@@mart3058 yup and the only engine sounds will be electronic and played through speakers. Well be lucky if we get even a simulated manual transmission.
@@mart3058 exactly mate, that’s why I’ll always have my classic bug and will never get rid of it. It’s a timeless piece of art, and will always stick out of the crowd.
In 2006, I stared into the front window of a dealership to see this little bizarre car everyday on my journey to my first job. I still love it, Oz racing wheels and Remus pipes from factory.
I owned a MkIV Golf R32. The best sounding car I have ever owned. That V6 is intoxicating. Wasn't the fastest car on the road, but was an amazing and effortless long distance machine, regardless of the weather/road conditions. I could very easily see me owning a Beetle RSi.
I’m a bit of a VAG fanboy. Had a wide range of VWs and Audis over the years, from a big-bumper Mk2 Golf 8v GTI, to a B5 A4 1.8T, to a face-lift VW CC GT, to an A3 8P 2.0tdi S-Line Sportback. It’s a huge regret of mine never having owned a VR6 powered VAG vehicle. I used to think that at some point I would buy one (ideally powering a Corrado). But with fuel prices as high as they are now, and every government hellbent on forcing everyone to drive zero-emission cars, I’m starting to think it will have to remain a dream…
2002 - I remember when this Car came out and my Dad wanted one but they were sold out super quick. 4 month later a neighbour's friend showed up with one! He took me for a ride through some narrow roads(i was 12) - this car is absolutely amazing! Its super stiff, the gear ways were super short, the seats and interior - so cool made - it will always stay in my mind as a one time experience. Cause finding these Beetle´s over here in North America is next to impossible! Thanks @collectingcars for giving the car a platform it deserves!
They were cool. But were priced not much below a 911. They’re more desirable now due to their rarity. But at the time, I thought they were all mouth and no trousers.
Everyone says Gran Turismo, I say Midtown Madness 2. When I think of this car, I think of that game. It was on the splash screen, I think this exact same unit in fact.
I remember one was for sale in my town a good number of years ago, seeing it on the road and telling my other half how special they are. I'd like to think that at the time it was for sale compared to the prices they are now, it's probably doubled. Real passion from one of the biggest brands in the automotive world.
I like them too.I imagine that the RSI would be rather expensive, but you could probably find the beetle with the turbo pretty cheap because people don't take care of them and are very hard on them.
I've still never seen one in person. I'd probably react like a kid if I ever do see one. I still own my 2001 beetle all these years later and still love it. ❤️
I am the original owner of a 2008 R32. I added a turbo, APR tune, Peloquin differential, new suspension and larger tires and wheels. I call it my smile machine as I can't get the grin off my face when driving it. Thanks for the history on the VR6 engine.
I never knew about the RSI until now.... boy it it looks sick. Those wide body parts are on point... the massive wing and Remus sound from the VR6 R32 engine... those bucket seat 😊😊🌶🌶👌🇿🇦
@@MoskusMoskiferus1611 I have a 92 Corrado VR6 that I bought new 30 years ago. I still have it because it is fun and looks good. But one thing I have learned is you want a common VW, not a low distribution VW body style. That exclusion list includes Phaetons, Arteons, EOSes, and last gen new Beetles.
Thanks for doing this video, as an owner of a 2002 Beetle Turbo S in Refex Silver it's great to see this car. 👍 I drive my car all the time and it still puts a smile on my face and I always get people asking me about it.
Love it my wife had a 1999 tdi version many years ago it was a great car outlasted her and two of my boys. The 2011 mk6 Jetta she bought new not so good barely made it 100k miles the Mexican bits where fabulous but anything with a Bosch label on it was fail. So what was learned from this as a aircraft mechanic is no more Volkswagen I sold the Jetta a year ago for dirt cheap to lessen my strain in life and now she drives a Toyota.
VR6s are relatively reliable engines esp compared to all the plastic turbocharged crap that is being made now plus the entire front of a beetle unbolts and comes off as a unit with bumper and both fenders.
@RR Continued 2.0 16V turbo engine in a Golf R is very far away from the VR6. Lower on power, but so smooth and amazing sound. It needs a GT35R or bigger 😁
Vw fan from New York here, I had a 03 edition w/turbo manual transmission, man it's 39 miles a gallon on the highway, plus solid car with 4 cylinder 20 valve, but never even heard of RSI
I'm really glad you showed me that. Cheers mate. For that you get a new sub, first upload I've seen of yours and well made. Good luck in your endeavours.
