Special or limited editions are a speedy and cost efficient way for automakers to create some marketing buzz around one of their models and increase sales. More often than not, all it takes is a few cosmetic touches and added equipment features, and presto; your special edition is served.

One such example is the new Volkswagen Beetle Edition 53, a special edition model made exclusively for Spain that pays tribute to Walt Disney Pictures' "Herbie" character, which first appeared on film in 1968 with "The Love Bug" that spawned several sequels over the years.

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Volkswagen has released U.S. pricing for its new 2013 Beetle Fender Edition that will arrive in dealerships across the country at the beginning of November with a choice of two engines.

The base model is equipped with VW's 170-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder unit and is priced at $24,440 with the manual gearbox and $25,540 with the automatic, while those looking for more oomph can opt for the 200-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI Turbo model that starts at $28,130 for the manual version and $29,200 for the DSG-equipped model. All aforementioned MSRPs exclude a destination charge of $795.

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On the eve of the 2012 SEMA Show, Volkswagen presented its range of customized cars that include six Beetles and one Golf Mk6 tune.

The lineup kicks off with the "Ultimate Super Beetle" show car built in collaboration with performance specialist APR and the VWvortex team. The concept is based on the 2013 Beetle Turbo with the 2.0-liter TFSI, which in factory trim, produces 200-horses.

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While there's certainly no shortage of "special edition" models in the Beetle's range, Volkswagen believes it's what buyers want so it continues to churn out new variants.

The latest one is called the "Beetle Remix" and it just launched in Germany. What makes it special, at least in the eyes of Volkswagen's marketing team, are some cosmetic add-ons.

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We still have a long way to go before the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show kicks off on November 30, but Volkswagen couldn't wait to reveal the convertible version of its latest Beetle model.

Not that we're surprised in any way as the new Beetle Convertible follows the same formula with its predecessor combining the hatchback's retro-style body with a traditional soft top that lies exposed behind the rear seats when folded down.

We do not get any images of the car with the top in its place, but the German automaker claims that the combination of a "flatter roofline and the more upright windshield" gives the car a shape that’s "more closely aligned with the first generation Beetle Cabriolet".

The top is automatic on all models, regardless of trim, and takes a little over 10 seconds to open or close at a touch of a button, which can be used up to a speed of 30mph (48 km/h).

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