WASHINGTON: A specially tuned Volkswagen Beetle LSR, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder TSI gasoline engine, has achieved 330.112kph over a flying mile — the fastest speed ever recorded for a Beetle.
The car was driven by Automobile magazine contributing editor Preston Lerner on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats at the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association 2016 World of Speed event.
To achieve the horsepower needed to run above 322kph at Bonneville, the powertrain was modified by THR Manufacturing, based in Santa Paula, California.
With new turbochargers, pistons, camshafts, connecting rods, and head modifications, it produced 543hp and 573Nm of torque at the wheels: at the flywheel, that would be more than 600hp and nearly 680Nm.
The Beetle is not the most aerodynamic car in the VW portfolio, so achieving the feat underscores the sporty and pugnacious spirit of the Beetle
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 rollcage, racing seat and harness, and a fire suppression system. To help slow the car down, the Beetle was fitted with a pair of parachutes.
“Exceeding 200mph in the Beetle LSR was a serious thrill,” said Lerner.”We had enough power to go even faster if the salt hadn’t been so sketchy. But seeing 208mph (334.7kph) briefly on the digital readout was an experience I’ll never forget.”
Volkswagen’s stock Beetle R-Line coupe model features a EA888 turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-litre TSI engine that makes 210hp and 282Nm of torque (achieved using premium fuel), enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 6.6 seconds and to reach an electronically governed top track speed of 209kph. The R-Line comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but a dual-clutch DSG six-speed automatic transmission is optional.
Keyword: This is the world’s fastest Beetle