Volkswagen took the wraps off a new GSR edition of the Beetle at the Chicago Auto Show. Featuring a unique Gelb Schwarzer Renner (Yellow Black Racer) paint job, the modern-day Beetle GSR is a tribute to the original GSR of the 70s.
Just like the old car, the new one is limited to 3,500 units worldwide, and apart form the paint scheme, comes with a few extra bells and whistles over the standard models. The Beetle GSR is powered by the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder TSI rated at 210 horsepower in this car.
The GSR paint job on the new car is a bit different than the original version, as it features yellow/black stripes with “GSR” lettering above the side skirts and a large rear spoiler. The new GSR also rides on 19-inch “Tornado” aluminum-alloy wheels shod with 235/40 tires. The old one had 15-inch steel wheels with 175-section tires.
The new Beetle GSR also has a much nicer interior than its ancestor. It is actually much better than most of other modern VW products. You get black-trimmed leather sport seats and high-grip leather steering, R-Line dash pad, a GSR shift lever, a leather handbrake lever, and black floormats with contrasting yellow embroidery.
Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission (dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic optional), Beetle GSR goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds. Pricing is yet to be revealed.
Features and equipments: Fender® Premium Audio System; a panoramic sunroof; Keyless access with push-button start; Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs; LED license-plate lighting; heatable front seats; Bluetooth® connectivity; a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod® cable; three-color ambient lighting; aluminum-alloy pedals; and three auxiliary instruments that include a clock with a stopwatch function and a boost gauge.
