VW Beetle with 544bhp Unveiled

No, this is not a production spec variant of the legendary bug, it is in fact a specially modified Bettle GRC  rallycross car for the Red Bull Global Rallycross championship.

This racing bug comes with a newly designed aggressive front bumper and ventilated hood, which covers a 1.6-liter four-cylinder TSI turbocharged and intercooled engine that makes 544bhp - making it an impressively powerful Beetle. The engine is connected to a six-speed sequential transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, which enables the car to rocket from 0-100 km/h in - wait for it - just 2.2 seconds.

The Beetle GRC also comes with other racing goodies such as high-performance brakes, an upgraded suspension, limited-slip differentials and 17-inch alloy wheels with Yokohama competition tires.

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport director, said: “After Volkswagen of America’s impressive start on the rallycross scene with the Polo, the launch of the new Beetle GRC rallycross car represents the next major milestone. The Beetle boasts a unique appearance and state-of-the-art technology. It will sweep fans off their feet.”

The Beetle will run later this season in the Red Bull Global Rallycross championship, driven by Tanner Foust and Scott Speed from the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team.