2013 Volkswagen Beetle GSR 2.0L TSI 6AT FWD (211 HP)

Vehicle Overview

At the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen released the GSR limited edition of the Beetle, making the compact-sized hatchback more appealing to customers looking for hot hatches.

It might sound strange, but in 1973, Volkswagen created a race-ready version of the Beetle that wore the additional nameplate GSR. The letters were coming from Gelb Schwarz Renner or Yellow Black Racer in English. All vehicles with this label sported yellow and black paint jobs and were built for racing. Customers who bought them could have them upgraded to a whooping 100 PS (99 hp) at specialist stores and race them in a mono-brand racing series. That was another first in motor racing. In 2013, the automaker brought back that label and installed it on a supped-up version of the Beetle, which was produced in a 3,500 limited-edition series, the same number of units as the 1973 Beetle GSR.

Just like its predecessor, the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR went through a cure at the carmaker’s motorsports department. At the front, the car had a similar look, with round Xenon headlights underlined by LED daytime running lights. Unlike its stablemates, though, the lower bumper featured a trapezoidal-shaped air intake in the middle flanked by side scoops that housed round fog lights. In addition, a chromed trim surrounded the parking and turn signal lamps placed above them.

Like the original model, the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle GSR sported a yellow and black paint job. However, besides the black decals on the hood and the tailgate, the new version also came with a black roof. In addition, a set of decals with longitudinal stripes and GSR lettering adorned the side of the car. Furthermore, the door mirrors and the C-posts were black. While these elements could be enough to differentiate this limited-edition version of the Beetle from its stablemates, Volkswagen also considered installing a set of 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 235/40R19 tires on the vehicle, identical to those on the Beetle Turbo. At the back, the Beetle GSR had an oversized spoiler on the sloped-down tailgate that integrated the third braking lamp. A twin exhaust system that flanked a diffuser completed the image of the sporty hatchback.

Inside, customers found a unique interior for any 2013 Beetle. The dashboard was black and sported a three-dial cluster atop it. Furthermore, the instrument panel that fronted the driver had black dials and red needles. It still had the same large fuel level gauge as its stablemates. On the center console, between the vents, Volkswagen placed the infotainment unit with its color screen surrounded by a set of buttons and turning knobs. On the passenger side, the automaker placed a yellow GSR badge on the dashboard. Since the car was sports-oriented, it featured high-bolstered bucket seats at the front, trimmed in black leather with yellow stitching. In the back, the split-folding (50/50) bench seat had the same black and yellow upholstery.

However, the most significant improvement was under the car’s skin. Volkswagen installed the fresh EA888 turbocharged inline-four TSI engine that pumped out 210 PS (207 hp). It was paired with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, while a six-speed automatic (dual-clutch) was available. It could rocket from naught to 60 mph (0-97 kph) in a mere 6.6 seconds on its way to a capped top speed of 130 mph (209 kph).