Volkswagen’s New Super Bug: The Beetle R Concept

"Known as a love bug, not a fighter, the original Volkswagen Beetle was never pitched as an all-out performance vehicle. Though the highly produced German people’s car gripped many owners with the Beetle’s unique abilities, the rear-mounted, air-cooled engine never clicked as a go-to sports vehicle. Even the 1997 introduction of the new Beetle did not immediately step out of their normal commuter car footprint until 2001. Developing the 221-horsepower Beetle RSI, the limited edition Volkswagen stunned the marketplace unaccustomed to seeing such a modded version of the vehicle. Ten years later, Volkswagen has proceeded to pay an indirect homage to the Beetle RSI with a performance-tailored show car. Debuting at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in September, the Volkswagen Beetle R joins the extensive list of cars on display at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show."  [Continue reading...]