The Volkswagen Beetle GSR (2013)

Only 100 Volkswagen Beetle GSR models are coming to the UK priced from £24,900 with a six-speed manual gearbox, for an extra £1,500 you can opt for a DSG gearbox. You can order the car now with the first deliveries expected in September 2013.

Worldwide there will be 3,500 models of the Beetle GSR which based on the orginal Beetle ‘Yellow-Black Racer' which was based on the Beetle 1303 S and made its debut 40 years ago. Out of interest ‘GSR' stands for ‘Gelb-Schwarze Renner' in German, which means ‘Gold-Black Racer'.

In keeping with the 70’s classic the bonnet and the bootlid of the new Beetle GSR are black and this time this extends to the roof and the exterior mirror trims.  There are Black/yellow stripes with ‘GSR' lettering above the side sills with yellow painted bumpers in new R-Line design. The GSR rides on 19-inch ‘Tornado' alloy wheels with 235/40 tyres plus there is a larger than normal yellow and black rear spoiler.  Unlike the older Beetle - and for those who prefer something a little more subtle - the new Beetle GSR can also be ordered in Platinum Grey and Black.

The inside features R-Line racing seats (with fabric covers and contrasting yellow stitching), a leather sports steering wheel (also with contrasting yellow stitching) and a badge with the car's special-edition number (1 to 3,500).  The car also boasts an R-Line dash pad, GSR gear stick, leather handbrake lever gaiter and black floor mats with contrasting yellow embroidery.

The Volkswagen Beetle GSR is powered by a petrol 2.0-litre turbocharged 210 PS engine, with the choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a DSG gearbox and is capable of 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds and a top speed of 142 mph. On the official combined fuel cycle it recorded 38.7 mpg with CO2 emissions of 169 g/km.