I didn't know about the RSI until I watched this video! Very cool..I owned a 2.0L NA manual for many years, was very slow but a blast to drive all the same
Noise makes a huge part of the feal of performance. I had a forester turbo and with an open air filter and recirc valve deleate the turbo futter made 180hp feel lije 280hp 😎 nice car
I fell out of love with Vw after being stranded for many many many hours waiting for recovery to many times to mention, I loved the older well built era but won’t have another ever
Not sure what it was like around the world, but back in the early 2000's I was selling VW's and the bug was always the "test bed" car. We always got the newest diesels..first in the bug. The bug was the first DSG car in America (I believe). I even think the 1.8T predated the other cars in the bug, etc. Seemed like a very common thing.
I bought a new Corrado SLC in 1992 and still own it. One thing I learned is you don't want a low distribution VW because the parts are harder to source over time. That rules out the EOS, Phaeton, and especially any VW that has only 250 copies.
VR6 is easily the best sounding 6 cylinder ever made. I was addicted to my 3.6 B6 passat engine tone. Sadily chain guides and oil cooler took her out of the streets. But that easily made mw a VAG fan especially anything with VR6. We didnt get the VR6 in manual transmission unless its an R32 golf or some rare TT or A3. Most were mated to a slushbox but B7 passat came with DSG atleast. dsg+VR6 is something out of this world. vR6+ manual is even better.
You should ask VW to dust off the GTI W12 for you to check out, now that was a crazy car made just for a VW based car show in Austria , I think. There is nothing like the sound of a VR6 engine, as I used to have one a long time ago. OZ wheels are some of my favorite, I think I have near 7 or 8 sets of them now.
And it's an all wheel drive 4motion I wanted one..but impossible to obtain.. I settled for an 01 glx turbo...it's a lot of fun to drive..and that turbo pssshht sound...lol
I never looked into it, but there was a Beetle Cup around the time - with very similar looking body kits. Never looked into the drivetrains etc. Wonder if some of those are kicking around in someone's garage?
I loved seeing this used as a rally car, both in Gran Turismo and (I believe) in one of the Colin McRae games. There was also the GRC Beetle, but sadly that seemed short lived, and despite a fictional GR3 racecar version of the MK.III Beetle in GT Sport/GT7, no other variant (rally or street) is included (besides the classic Beetle of course)
For the first time this oddball of a car makes sense. It really looks far more serious and interesting. The awkwardness of borrowing the profile of a design from 1938 and all the compromises that brought, have been made purposeful and purposed. A great save from Volkswagen! More please!
I have a 99 Bug design by Germans built by Mexicans. Got it off my cousin for $500 . We traded it back and forth about 3 times. It's going on 200439 miles on it and still going. The cheap plastic inside breaks easy. I get 53ish miles per gallon and it's actually fun to drive up in the hills .
This VW had me think they were taking road cars serious again for about 2 years. I loved this car and also the racing circuit that followed. But of course USA doesn't get good stuff over because of whatever... gets in the way.
I'm sure I saw one these (likely this one) in Northampton a few weeks ago. Such an understated car that I spent many many hours thrashing round in on Gran Turismo
Not many people know this but the Beetle RSI was named after the repetitive strain injuries suffered by people who were racing it in Gran Turismo.
You kidding right?
This is hilarious
@@audiwankenobi361 No
@@audiwankenobi361 it's true he is right
@@gmain1977 I just don't get it...seriously.
That's what should be definition of special edition... those details and improved everything over standard beetle. Simply perfect
Special Edition is a Marketing Gimmick lately so it's great to see Clear daylight between this RSI and standard Beetle..in Power too not just Optics..
Pause at 8:33 - Compared to the crossover and SUV bullshit that fills the roads today, this Beetle RSI looks absolutely phenomenal.
The same goes for so many cars its age and older. What a shame our roads will be bland and ugly in no time at all.
@@mart3058 yup and the only engine sounds will be electronic and played through speakers. Well be lucky if we get even a simulated manual transmission.
@@mart3058 exactly mate, that’s why I’ll always have my classic bug and will never get rid of it. It’s a timeless piece of art, and will always stick out of the crowd.
In 2006, I stared into the front window of a dealership to see this little bizarre car everyday on my journey to my first job. I still love it, Oz racing wheels and Remus pipes from factory.
I owned a MkIV Golf R32. The best sounding car I have ever owned. That V6 is intoxicating. Wasn't the fastest car on the road, but was an amazing and effortless long distance machine, regardless of the weather/road conditions. I could very easily see me owning a Beetle RSi.
