Volkswagen announced that its specially tuned Volkswagen Beetle LSR, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder TSI petrol engine, has achieved the fastest speed ever recorded for a Beetle at 205.122 mph (330.111 km/h). The car was driven by Automobile magazine contributing Editor Preston Lerner on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, at the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA) 2016 World of Speed event.
To achieve the horsepower needed to run above 320km/h at Bonneville, the powertrain was modified with new turbochargers, pistons, camshafts, connecting rods, and head modifications, to achieve 543 hp and 570 Nm of torque at the wheels: at the flywheel, that would be more than 600 hp and nearly 677 Nm.
Obviously, the Beetle had many other changes. The suspension was lowered, special Salt Flat wheels and tyres fitted, a limited-slip differential added to aid traction, and the interior was stripped and outfitted with full safety equipment, such as a roll cage, racing seat and harness, and a fire suppression system. Plus, to help slow the car down, the Beetle was fitted with a pair of parachutes.
“Exceeding 320 km per hour in the Beetle LSR was a serious thrill,” said driver Preston Lerner, a contributing Editor at Automobile Magazine. “We had enough power to go even faster if the salt hadn’t been so sketchy. But seeing 334 km per hour briefly on the digital readout was an experience I’ll never forget.”
“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 330 km/h is a testament to the power that can be made from the EA888 TSI 4-cylinder engine. This feat truly underscores the sporty and pugnacious spirit of the Beetle.”
The fastest road-going Beetle available in the market today is the Beetle R-Line which is powered by a EA888 turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-litre TSI engine. It produces 210 hp and 280 Nm of torque (achieved using premium fuel), enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 6.6 seconds and to reach an electronically governed top track speed of 210 km/h. The engine delivers peak torque from as low as 1700 rpm, giving smooth, effortless acceleration in all the gears. The R-Line comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, but a dual-clutch DSG 6-speed automatic transmission is also available as an option.
