Volkswagen Beetle GSR Limited Edition unveiled in Chicago

Volkswagen Beetle GSR Limited Edition

Limited to 3,500 units

Volkswagen has unveiled the Beetle GSR Limited Edition at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show.

VW has decided to bring back the GSR moniker for the Beetle forty years after the classic model based on the 1303S made its debut. The new Gelb Schwarzer Renner (Yellow Black Racer) edition pays homage to the 70s' model and comes with a yellow/black paint scheme.

Power comes from an uprated version of the 4-cylinder, 2.0-liter EA888 turbocharged TSI engine producing 210 hp (156 kW). This engine will also be available for the Jetta GLI and Beetle Turbo starting 2013MY. In the Beetle GSR, the engine can be connected as standard to a 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox.

The new GSR comes with R-Line front and rear bumpers and rides on 19-inch Tornado alloys with 235/40 tires. The yellow/black theme continues inside where there are black-trimmed leather sport seats and steering wheel with yellow stitching, along with an R-Line dash pad, leather handbrake lever, GSR shift lever and black floor mats with yellow embroidery. Other goodies include panoramic sunroof, Fender Premium Audio System, bi-xenon headlights, heated front seats and ambient lightning.

Limited to 3,500 units (just like the old model), this special edition of the Beetle is scheduled to go on sale this fall, while pricing will be announced closer to its launch. More than half of the production will reach stateside.

Visit the press release section for additional details.