VR6***, and yeah my favorite engine :)
I’m a bit of a VAG fanboy. Had a wide range of VWs and Audis over the years, from a big-bumper Mk2 Golf 8v GTI, to a B5 A4 1.8T, to a face-lift VW CC GT, to an A3 8P 2.0tdi S-Line Sportback.
It’s a huge regret of mine never having owned a VR6 powered VAG vehicle.
I used to think that at some point I would buy one (ideally powering a Corrado). But with fuel prices as high as they are now, and every government hellbent on forcing everyone to drive zero-emission cars, I’m starting to think it will have to remain a dream…
*VR6 mate. Single head.
i daily a vr6 powered Golf, and yes, it's a fantastic little engine! sounds great, lots of torque.
Golden age for VW/Audi products! A lot more passion went into every product, and it shows
2002 - I remember when this Car came out and my Dad wanted one but they were sold out super quick. 4 month later a neighbour's friend showed up with one! He took me for a ride through some narrow roads(i was 12) - this car is absolutely amazing! Its super stiff, the gear ways were super short, the seats and interior - so cool made - it will always stay in my mind as a one time experience. Cause finding these Beetle´s over here in North America is next to impossible! Thanks @collectingcars for giving the car a platform it deserves!
They were cool. But were priced not much below a 911.
They’re more desirable now due to their rarity. But at the time, I thought they were all mouth and no trousers.
Everyone says Gran Turismo, I say Midtown Madness 2. When I think of this car, I think of that game. It was on the splash screen, I think this exact same unit in fact.
Ah the memories! Couldn’t remember the name👌🏼
I'd say PGR, the spiritual successor lol
Exactly! It has been one of my dream cars ever since seeing it on the splash screen.
@MisterHat You're talking to a veteran GTA fan as well... 😄
midtown madness is the reason i started to love cars
This car is just Grand Tourism for me. Had it in deep pearl blue. So clean.
Blue?
They only made one in blue ?
I remember one was for sale in my town a good number of years ago, seeing it on the road and telling my other half how special they are. I'd like to think that at the time it was for sale compared to the prices they are now, it's probably doubled. Real passion from one of the biggest brands in the automotive world.
I like them too.I imagine that the RSI would be rather expensive, but you could probably find the beetle with the turbo pretty cheap because people don't take care of them and are very hard on them.
I've still never seen one in person. I'd probably react like a kid if I ever do see one. I still own my 2001 beetle all these years later and still love it. ❤️
I am the original owner of a 2008 R32. I added a turbo, APR tune, Peloquin differential, new suspension and larger tires and wheels. I call it my smile machine as I can't get the grin off my face when driving it. Thanks for the history on the VR6 engine.
Love how everyone remembers it from games. Without those classics how would we of ever known this was actually a real car 🤣
I never knew about the RSI until now.... boy it it looks sick. Those wide body parts are on point... the massive wing and Remus sound from the VR6 R32 engine... those bucket seat 😊😊🌶🌶👌🇿🇦
It isn‘t the R32 engine. Its base engine is the 2.8 VR6 from the Mk4 with increased displacement
I’ve now got some wide body parts.
Definitely my favourite Beetle of all time. Shame that VW canned the 2011 Beetle R.
It just doesn't make sense. The two door Golf body is superior in every way.
@@drwisdom1. I rather variety over superiority
@@MoskusMoskiferus1611 I have a 92 Corrado VR6 that I bought new 30 years ago. I still have it because it is fun and looks good. But one thing I have learned is you want a common VW, not a low distribution VW body style. That exclusion list includes Phaetons, Arteons, EOSes, and last gen new Beetles.
I've watched a half million car vids on YT and this is the very first time I've ever heard of or seen this amazing car! Thank you for showing it!
Thanks for doing this video, as an owner of a 2002 Beetle Turbo S in Refex Silver it's great to see this car. 👍
I drive my car all the time and it still puts a smile on my face and I always get people asking me about it.
I remember this car, that rear spoiler left an impression when I played midtown madness back then hahah
Love it my wife had a 1999 tdi version many years ago it was a great car outlasted her and two of my boys. The 2011 mk6 Jetta she bought new not so good barely made it 100k miles the Mexican bits where fabulous but anything with a Bosch label on it was fail. So what was learned from this as a aircraft mechanic is no more Volkswagen I sold the Jetta a year ago for dirt cheap to lessen my strain in life and now she drives a Toyota.
