At the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen showed the limited edition Beetle GSR.
The GSR was showed exactly 40 years after the first generation Beetle had also received a “GSR” version, for the racing enthusiasts. But since the former vehicle had a special engine installed, now the regulations didn’t allow too much freedom of movement.

The three initials are coming from the german words “Gelb, Schwartz, Renner” (Yellow, Black, Racing). The reasoning behind the name is simple: all of the 3500 limited edition vehicles were yellow, with black decals.

Other special features for the GSR are the three gauges mounted on top of the dashboard, 19” light-alloy wheels and a stiffened suspension. Unfortunately, VW kept the same small disc brakes.

On the inside, there are more specific features. On the steering wheel, there is a metallic plaque with the serial number of the vehicle. There are going to be 1750 GSR’s sold in U.S. and the rest in Europe. The price of the GSR starts at USD 30,000 in the U.S.

The engine is a four cylinder 2.0-liter TSI unit with 210 hp and 280 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. Performance numbers are at the same level as the Golf GTI. The sprint from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) is done in 7.3 s. (0-60 mph in 6.6 s.) and the top speed is 229 kph (130 mph).