Unveiled as a concept at the Geneva Motor Show in 2000, Volkswagen’s wild RSi model New Beetle is at last in production and now in Australia. Volkswagen Group Australia has imported two of the Limited Edition $125,000 ($64,600 USD), V6 four-wheel-drive beasts - the ultimate high performance New Beetle.
Only 250 New Beetle RSi models have been built. All are left-hand-drive and they were snapped-up by eager customers in Germany and Japan.
Based on the vehicles used in Germany’s New Beetle Cup racing series, the RSi is powered by a special version of Volkswagen’s 3.2-litre 24-valve V6 engine delivering 165 kW (225 bhp) at 6200 rpm and 317 Nm at 3200 rpm. Engines for the RSi models were individually assembled and checked by Volkswagen Racing.
Drive to all four wheels is via a six-speed close-ratio gearbox and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION system with Haldex coupling.
Stopping is handled by huge ventilated disc brakes with ABS and Electronic Brake Pressure Distribution.
Outside, the striking, powerful elegance of the metallic silver-grey RSi is enhanced by the 80mm wider body with impressive front and rear styling - the huge front air dam/splitter and rear wings are linked by a pronounced wide sill panel.
The aerodynamic kit comes straight from the New Beetle Cup racing cars.
Likewise the two rear exhaust pipes protrude from the rear apron alongside ventilation grilles (the road version does not have the rear diffuser fitted to the race cars). The tailpipes and Remus sports mufflers ensure the New Beetle RSi sounds purposeful and gritty as soon as the engine springs to life.
Styling for the massive 18 X 9 lightweight alloy wheels comes from the New Beetle Cup racing versions.
The radically revised interior features luxury high-tech material such as aluminium, carbon fibre and leather.
Despite the luxury inside, the sporting intent is clear with Recaro sports seats trimmed in tropical orange-coloured leather (fronts have their backs painted silver).
There are aluminium surrounds for the extra instruments in the centre console for oil pressure, oil temperature and amps. Like all true sports cars, bringing the New Beetle RSi to life is a starter button located in the centre console near the handbrake.
Aluminium also features heavily elsewhere inside from the race and rally car inspired grab handles, window lift handles and dashboard styling to the heating and ventilation controls and carbon fibre door trims/dashboard panels.
The control panel for the radio is positioned in the anthracite coloured Alcantara headliner and the radio itself is mounted in the rear. The luxury Alcantara material is also featured in the boot lining.
A carbon fibre cross-strut behind the rear seat provides enhanced torsional rigidity.
The sum total of all this technology is a New Beetle with staggering performance: zero to 100 km/h takes fractionally over six seconds and the top speed is over 230 km/h.
Only built in left-hand drive, there are no plans for the New Beetle RSi to be sold in Australia, nevertheless Volkswagen Group Australia Managing Director, Mr Peter Nochar, is such an RSi enthusiast he ordered two for local media evaluation and motorshow displays.
“The New Beetle is undoubtedly another classic design and with the RSi, Volkswagen’s designers have shown the diversity which is possible while maintaining the original design integrity,” Mr Nochar said.
“And apart from all that’s just absolutely sensational to drive!” he added.
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