Fifty years ago next month, the Beatles invaded America. In honor of that event (OK—not really, but still; it would be cool if it were true) Volkswagen is launching its Beetle in the U.S. with an updated powertrain. This time, it will be with VW’s new, EA888 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that already sees duty in the Jetta and Passat sedans.

For the privilege of owning a 2014.5 model-year Beetle (yes, that half-life is official from the top of the VW totem pole), you’ll need to part with $21,115—consistent with the base price of the outgoing, 2.5-liter, five-cylinder Beetle with a five-speed stick. Pricing for the Beetle ragtop, which can only be had with a six-speed automatic transmission, is also unchanged at $25,990. (The six-speed automatic is an $1100 option across the board for the 1.8T Beetle coupe.) With a sunroof, nav, a Fender sound system, and all the fixin’s, a fully loaded Beetle hardtop with the automatic transmission will set you back $26,815.

• First Drive: 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR
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• Instrumented Test: 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Turbo Convertible

Horsepower for the 1.8T remains the same as the 2.5’s—at 170—while torque increases slightly from 177 lb-ft to 184. There is a modest bump in fuel efficiency, with improvements of 2 mpg in both city and highway ratings for the manual, from 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway to 24/33. The automatic sees an increase of 3 mpg city and 4 mpg highway, from 22/29 to 25/33.