Volkswagen Beetle R in the Works

It's only two days since the New Beetle has been unveiled by German manufacturer Volkswagen, and already countless reports have described and analyzed the model perhaps more than any other car launched this year. This is, of course, because the Beetle has been one of the most anticipated VW models in years.

At first sight, the New Beetle comes with the promise of being capable of much more than the generation currently on sale. And we're not talking here about the engine choices or the design lines chosen for the model, but about the frenzy which surrounded the its launch. A frenzy which might preview a car that will be remembered and cherished decades from now.

And since the Beetle caused quite some stir, Volkswagen insiders dropped another bomb on Wednesday, through Car and Driver. According to the publication, the New Beetle might get an even more juicier version, one that will wear the “R” which stands for high performance in the Volkswagen lineup.

According to the source, the R version of the Beetle will be powered by a 2.0l engine, turbocharged and tweaked into developing 266 hp and 350 Nm of torque.

Now, none of the above has been officially confirmed, but judging by the huge range of engines offered to go with the model in markets around the world (in Europe, the Beetle will come with three petrol and two diesels, while in the US it will sell with two petrol and a TDI), it appears VW expects great sales numbers to come with the Beetle. And with those numbers, comes the need for a high-performance version.