VW Beetle RSi

Phil W

Phil W

Phil W

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Beetle RSi

Between 2001 and 2003, Volkswagen produced 250 limited edition New Beetles, with the designation RSi, in Mexico for the rest of the World. The RSi was powered by a 225 hp 3.2 liter V6 engine, mated to a six-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4motion.

It had a Remus twin-pipe exhaust. The suspension was tuned by Porsche, featuring a severely altered rear suspension geometry more geared to the race track, and a rear cross brace behind the rear seats. Visually, the RSi differed in its 80 mm (3.1 in) wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, large rear wing, and 18x9 OZ Superturismo wheels with 235/40ZR-18 tyres.

Inside, it was trimmed in carbon fiber, billet aluminum, and bright orange leather. The front seats were Recaro racing buckets. Notable disadvantages found were loud cabin noise and low rear tyre life.

Curiously, in Mexico, although being a country very attached to Volkswagen, there are RSis that have not been sold since 2001. This is probably due to its US $58,000 price tag, and because Mexico is the country where most Beetle RSis stay (20 cars).

The Beetle RSi was designed by Riaz Sherazee, a UK national and graduate of Coventry Automotive Design School.
Click to expand...

Seems a rare car, i've never seen one in the flesh, has anybody else?

I'm guessing this is a pretty similar setup (engine wise) to the R32 Golf?

Phil
 
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Phil W said:
Curiously, in Mexico, although being a country very attached to Volkswagen, there are RSis that have not been sold since 2001. This is probably due to its US $58,000 price tag, and because Mexico is the country where most Beetle RSis stay (20 cars)l
Click to expand...

£40k and a beetle is enough to put anyone off

MW
 
Is it called the RSi as you will give your self RSi after face palming your self constantly after buying one?
 
Not what i thought the thread was about, i was going to say stop driving it so much if your getting repetitive strain injury from holding the wheel to long. :p
 
Was thinking that I'm sure I've heard of this car before and finally remember where now...Midtown Madness 2 :D
 
I remember this from GT2 aswell. Didn't think they were stupid enough to actually make it - I assumed it was just a concept.

It looks so homosexual, it's not funny.
 
screendump03012009-0013.jpg


mmmmm fugly
 
tail happy little things, even with the wing and geo setup.
The rear tyre wear is die to the aggressive rear geometry which was a attempt to get the thing to handle.
They're not really comparable to an R32, imagine an r32 development hack in a beetle body, that's about as close as it gets.
 
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