VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE RSI 2001-2002 Photos, engines & full specs

An unexpected model from the VW Group was released in 2001. Everybody was familiar with the iconic Beetle, but it was time for VW to step up and create something different.

The RSI Beetle was the rarest car VW ever made, with only 250 units produced. Actually - 251. All 250 RSIs were painted in silver with orange seats inside, however, the 251st was blue and belonged to a former VW manager.

Was RSI was not only the rarest, but the most expensive Beetle with a starting price of $80.000. No, it’s not a typo.

While the vast majority of producers add some extra details to the exterior of their sporty versions to emphasise aggressiveness, the Beetle had a complete body kit. Lowered ground clearance, air intakes, a huge rear spoiler, incredible Remus double exhaust and rally style 18-inch alloy wheels.

To match the exterior, the engine under the hood had to be a powerful one. VW took the Golf’s R32 VR6 engine and borrowed it to the RSI. That meant no less than 220 hp for the small Beetle.

The interior of the RSI had bucket orange seats, an engine start button placed between the front seats and was full of carbon fiber and aluminum. I said full because the doors and the seats were entirely made of carbon fiber, thus making them very light weight.

The gear shifting knob wore the VW’s 4Motion badge and it was very short and mechanical.

Nothing outside of the ordinary beside the specific extra dial gauges with oil pressure indicator, battery and others.

The RSI had no power windows, but had heated seats.

The radio was placed up the roof and the headliner was covered in Alcantara.