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.

New Limited Edition Beetle hits UK shores, but be very quick

• Just 100 Beetle GSR models will be offered in the UK, with 3,500 worldwide

For the first time, UK Volkswagen Beetle fans can order the legendary GSR model, some 40 years after the original Beetle GSR made its debut in the European market.

Unveiled earlier in 2013 at the Chicago Auto Show, the Beetle GSR has a unique design and powerful 210 PS turbocharged engine.  A real limited edition, just 3,500 of these cars will be made worldwide, and 100 of them are being offered to UK customers.  The GSR has a legendary predecessor, the ‘Yellow-Black Racer’ which was based on the Beetle 1303 S and made its debut 40 years ago [NB ‘GSR’ stands for ‘Gelb-Schwarze Renner’ in German, which means ‘Gold-Black Racer’].  Only 3,500 of the original model were produced as well.

Volkswagen has re-interpreted the concept of the 1970’s GSR for the modern era.  Just like the GSR from days gone by, the body of the new version is yellow.  The bonnet and the bootlid of the 1973 Beetle were painted in matt black, as were the bumpers, while black trim strips underneath the side windows and black/yellow side stripes above the door sills rounded off the look.  Now, yellow and black are the link between old and new – the bonnet and the bootlid of the new Beetle GSR are black once again, and this time so are the roof and the exterior mirror trims.  Black/yellow stripes with ‘GSR’ lettering ensure a unique silhouette above the side sills.  Yellow painted bumpers in new R-Line design and a larger than standard yellow and black rear spoiler complete the GSR look.  Unlike the older Beetle – and for those who prefer something a little more subtle – the new Beetle GSR can also be ordered in Platinum Grey and Black.

While the 1973 GSR came with 15-inch steel wheels with 175 size tyres, the latest model features 19-inch ‘Tornado’ alloy wheels with 235/40 tyres.  The black/yellow interior of the GSR from days gone by featured a leather sports steering wheel and sports seats.  Four decades later, customers demand more, and the GSR comes with R-Line racing seats (with fabric covers and contrasting yellow stitching), a high-grip leather sports steering wheel (also with contrasting yellow stitching) and a badge with the car’s special-edition number (1 to 3,500).  The car also boasts an R-Line dash pad, GSR gear stick, leather handbrake lever gaiter and black floor mats with contrasting yellow embroidery.

Forty years ago, the yellow/black Beetle needed just 50 PS to turn the world of compact cars on its head.  These days, it takes somewhat more than that to make headlines, and with its 2.0-litre turbocharged 210 PS engine the GSR needs just 7.3 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph.  It has a top speed of 142 mph, 280 Nm of torque from 1,700 rpm to 5,200 rpm, and is expected to return a combined fuel economy of 38.7 mpg with CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.  The new Beetle GSR can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox.  The manual Beetle GSR costs £24,900 (OTR RRP) with a £1,500 premium for DSG.  The car is available to order now with first deliveries expected in September.

Customers who don’t manage to secure one of the UK’s 100 Beetle GSR models can still get their hands on a faster Beetle: all 2.0-litre TSI models factory ordered from 1 May come with the upgraded engine, offering 210 PS, rather than the previous model’s 200 PS.

Back to the Future with the new Beetle GSR, I am liking this.

► Sportiest Beetle boasts a 210 PS turbocharged engine

► Legendary Beetle serves as template for new GSR model

Volkswagen has today unveiled a new Beetle, the GSR, at the Chicago Auto Show, with a unique design and powerful 210 PS turbocharged engine. A ‘real’ limited edition, just 3,500 of these cars will be made worldwide. The GSR has a legendary predecessor, the ‘Yellow/Black Racer’ which was based on the Beetle 1303 S and made its debut 40 years ago. Only 3,500 of this car were produced as well. Orders for the Beetle GSR can be made from May onwards; the cars will be delivered from the autumn. Only 100 are expected to be imported into the UK.

With regard to design, Volkswagen has re-interpreted the concept of the 1970’s GSR for the modern era. Just like the GSR from days gone by, the body of the new version is yellow. The bonnet and the boot lid of the 1973 Beetle were painted in matt black, as were the bumpers. Black trim strips underneath the side windows and black/yellow side stripes above the doorsills rounded off the look. Now, yellow and black are the link between old and new – the bonnet and the boot lid of the new Beetle GSR are black once again, however the roof and the exterior mirror trims are also black on the new model. Black/yellow stripes with “GSR” lettering ensure a unique silhouette above the side sills. Yellow painted bumpers in new R-Line design and a yellow/black rear spoiler complete the GSR look. Unlike the older Beetle – and for those who prefer something a little more subtle, the Beetle GSR can also be ordered in Platinum Grey and Black.

The 15-inch steel wheels (with 175 size tyres) which were commonly used 40 years ago, even for sporty cars, and the “Tornado” 19-inch alloy wheels (painted black) with 235/40 tyres on the Beetle GSR are worlds apart. The black/yellow interior of the GSR from days gone by featured a leather sports steering wheel and sports seats for an extra-dynamic Beetle performance.

Four decades later, it is the ergonomically sophisticated, R-Line racing track sports seats (with fabric covers and contrasting yellow stitching; US version in black leather), a high-grip leather sports steering wheel (again with contrasting yellow stitching) with R-Line logo and a limited edition badge with the special edition number (1 to 3,500) which give the GSR its special character. The car also boasts an R-Line dash pad (designer panel for the dashboard), GSR gear stick, leather handbrake lever and black floor mats with contrasting yellow embroidery.

Forty years ago, the yellow/black Beetle needed precisely 50 PS to turn the world of compact cars on its head. But this world has turned much faster. The new Beetle GSR with its 210 PS engine needs just 7.3 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph. It has a top speed of 142 mph. The torque characteristic of the Beetle GSR is even more impressive than the pure road performance. From as low as 1,700 rpm, the turbocharged engine achieves its maximum torque of 280 Nm; the value remains at this high level up to 5,200 rpm. However, despite this, the car records an average consumption of 7.3 l/100 km (approx. 38.7 mpg) which is low in view of its dynamic performance. As an option, the new Beetle GSR can also be ordered with a six-speed DSG as an alternative to the six-speed manual gearbox.

The combination of performance, design, equipment and the limited number of cars will ensure that the Beetle GSR will quickly become a collector’s item. The same was also true of the Beetle 1303 S: today it is one of the most expensive and sought-after 1970s versions of what was then the most successful car in the world. It will therefore be interesting to see what the Beetle GSR will be valued at in 2053. We’ll let you know...