Golf R, Scirocco R and now a Beetle R could go into production.
At Volkswagen, the letter “R” simply promises top-notch performance. Currently, this claim is being validated with turbo pressure by the Golf R and Scirocco R.
In a world debut at the IAA, Volkswagen is now showing a third variation of this sporty theme: the Beetle R Concept, based on the 21st Century Beetle. Like the Golf R and Scirocco R, the R version of the Beetle was also created at Volkswagen subsidiary, Volkswagen R GmbH, located near to Wolfsburg.
At this point, the Beetle R Concept is still a design study. But those who are familiar with the Beetle 2.0 TSI should know the dynamic potential of this new car – as an “R”, the Beetle could demonstrate a performance potential similar to that of the Golf R and Scirocco R.
Visually, the Beetle R Concept – seen here in “Serious Grey” – offers a glimpse of what a production version might look like. Outside, the concept is equipped with bigger 20-inch “Talladega” alloy wheels – the same design used on the Golf R and Scirocco R. Easy to spot on the Beetle’s wheels, which feature five triple spokes, are the blue brake callipers in R colours.
Designers completely redesigned the front and rear bumpers that were widened by 30 mm. In front, the bumper module practically consists of three air intakes, which are styled in contrasting “Black High Gloss”. The mid air intake supplies the engine with oxygen, while the outer two cools the brakes.
The front spoiler, also painted in “Black High Gloss”, is designed as a flat splitter (with a chrome strip); splitters of this kind are typically used in motorsport. To maintain temperature regulation of the engine within an optimal range, even under extreme conditions, ventilation slots are found on the right and left sides of the engine bonnet. The rear bumper also has air slots – air exhaust vents – that are integrated in the aerodynamic concept of the Beetle R Concept.
There is also a diffuser integrated in the lower bumper area. Together with the rear spoiler – which is significantly larger than the production models – and its black trailing edge, ideal downforce values are attained at the rear axle. A visual and acoustic highlight is the exhaust system with its 2 sets of dual chrome tailpipes.
