Volkswagen’s US division announced that the 2014 Beetle GSR starts from $29,995 (€22,910) for the base model equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, and $31,095 (€23,750 with the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.
Only 3,500 of the GSR (Gelb Schwarzer Renner, German for “Yellow/Black Racer”) models will be sold worldwide. Just like the GSR of the 1970s, the new car also sports a yellow-and-black color scheme. The body and R-Line bumpers are finished predominantly in yellow, while the hood is mainly black, as well as the trunklid, roof and exterior mirror caps.
The Beetle GSR has yellow/black stripes with “GSR” lettering above the side skirts and a large rear spoiler. The limited edition Beetle rides on 19-inch “Tornado” aluminum-alloy wheels and features black-painted brake calipers.
The yellow/black theme continues on the inside, with the car also featuring sport seats and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The leather on the seats and steering wheel has contrasting yellow stitching. Other interior additions include an R-Line dash pad, a GSR shift lever, leather-wrapped handbrake lever and black floormats with contrasting embroidery. Each car comes with a badge on the steering wheel showing the special-edition number (0001 through 3500).
Under the hood, the VW Beetle GSR has the turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine delivering 210 horsepower and 207 lb-ft (280 Nm) of torque. The unit allows the Beetle GSR to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 6.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).
Standard equipment includes a Fender Premium Audio System, panoramic sunroof, RNS 315 navigation system, bi-xenon headlights with LED DRLs, LED license-plate lighting, heated front seats, keyless access with push-button start and others.
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
