Photo: Volkswagen
What is it with Volkswagen Group and weirdly cool speed records? The VW Beetle is the last car you think about when it comes to going fast, yet they tuned one to reach 205.122 miles per hour (330.111 kilometers per hour) at the Bonneville Salt Flats.
Even without the speed record, we just love this Beetle LSR model. It's got those classic aluminum wheel caps and a parachute at the back. If every Beetle came out of the factory is looking like this, we'd forgive them for cheating on their emissions.
Obviously, you can't hit anywhere near 205 miles per hour in a standard Beetle, as even the fastest runs out of punch at around 150 on the autobahn. But the people who made it happen didn't stuff an LS under the hood. No, they just modified the EA888 2.0-liter TSI turbo until it reached 543 horsepower 421 pound-feet (571 Newton meters) of torque.
“We are completely thrilled with the Beetle LSR’s performance at Bonneville,” said Dr. Hendrik Muth, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Beetle is not the most aerodynamic car in our portfolio, so running 205 mph is a testament to the power that can be made from the EA888 TSI four-cylinder engine. This feat truly underscores the sporty and pugnacious spirit of the Beetle.”
The EA888 2.0 TSI is what you'll find under the hood of the Golf GTI, the Audi A3 sedan and a bunch other vehicles made within the VW Group. It's miles better than the first 2-liter offered in the Beetle, but the stock model only punches to 210 horsepower and maxes the Beetle at 130 mph (restricted by the tires, not actual top speed).
Aside from the engine tune, the Beetle LSR also received a lower suspension, unique salt-flat wheels, and tires. The interior has been stripped to the bones, making room for the roll cage. Safety first!
This Beetle LSR has a striking resemblance to the 600 horsepower Octavia RS project. To celebrate the model's 10th birthday, Skoda prepped a MkII (old model) sedan to reach 227.08 miles per hour (365.449836 km/h). Technically, that's still the fastest 2-liter forced induction production vehicle in the world, not this Bug. But the Bonneville salt flats have deteriorated since that time.
Obviously, you can't hit anywhere near 205 miles per hour in a standard Beetle, as even the fastest runs out of punch at around 150 on the autobahn. But the people who made it happen didn't stuff an LS under the hood. No, they just modified the EA888 2.0-liter TSI turbo until it reached 543 horsepower 421 pound-feet (571 Newton meters) of torque.
“We are completely thrilled with the Beetle LSR’s performance at Bonneville,” said Dr. Hendrik Muth, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Beetle is not the most aerodynamic car in our portfolio, so running 205 mph is a testament to the power that can be made from the EA888 TSI four-cylinder engine. This feat truly underscores the sporty and pugnacious spirit of the Beetle.”
The EA888 2.0 TSI is what you'll find under the hood of the Golf GTI, the Audi A3 sedan and a bunch other vehicles made within the VW Group. It's miles better than the first 2-liter offered in the Beetle, but the stock model only punches to 210 horsepower and maxes the Beetle at 130 mph (restricted by the tires, not actual top speed).
Aside from the engine tune, the Beetle LSR also received a lower suspension, unique salt-flat wheels, and tires. The interior has been stripped to the bones, making room for the roll cage. Safety first!
This Beetle LSR has a striking resemblance to the 600 horsepower Octavia RS project. To celebrate the model's 10th birthday, Skoda prepped a MkII (old model) sedan to reach 227.08 miles per hour (365.449836 km/h). Technically, that's still the fastest 2-liter forced induction production vehicle in the world, not this Bug. But the Bonneville salt flats have deteriorated since that time.
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