Volkswagen has again drawn inspiration from its history book – this time with a reincarnation of the 1970s Beetle GSR.
And, just like the original “Yellow-Black Racer” (‘Gelb-Schwarze Renner’ – GSR - in German) only 3500 will be produced globally and the UK allocation of 100 vehicles has just gone on-sale at Volkswagen GB dealers.
Power comes from Volkswagen’s 155kW/280Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, as fitted to the Golf GTI. Driving through either a six-speed manual transmission or a DSG automatic, the Volkswagen Beetle GSR accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 7.3 seconds (just a couple of tenths slower than the GTI Golf)
Looks are a new twist on the original – yellow paintwork with black panels bonnet, boot and roof plus a yellow/black rear spoiler and yellow R-design rear bumper. However unlike the original, the latest Volkswagen Beetle GSR presents an optional colour scheme – platinum grey and black.
Inside is lots of Volkswagen R-line kit – including racing seats with contrasting yellow stitching, a sports steering wheel (also with yellow stitching) and an R-line dash pad.
The Volkswagen Beetle GSR sure looks the part and - with the Golf GTI driveline - will be handy in the twisty stuff too. No word yet on Australian plans.
