The third generation VW Beetle is clearly a winner. With a more virile design and the brilliant elimination of the emasculating bud vase, it’s a far cry from the last Beetle, which (even as a black Turbo) still looked like a car built specifically for the fairer sex. And though yellow wouldn’t be our first color choice, VW has at least gone racier with a limited edition 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR, a resurrection of the 1973 version built for racing.
Named GSR (“Gelb Schwarzer Renner”) or “Yellow Black Racer”, the high-contrast Beetle has a 210 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo that takes the car to 60 in 6.6 seconds and to a top speed of 130 mph. Okay, so it’s not going to crush a 911, but the intentions are clear — this Beetle’s got legs. In addition to the tasteful but noticeable paint job the GSR boasts a big rear spoiler, 19-inch wheels and black leather seats with yellow stitching. Each one of the 3,500 units will also come with its own plaque displaying the model number; still no word on how much the whole kit will cost. Here’s hoping that next time they name one the “SSR” and do it up right in silver and black.
Available fall 2013
