Volkswagen Beetle R confirmed for the US

Yesterday, the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle was unveiled leading into the Shanghai and New York auto shows and shortly after, the news broke that the high performance Beetle R will hit US shores.

Very little official information has been offered on the upcoming Volkswagen Beetle R but the folks at Car and Driver have received confirmation from VW higher-ups that the high performance hatchback is on its way to the United States. The Beetle R will likely be the follow the 2013 Beetle convertible, which is expected to hit the market in 2012 with the drop-top VW Bug will be powered by the same engine options as the hard top.

The Volkswagen Beetle R will likely benefit from the same high performance 2.0T turbocharged 4-cylinder found in the Golf R, which produces 270hp and 258lb-ft of torque. Unfortunately, unlike the Golf R that features the 4Motion all wheel drive system, C&D also confirmed that the Beetle R will be strictly a front wheel drive car but hopefully the US will get the dual-clutch DSG transmission automatic transmission in addition to the manual gearbox.

Volkswagen designed the 2012 Beetle to offer more masculine appeal and in addition to the sharpened (and enlarged) exterior, a 270 horsepower powerplant mated to a precision dual-clutch gearbox would certainly appeal more to the younger male buyer looking for a “hot hatch” than the standard drivetrain offerings. When you consider that models like the Golf R receive interior and exterior upgrades to add to the sporty nature of the trimline, the Beetle R could see some aesthetic and aerodynamic changes to give the car a more aggressive look – while also enhancing the performance of the car.

Hopefully, the folks at VW won’t make us wait too long for the full spectrum of details on the new Volkswagen Beetle R, although it could be over a year before the turbo Bug hits US shores.

Source: Car and Driver via Autoblog

Other VW News:
The 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is unveiled at the 2011 New York Auto Show
Volkswagen Jetta recall issued for 2011 models
Volkswagen-Porsche merger questionable due to legal issues
German automakers evacuate employees from Japan over nuclear risks
New hedge fund lawsuit filed against Porsche
Volkswagen recalls Routan minivans for ignition problem