For most cars, it is clear why they made the mark. Sometimes you just get yourself a model against which the utility can ask off. In this edition of exotic species under the microscope, we look at a model where you can frowning eyebrows. The question 'why' is a question that probably made a lot to the developers after the introduction of the Volkswagen New Beetle RSi.
Almost everyone in his youth the films containing the Beetle Herbie seen. This will end the 90 years inspired the most powerful ever Beetle. Herbie was, by his own will, lord and master when it came to winning races. In 2000, Volkswagen cut the knot and one year later began production. Volkswagen Racing produced ten copies each month. In 2003, production was stopped after just 250 copies, saw the light.
The RSi is propelled by a 3.2-liter V6, this is the same block as in the Golf IV R32 can be found. There are some minor differences. Thus the block from the RSi by the ladies and gentlemen of the Volkswagen Racing Division put together by hand. It also provides block "only" 224 horsepower, as opposed to the 241 horsepower it provides in the Gulf. Unlike the standard Beetle that only the front wheel drive, the RSi is an ingenious system 4MOTION. This is not a permanent four-wheel drive, the drive is more especially the front wheels, but if the risk of losing their grip over the rear wheels in order to ensure that as little horses lost. This results in the fastest ever production Beetle. The 100 km / h in just 6.4 seconds and he met with only stops accelerating at 225 km / h.
The look of the Beetle RSi is quite striking. At first glance it looks like a regular New Beetle with a spoiler wrong, but if you look it is just a special copy to go. The wheel arches have been wrong to make way for 18-inch OZ racing wheels. This gives the animal immediately and this is a different look this cute beetle a thick eight inches wider. An "over the top" rear spoiler must ensure that the rear wheels have good grip when cornering at high speed are taken. Two fat exhaust pipes, from a sporty rear stabbing, let the engine breathe. The engine breathes through three large air intakes in the equally as sporty front bumper.
Not only the look of the Beetle RSi is addressed, the interior is thoroughly addressed. The standard interior obviously not a very sporty version of the Beetle. The seats were redeemed for, lined with red leather, carbon fiber bucket seats from Recaro. The instruments were laid off, again, using carbon. To a real race car look and feel of the door panels are made from carbon and the power windows have been replaced by aluminum window decorations. There are also many aluminum interior details can be found.
In normal Beetle you much head room, now with the bucket seats is that quite a large space has become. This makes it rather difficult to operate the radio. The operation of the radio in the ceiling lined with Alcantara eliminated. Now is the question you'd rather listen to the radio or the sound of the V6 with two thick Remus pipes. At the place where you would expect the radio do you find a trio of gauges for oil pressure, oil temperature and voltage monitor. All the car a very sporty racing feel to give.
It is not only an outward show and thicker engine in a standard car. The chassis is suitable for high speed turns. This tilts the Beetle, despite its high center of gravity, cornering almost over. The improved suspension and tighter suspension sends Beetle very precise and you will receive much information through the steering wheel.
