The rallycross fever is sweeping the world these days and car makers are trying to get a bigger piece of the action. This is Volkswagen’s new rallycross contender called the Beetle GRC, designed for the Red Bull Global Rallycross championship.

To be driven by Tanner Foust and Scott Speed, Beetle GRC Rallycross will make its debut at the Volkswagen Rallycross D.C. event, boasting a 1.6-liter four-cylinder TSI turbocharged and intercooled engine making 544 horsepower.

The rallycross standard engine is mated to a sequential six-speed transmission, with a fixed-ratio all-wheel-drive system that features multiplate limited-slip differentials at the front and rear. This setup and that power make the Beetle GRC Rallycross incredibly quick – 0 to 60 in 2.1 seconds – and a monster at taking corners.

The looks of VW Beetle GRC Rallycross are appropriately quite aggressive, featuring a huge rear wing, widebody fenders, and aggressive front fascia. It rides on 17-inch wheels shod with 240/640-R17 Yokohama competition tires, and benefits from ZF dampers and 14.0-inch diameter front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes. Can’t wait to see this car in action in Tanner Foust’s hands.