The 2012 SEMA show is underway in Las Vegas this week and, following news of the Volkswagen Beetle Remix and Beetle 53, we now get to see what can be done with the new Bug when a tuner goes to work on it. There are a number of customised Beetles are on display at SEMA, but the most extreme incarnation is this, the VWvortex Super Beetle.
From the outside, the Super Beetle looks the part, with an Azure Blue metallic paint that shows off modified bumpers inspired by the Porsche 911 (997) GT3 and 19-inch ‘fifteen52′ Formula TR wheels with Michelin rubber. Inside, the Super Beetle remains largely unchanged, apart from the Recaro from seats borrowed from the Golf R.
Now comes the ‘super’ part. VWvortex swapped the standard 2.5-litre engine found in the Beetle Turbo for the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine in the Golf R. That move alone takes power from 125 to 188 kW. Performance specialists APR were then called in to add a high-flow cylinder head and inlet manifold, strengthened internals, a larger turbocharger and intercooler, sports exhaust, as well as perform an ECU upgrade. The 6-speed manual transmission was also given a short-throw shifting kit and a strengthened clutch to handle the additional power.
How much power are we talking? A massive 373 kW! To add some perspective, this figure is on par with the previous generation, V10-powered, BMW E60 M5.
Keeping the Super Beetle glued to the road is the Golf R’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Adjustable coil-over suspension and sway bars from H&R, together with Volkswagen Racing StreetSport+ camber plates, ensure the maximum amount of rubber is always in contact with the road. In addition, a Volkswagen Racing 6-piston brake system gives the Super Beetle stopping capability to match its potent engine.
