Back in the 1970s, Volkswagen->ke94 thought it was a good idea to release a special-edition model of the popular Beetle with the designation "GSR", which stands for "Gelb Schwarzener Renner".

Translated to English, GSR stands for "Yellow Black Racer.” As the name suggested, that Beetle was dressed in yellow and black though, more importantly, it was far sportier and more exclusive than most Beetles of its kind with only 3,500 units built.

Fast forward to today at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show->ke225 and Volkswagen thought it was a good idea to release the modern-day version of the Beetle GSR. And true to form, they're calling it, well, the 2014 Beetle GSR.

Suffice to say, this is a pretty big deal, not only for those old enough to remember the original Beetle GSR, but also for the young bloods out there who can be reminded just how popular and sought after this special-edition model was back in the day.

There's a lot to like about the new Beetle GSR and for our part, we can't get enough of it.

UPDATE 07/17/13: Volkswagen has officially been given a sticker price. Click past the jump to see how much it's going to cost you.

Find out more about the 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR after the jump

2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Volkswagen Beetle GSR
  • Engine/Motor: turbocharged
  • Horsepower: 210
  • Torque: 207
  • Transmission: six-speed manual transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As a special edition model, the Beetle GSR's overall design is pretty much in line with the standard model's looks. The xenon headlights are there, but what makes it stand out is that yellow and black, two-tone color scheme that makes the Beetle stand out from the crowd. Volkswagen did a pretty impressive job on detailing the colors, beginning with a predominantly yellow body with a matte-black finishes on the hood, trunk lid, and bumpers. The trim strips underneath the side windows, the rocker panels, exterior mirror caps, and the trunk lid are all dressed in black.

Add the large rear spoiler and the set of 19-inch "Tornado" aluminum-alloy wheels shod with 235/40 tires and it makes for a really striking exterior that underscores the Beetle's always vibrant personality while paying homage to one of the most popular Beetles of the 70s.

And as an aside, if you're trying to imagine what Bumblebee would've looked like in all those Transformers movies if the producers opted to stick his Beetle guise in the cartoons, you now have your answer.

Interior

We all know that the interior of the Beetle still offers a decent amount of space. It could've been roomier, but you really can't ask for anything more given the fact that it's still a compact car.

Having said that, the Beetle GSR’s interior does come with some fresh touches, including black-trimmed leather seats that have unique yellow stitching. Incidentally, the steering wheel, leather-wrapped handbrake lever and floor mats were also designed with this look, while a badge on the steering wheel bears the number of each car.

As a model based on the Beetle Turbo with Sunroof and Sound model, the Beetle GSR will also carry a Fender audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, a push-button start, an R-Line dash pad.

All told, there's nothing you can do about the space, but at the very least, you'll get a cabin that's been aesthetically spruced up to reflect its special edition designation.

Performance

The real highlight of the Beetle GSR is the fact that it pays homage to the old 1970s’ Beetle GSRs, which at that time, were considered the sportiest Beetles in the market. If Volkswagen was going to make a revival version of the special-edition model, they had to do it the right way. And by right way, we mean an engine upgrade. So they did in the form of a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 210 horsepower and 207 pounds-feet of torque. This engine mates to either a six-speed manual or a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This driveline combination equates to a 0-to-60 mph time of 6.6 seconds with an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.

Coming from a list of engines that top out with a 197-horsepower, 2.0-liter TSI engine, we'd say that Volkwagen accomplished their goal of making the Beetle GSR a more powerful little bug than its standard brethren.

Pricing

On the U.S market the new Beetle GSR is priced from $29,995 for models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and from $31,095 for the version equipped with the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.

Competition

Mini John Cooper Works GP

The Mini John Cooper Works GP is a bad mama jama, one that combines Mini‘s own unique design flavor with a more powerful engine and an output that's almost identical to the Beetle GSR - the JCW GP is powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder turbo that delivers 218 horsepower and 191 pound-feet of torque - but there's something about the Beetle that really puts us in the kind of trance that's usually followed by absurd purchases.

Both are limited-edition models too, although the Beetle GSR will have almost double the units than the 2,000-strong JCW GP. All the signs point to the JCW GP being a more ideal purchase if you really want to get the best bang for your exclusivity bucks. And really, you can't go wrong either way. But if you ask us, we'll go with the Beetle GSR because if for nothing else, we can cross out an entry in that bucket list of ours that call for us owning at least one Volkswagen Beetle in our lifetime.

And if we're going to make the leap on one of 'em, we can't go wrong with the Beetle GSR.

Conclusion

There's something to be said about a special-edition model that garnered so much attention in the 70s. That being said, we're wondering why Volkswagen took this long to bring back the Beetle GSR. Certainly, it's a long time coming but one where the adage "better late than never" applies. The Beetle GSR is back, and we're all excited about its return.