Volkswagen has revealed a performance version of the new Beetle, with the VW Beetle R Concept bowing in at Frankfurt.
Sharing its core underpinnings with the Golf has raised some questions as to why one might prefer the Beetle, though the car’s iconic aesthetics are the obvious reason. Just as the regular Beetle shares much of its running gear and powertrain with the standard Golf, so too does the Beetle R draw on the Golf R‘s impressive pieces.
The engine is the same 188 kW turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder, and though Volkswagen doesn’t mention it, the Beetle R is likely to get the same Haldex 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, too. Large 20-inch wheels and blue brake calipers accent the Golf R’s performance nature, while special bumpers with aerodynamic tweaks and wider fenders complete the look.
inside there’s a set of nappa leather-clad motorsport shell seats complete with the required ‘R’ logos and seat piping in Space Blue. The trim is trendy gloss black and there’s a set of ‘R’ instruments with a big rev counter in the middle. The sill plates get ‘R’ logos and the pedals are brushed aluminium.
Volkswagen may be calling the Beetle R a concept, but with it looking so close to a production model, you can be sure VW will be evaluating the car’s business case on the reponse it receives at this year’s show. We wouldn’t be surprised if we see a production Beetle R in 2012.
