Beetle GSR and Special Edition Beetle and GTIs Arrive in Chicago

For the Chicago Auto Show, which began on February 7 in Chicago, VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
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is putting a big emphasis on sporty special editions of its cars. Three of the cars that VW is showing will be limited to the US, but the BeetleVolkswagen Beetle (modern) Gen.2 [A5]Germany, 2011 > present118 versions
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GSR will have limited availability worldwide. 

Beetle GSR

The Beetle GSR will be limited to 3,500 units worldwide. The most obvious change to the car is the yellow and black body. The hood and roof of the GSR are mostly black with yellow accents. It also gets black mirror caps and black/yellow stripes with GSR lettering. It also gets yellow R-Line bumpers and a rear spoiler. It comes with 19in Tornado wheels. 

Inside, buyers get leather R-Line sports seats (European buyers get cloth seats) and a leather, flat-bottomed steering wheel. The bottom of the steering wheel features a badge that shows the car's build number. Other upgrades include an R-Line dashboard, GSR gearshift, leather handbrake lever and black floor mats. 

The Beetle GSR is powered by a 207hp tune of Volkswagen's EA888 2.0 TSI engine and will be limited to 3,500 cars worldwide. The GSR name standard for Gelb Schwarzer Renner (Yellow Black Racer), and it is meant to call back to a special edition BeetleVolkswagen BeetleGermany, 1938 > 200339 versions
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from 40 years ago, which was also limited to 3,500 cars. 

Acceleration to 100km/h takes 7.3 seconds and goes to a top speed of 229km/h (130mph). Average fuel economy is rated at 7.3l/100km (32mpg). The car can be ordered with either a six-speed DSG or six-speed manual. 

Prices will start at €30,300 in Germany, which includes 19% VAT. Prices for other markets have not been announced yet. Order open in May, and deliveries will start in the autumn.

Beetle Convertible R-Line

The Beetle ConvertibleVolkswagen Beetle TurboGermany, 2013 > present1 photo
R-Line is based on the Beetle Convertible Turbo but will be exclusive to the US market. It gets 19in wheels, a sport suspension and bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights. 

Inside, the car gets a metallic dashboard and door trim, flat-bottom steering wheel, doorsill plates, aluminum sport pedals, leather seats and satellite navigation with an eight-speaker stereo and subwoofer. 

Volkswagen did not announce pricing for it, but sales will begin in the summer. 

Special GTIs

Volkswagen is also bringing two special edition GTIsVolkswagen Golf Gen.6 [Mk6 - A6/Typ 5K]Germany, 2009 > 2012249 versions
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to the US. The GTI Wolfsburg Edition and GTI Driver's Edition are similar but offer unique upgrades over the standard car. Both cars will only be available as four doors in Candy White, Carbon Steel Gray and Deep Black. 

The Wolfsburg Edition will go on sale in the first quarter of 2013. It gets 18in wheels, a golf ball shift knob, and red-stitched floor mats. The cars will cost $25,095 with a six-speed manual or $26,195 with a six-speed DSG. Volkswagen will only sell 2,000 Wolfsburg Edition cars in the US. 

The Driver's Edition will come in the second quarter of 2013. The cars get a sunroof, navigation, 18in wheels, golf ball shifter, red-stitched floor mats and partial leather seats. Buyers also get a certificate of authenticity, hat, keychain and parking sign. They will cost $29,695 with the six-speed manual or $30,795 with a six-speed DSG. Volkswagen will limit production to 3,000 cars.