor Show in 2005, displaying a lowered roofline, 19-inch wheels and a canvas top that can be lowered at the press of a button, auto-motor-sport said.

The Roadster would be powered by a 3.2-litre V6 engine with an output of 206 kW/280 hp. It would be fitted with start-stop automatic and brake-regeneration technology to conserve fuel, according to the report.

The magazine also reports that VW in turn was mulling plans to end production of the Eos convertible that is fitted with a foldable steel roof. A VW spokesman refused to comment. ?© 2007 dpa - Deutsche Presse-Agentur

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