Auto News

AutoGuide News Blog


The AutoGuide News Blog is your source for breaking stories from the auto industry. Delivering news immediately, the AutoGuide Blog is constantly updated with the latest information, photos and video from manufacturers, auto shows, the aftermarket and professional racing.
 |  Nov 16, 2:29 PM

_MG_5958.JPG

Looking a bit like a junior DTM car, Volkswagen today showed off the “Concept” Volkswagen Beetle R, the same car that made its world debut a few months ago in Frankfurt - and it looks just as production ready today as it did then.

While the German firm was a bit tight-lipped about the details, they did say that this will follow in the GTI R’s footsteps as the second R model, “after we monitor reaction this week.” There doesn’t seem to be much of a reason to not build it, and the car looks as close to production as we’ve ever seen in a concept, so chances are this 260-ish hp Beetle R will be in showrooms some time next year.

As a refresher on what makes this particular Beetle special, this concept makes use of AWD, with fenders front and rear that have been widened by 0.6-inches on each side to produce a car that is 1.2 inches wider than the base model. Other striking exterior styling changes include large black gloss air intakes on the front of the car, not to mention a sporty rear diffuser with integral air outlets. Giant brakes with big blue calipers are easily viewed through the unique 20-inch chrome wheels.

Perhaps even more impressive is the Beetle R’s interior with some seriously sporty bucket seats and R logos throughout. The rest of the cabin gets gloss black accenting, blue highlights and the sort of high-grade features and quality you’d expect from a real Vee-dub.

Gallery: Volkswagen Beetle R Concept

_MG_5956.JPG_MG_5957.JPG_MG_5959.JPG_MG_5963.JPGIMG_6011.JPG

 |  Apr 19, 6:19 AM

2012 Volkswagen Beetle 16.jpg

Now that Volkswagen has unveiled the upcoming 2012 Beetle to the general public, it’s exciting to hear that the German automaker will also be bringing a Beetle R version, as well as a Beetle convertible to America. The convertible version will be available next year while Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed when the Beetle R will arrive.

The safe assumption for the Beetle R’s powerplant will be the 2.0L turbocharged unit from the Golf R, though it’s not confirmed. VW did express that the Beetle R will remain a front-wheel-drive application, but it’s nice to know those who yearn for a Beetle with slightly more power output than the 200-hp 2.0 TSI will have a viable option in the future.

GALLERY: 2012 Volkswagen Beetle

2012 Volkswagen Beetle 10.jpg2012 Volkswagen Beetle 11.jpg2012 Volkswagen Beetle 05.jpg2012 Volkswagen Beetle 17.jpg2012 Volkswagen Beetle 18.jpg2012 Volkswagen Beetle 19.jpg

[Source: Car and Driver]