Bringing back the Yellow and Black.
Forty years ago, Volkswagen made a distinct yellow and black Beetle that was “hotter” in a number of ways than its standard counterparts. Named the Volkswagen Beetle GSR (Gelb Schwarzer Renner or “Yellow Black Racer”), it was based on the 1303S Beetle model and was limited to just 3,500 examples. Fast forward forty years and the German automaker brought back the yellow and black to the 2013 Chicago Auto Show with the new Beetle GSR in an effort to make the third-generation model a more sporty and dynamic compact car.
The new 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR had its yellow and black sheet ripped off at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. Just like its predecessor that featured a yellow bodyshell with contrasting black bumpers, hood, and trim along with black strips and rocker panels, the new Beetle GSR wears the same color scheme and has all the venomous sting of a wasp beneath the hood. Special R-Line bumpers bear the prominent yellow paint, save for the black vents. The base yellow color is contrasted by a black hood with racing stripe, trunk lid, roof, and side mirrors. Along each side of the Beetle is “GSR” letting and stripes that, in conjunction with the larger rear spoiler, give the sport compact an athletic look. A set of 19-inch “Tornado” aluminum alloy wheels with 235/40 tires rounds out the unique styling and are complemented by a set of silver-painted brake calipers.
Back in the 1970s, the Beetle GSR was powered by an air-cooled engine that spit out 50 horses, which was considered pretty sporty for the time. Today, the GSR has over four times that amount thanks to the EA888 TFSI turbocharged inline-four that’s been given a bit of German tuning. The uprated engine now pumps out 210 horsepower and 207 lb-ft. of torque, all of which is available at just 1,700 RPM. Power is sent through either a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission to the front wheels, helping it sprint to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds and reach and electronically-limited top speed of 130 mph.
Inside, the yellow and black scheme continues as a number of exclusive accessories and options wear the contrasting colors. New sport seats wear a black leather trim with silver inserts and contrasting yellow stitching similar to the new leather sport steering wheel that features a limited edition number (1 through 3,500) on the bottom. A special GSR shifter with yellow and black accents, R-Line dashboard pad, black floormats with yellow embroidery, and GSR door entry sills give the cabin a sporty feel and unique atmosphere.
The new Volkswagen Beetle GSR will only be limited to 3,500 worldwide with over half being sold in the United States. The GSR models will be based on the Beetle Turbo models and come standard with the same equipment. Sales will begin in the fall of 2013 as a 2014 model and pricing will be released closer to that date.
Volkswagen Beetle GSR Specifications
Engine:
Type: EA888 TFSI
Displacement: 2.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: Inline-four
Aspiration: Turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 210
Maximum Torque: 207 lb-ft. at 1,700 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Six-speed manual (std.) or six-speed DSG dual-clutch
Drive: Front-wheel
Performance:
Acceleration 0-60 mph: 6.6 seconds
Top Speed: 130 mph (electronically limited)
Volkswagen Beetle GSR Video
Volkswagen Beetle GSR Gallery
What do you think of the new Volkswagen Beetle GSR? Leave a comment and let us know!
