While the original Volkswagen Beetle isn’t a car that most people associate with speed or driving excitement, VW still built the car in several popular limited editions. In 1972, the German automaker released a special-edition Beetle called the “Gelb-Schwartz Renner” (Yellow-Black Racer), or simply the Beetle GSR. Production was limited to just 3,500 units, and sales were restricted to Germany; in two months, the edition was sold out.
At this week’s Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen is introducing a new Beetle GSR, based on the 2014 VW Beetle Turbo in Sunroof and Sound trim. The GSR package gets buyers a 10 horsepower bump in output (to 210 hp), 19-inch “Tornado” aluminum wheels, a gauge package with clock, stopwatch and boost pressure readouts and R-Line bumpers.
2014 VW Beetle GSR – image: Volkswagen
As you’d guess, the GSR wears yellow paint accented with black, and the same color theme spills over into the interior. Black leather seats are trimmed with yellow accent stitching, and the handbrake lever gets the same detailing. A steering-wheel mounted emblem identifies the car as one of just 3,500 built, same as with the original Beetle GSR.
Also, don’t forget that you can get discounted new car pricing with a free quote through qualified local dealer partners.
2014 VW Beetle GSR – image: Volkswagen
Volkswagen says the 2014 Beetle GSR is capable of a 0-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds, which is quite an improvement on the original’s 0-60 mph time of around 19 seconds. If you want more thrust, higher output is just a phone call to your local APR dealer away.
Unlike the original, the U.S. will get production of this GSR variant (though not all 3,500). Look for pricing to be published closer to the car’s third-quarter 2013 introduction.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
