[3] The cars retained VW's trademark air-cooled, rear placement, rear-wheel drive, boxer engine with a front/rear weight distribution of 45/55%[3] and a forward cargo storage 400 L (14.1 cu ft)[4] — while also introducing design and engineering departures for the company – including a completely flat passenger area floor and suspension using control arms and MacPherson struts.

At launch, the 411 featured a 1679 cc engine with twin carburetors, subsequently modified in 1969 with Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection and with claimed power output increased from 68 to 80 PS (50 to 59 kW).

[6][7] The 412 replaced the 411 in August 1972 in Germany,[8] The redesign by noted stylist Brooks Stevens[1] featured Halogen lights,[8] revised headlight surrounds and nose panels.

In August 1973 (for the 1974 model year), the engine capacity was raised to 1795 cc and fuel management reverted to a twin carburettor system; the 412LE was renamed 412LS.

The specification varied somewhat from European models, with the omission of the petrol heater, no rear window de-fogger as standard and with different paint options and interior trim.