VW Beetle GSR pricing released, from $30,000

• Pricing starts at $29,995 for GSR® with manual transmission and $31,095 with the DSG® automatic
• Classic 1970s Beetle serves as inspiration for the GSR model
• Limited edition of just 3500 worldwide
• Leather-trimmed sport seats and unique GSR trim mark out the interior

Volkswagen of America, Inc., announced that pricing of the 2014 Beetle GSR® will start at $29,995 for models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission; the base price for the version equipped with the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic is $31,095.

Just 3500 of these striking yellow-and-black GSR models will be built globally. Taking its cue from the GSR (“Yellow Black Racer”) of the 1970s, the new car also has a yellow-and-black color scheme: the body and R-Line® bumpers are finished predominantly in yellow; the hood is mainly black; and the trunklid, roof, and the exterior mirror caps are black. The car has yellow/black stripes with “GSR” lettering above the side skirts and a large rear spoiler to complete the look. The GSR rides on 19-inch “Tornado” aluminum-alloy wheels shod with 235/40 tires and also features black-painted brake calipers.

The GSR has a unique interior with a yellow/black theme, sport seats, and a leather-wrapped sport steering wheel. The black-trimmed leather seating surfaces and high-grip leather-wrapped steering wheel have contrasting yellow stitching. Other interior changes include an R-Line dash pad, a GSR shift lever, a leather-wrapped handbrake lever, and black floormats with contrasting yellow embroidery. A badge on the steering wheel is marked with the special-edition number (1 through 3500) to emphasize the uniqueness of the car.

The new GSR model’s EA888 turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter TSI® engine makes 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds and to reach an electronically governed top track speed of 130 mph. Most impressively, the engine delivers peak torque from as low as 1700 rpm, giving smooth, effortless acceleration in all the gears. The GSR comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but a dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic transmission is optional.

Since the GSR is based on the R-Line with Sunroof and Sound with Navigation model, it comes comprehensively equipped with the Fender® Premium Audio System; a panoramic sunroof; the RNS 315® navigation system; 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-look pedals; and three auxiliary instruments that include a clock with a stopwatch function and a boost gauge.