UPDATE Mon 11 Feb: Following on from last week’s disclosure of the new Golf R Cabriolet and limited edition GSR (as reported below), Volkswagen has today released some details of its new Beetle Cabriolet (as well as further images of the Golf R convertible). Five standard equipment versions of the Beetle will be available: “Beetle”, “Design”, “Design Exclusive”, “Sport” and “Sport Exclusive”; as well as three special models:”50′s Edition”, “60′s Edition” and “70′s Edition”.

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Volkswagen has taken the wraps off its new Golf R Cabriolet, the first-ever open-top R model and the fastest-ever production open-top Golf. At the heart of the cabriolet is a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine producing 265 PS, connected to a standard six-speed DSG gearbox transmitting power to the front wheels. The new car has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, with the benchmark 0-62 mph sprint taking 6.4 seconds.

Design cues include a bespoke front bumper with gloss-black grille and ‘R’ logo, LED daytime running lights, bi-xenon headlights with black housings, gloss-black door mirror casings and black-painted brake callipers with R logo. Side sill extensions, a gloss black rear diffuser framed by chrome-tipped exhausts either side and smoked LED tail lights complete the look.

Bespoke ‘R’ suspension lowers the ride by 25 mm in comparison with the standard Golf Cabriolet. Wheels are 18- or 19-inch ‘Talladega’ alloy wheels (in either ‘Sterling Silver’ or optionally ‘High-gloss Black’).

The interior features four individual sports seats in ‘Vienna Cool Leather’ and ‘R’ logos in the head restraints, while the leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, handbrake grip and gear lever all have contrasting grey stitching. The pedals have brushed aluminium caps, while the doors and dashboard feature ‘Silver Lane’ aluminium decorative inlays.

Limited Edition Beetle GSR
As well as the Golf R Cabriolet, VW has also unveiled a new Beetle, the GSR, at the Chicago Auto Show. With an individualised design and 210 PS turbocharged engine, only 3,500 of these cars will be made worldwide. The GSR has a historical predecessor, the ‘Yellow/Black Racer’ which was based on the Beetle 1303 S and made its debut 40 years ago. Only 3,500 of this car were produced as well.

With regard to design, Volkswagen has re-interpreted the concept of the 1970’s GSR. Just like the GSR from days gone by, the body of the new version is yellow. The bonnet and the boot lid of the 1973 Beetle were painted in matt black, as were the bumpers. Black trim strips underneath the side windows and black/yellow side stripes above the doorsills rounded off the look. Now, yellow and black are the link between old and new – the bonnet and the boot lid of the new Beetle GSR are black once again, however the roof and the exterior mirror trims are also black on the new model. Yellow painted bumpers in new R-Line design and a yellow/black rear spoiler complete the GSR look. Unlike the older Beetle, however, the Beetle GSR can also be ordered in Platinum Grey and Black.

The original GSR carried 15-inch steel wheels (with 175 size tyres), which were commonly used 40 years ago, even for sporty cars, whereas the new GSR features “Tornado” 19-inch alloy wheels (painted black) with 235/40 tyres.

Source: Volkswagen

Tags: Beetle 1303 S, Beetle Cabriolet, Beetle GSR, Chicago Auto Show, design, Golf R Cabriolet, matt black, racing, tuning, Volkswagen, yellow-black