-
Home
- TV Shows
- TV Schedule
- NASCAR
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
Automotive Technology
AUTOS: Custom Beetles At SEMA
Volkswagen teams with tuners to create a group of unique projects, including a 500-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Turbo model.
A custom turbocharging system from APR boosts this Beetle Turbo to 500 horsepower. (Photo: Volkswagen)
The 2012 SEMA show kicks off today in Las Vegas, and among the hundreds of tuned and customized cars are a bunch of Beetles that Volkswagen has organized with a number of its suppliers and chosen customizers, with modifications ranging from subtle upgrades to some over-the-top items.
The highlight is a blue 2013 Beetle Turbo developed with performance specialist APR that features a long list of enhancements, including a custom turbocharging system that boosts output to more than 500 horsepower from the stock 200.
To cope with the extra boost being fed by its turbo system, APR engineers added a high-performance intercooler system, high-flow cylinder heads and intake systems, reinforced internals, a high-flow exhaust leading from the turbo back, and a revised ECU to make sure the whole thing runs properly.
Drive is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual equipped with a heavy-duty clutch and short-throw shifter. The all-wheel-drive setup is VW’s own 4Motion system borrowed from a donor Golf R.
Other upgrades to the car include H&R adjustable coil-over suspension and sway bars, an uprated brake system with six-piston calipers, 19-inch three-piece wheels and a custom body kit. The final touch is a special matte blue wrap from Oracal.
In addition to the APR-prepped Beetle, VW’s SEMA onslaught includes four other tuned Beetle models and a high-performance Golf R project car.
These include a beach-themed car developed with European Car Magazine, a low-riding “Chopped Top” Beetle from Galpin Auto Sports (GAS), and a pair of Beetles – one a 1956 model and the other from 2012 – developed by FMS Automotive.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
The highlight is a blue 2013 Beetle Turbo developed with performance specialist APR that features a long list of enhancements, including a custom turbocharging system that boosts output to more than 500 horsepower from the stock 200.
To cope with the extra boost being fed by its turbo system, APR engineers added a high-performance intercooler system, high-flow cylinder heads and intake systems, reinforced internals, a high-flow exhaust leading from the turbo back, and a revised ECU to make sure the whole thing runs properly.
Drive is sent to all four wheels via a six-speed manual equipped with a heavy-duty clutch and short-throw shifter. The all-wheel-drive setup is VW’s own 4Motion system borrowed from a donor Golf R.
Other upgrades to the car include H&R adjustable coil-over suspension and sway bars, an uprated brake system with six-piston calipers, 19-inch three-piece wheels and a custom body kit. The final touch is a special matte blue wrap from Oracal.
In addition to the APR-prepped Beetle, VW’s SEMA onslaught includes four other tuned Beetle models and a high-performance Golf R project car.
These include a beach-themed car developed with European Car Magazine, a low-riding “Chopped Top” Beetle from Galpin Auto Sports (GAS), and a pair of Beetles – one a 1956 model and the other from 2012 – developed by FMS Automotive.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
The Lyonheart K
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTOMOTIVE
-
GREEN: Porsche Adding All-Model Hybrids
Gas/electric plug-versions of its entire lineup – including… -
AUTOS: Porsche Boosts 918 Spyder Power
The upcoming supercar will produce 887 horsepower from its gas/electric… -
AUTOS: Acura NSX Details Revealed
The rebirth of the mid-engine sports car – now an all-wheel-drive… -
DRIVEN: Jaguar’s Many-Splendored XJ
The British luxury sedan comes in 10 different flavors, with plenty… -
AUTOS: Lamborghini Egoista Launched
The wild single-seat concept car is unveiled at the end of the epic… -
AUTOS: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hot Pontiac G8
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick helped his driver modify the 2009… -
VINTAGE: A Fast Historic Tour Of France
Vintage race and touring cars compete in the 22nd annual Tour de… - More News
