GTI Badge Wouldn’t Look Out Of Place On ABT’s 290PS VW Beetle

Volkswagen isn’t offering a GTI version of the Beetle, but with a little help from a tuner like ABT the car can become a proper hot hatch.

In this case, work started with a power boost, which raised the output to 290 PS (286 HP / 213 kW) and 43 0Nm (317 lb-ft) of torque. That’s already more than what you’d get in the 245 PS (241 HP / 180 kW) Golf GTI Performance.

The extra 70 PS (69 HP / 51 kW) and 80 Nm (59 lb-ft) of torque definitely help shave something off the 0-100km/h (0-62mph) sprint time. Unfortunately, though, ABT hasn’t went into specifics.

The updated Beetle sports six-piston brake calipers and 370x35mm (14.6×1.4in) ventilated discs up front, as well as new suspension springs, which bring the car closer to the ground.

This Beetle Cabriolet has also welcomed a bronze wrap to emphasize its special stance. Moreover, it now sits on 19-inch alloy wheels with a five double-spoke pattern, in silver-bullet shade, but the color was an optional extra, as the rims are supplied in standard gun-metal or matte black.

The cabin is dominated by lots of leather with contrast stitching on just about every visible surface, from the seats to the door panels, and from the dashboard to the steering wheel. All black plastic panels have been covered in real carbon.

The project is described as being “very individual” by the tuner, which calls this Beetle a “one-of-a-kind vehicle”.