Very cool, I do remember these, but never seen one on the road, thanks for sharing.
I remember driving this car on Project Gotham Racing 1 back in 2003 🤣
Such a cool enthusiasts car. Definitely one of the best cars from vw
I never knew this car existed. I'm in love 😍😍
I had a standard beetle and it was a great car.
Could you imagine how much fun the engine repairs are in this magnificent beast
VR6s are relatively reliable engines esp compared to all the plastic turbocharged crap that is being made now plus the entire front of a beetle unbolts and comes off as a unit with bumper and both fenders.
24V VR6 engine is lovely. It needs forced induction, like all other VR6s :):)
The VR6 and W12 make such perfect sounds when naturally aspirated, it makes me wonder what the W16 would have been like without turbos.
Indeed, alas these car should be celebrated and used before the milk floats take over.
@RR Continued 2.0 16V turbo engine in a Golf R is very far away from the VR6. Lower on power, but so smooth and amazing sound. It needs a GT35R or bigger 😁
Vw fan from New York here, I had a 03 edition w/turbo manual transmission, man it's 39 miles a gallon on the highway, plus solid car with 4 cylinder 20 valve, but never even heard of RSI
I'm really glad you showed me that.
Cheers mate.
For that you get a new sub, first upload I've seen of yours and well made.
Good luck in your endeavours.
I remember when vw lauched these cars, beautiful piece of engineering, I almost forgot about this vw model. Thanks for the reminder. Great content👌.
Absolutely gorgeous gonna have to boot up beetle racing on the n64
I didn't know about the RSI until I watched this video! Very cool..I owned a 2.0L NA manual for many years, was very slow but a blast to drive all the same
beautiful , beautiful car , I always loved the new beetle,
What a special car always loved these since I was a kid racing one on gran turismo 3 in the beetle cup 😂❤️
Noise makes a huge part of the feal of performance. I had a forester turbo and with an open air filter and recirc valve deleate the turbo futter made 180hp feel lije 280hp 😎 nice car
Got my little GLS TDI from the same year and love driving it... Like a little go kart...
I fell out of love with Vw after being stranded for many many many hours waiting for recovery to many times to mention, I loved the older well built era but won’t have another ever
I remember discovering this car in Gran Turismo 3 and used it quite a bit!
I remember this car from Gran Turismo 4.
There’s already a performance variant of the beetle…the 911
Not sure what it was like around the world, but back in the early 2000's I was selling VW's and the bug was always the "test bed" car. We always got the newest diesels..first in the bug. The bug was the first DSG car in America (I believe). I even think the 1.8T predated the other cars in the bug, etc. Seemed like a very common thing.
So 50 grand back then. Wonder what today's price tag would be. Either way, looks 👌👌👌
Just looked on Car And Classic, theres one for sale at just under £55k with 45k miles on it.
One went for $62,000 US last year.
@@kennywallace1 Jesus
Using the inflation calculator it comes in at 75k.
In today's money thats 150k new I'd guess.
All I see is a Porsche bumper bolted to a beatle I love it hahaha and those arches are amazing
Loved my 98. Wanted the S since we never got this stateside.
Drove a TDi New Beetle for a long while, went to a MK3 VR6.... I want both
I bought a new Corrado SLC in 1992 and still own it. One thing I learned is you don't want a low distribution VW because the parts are harder to source over time. That rules out the EOS, Phaeton, and especially any VW that has only 250 copies.
He must be a Doug Demuro fan with his subtle nod to the “features and quirks” lol
That things sounds absolutley amazing…
I remember this from Gran Turismo 2 - great car!
I've been eyeing a set of those gorgeous OEM super turismos to pay homage on a newer model.
VR6 is easily the best sounding 6 cylinder ever made. I was addicted to my 3.6 B6 passat engine tone. Sadily chain guides and oil cooler took her out of the streets. But that easily made mw a VAG fan especially anything with VR6. We didnt get the VR6 in manual transmission unless its an R32 golf or some rare TT or A3. Most were mated to a slushbox but B7 passat came with DSG atleast. dsg+VR6 is something out of this world. vR6+ manual is even better.
Those Oz wheels are perfect.
What a cracking little car! Love it
I love it. Much more character than a 911.
Thanks gran Turismo for showing me this , beautiful car
WOW! I'm also an RSI!
Rough
Slow
Ill-favored
Thanks VW!
Always really liked these. Never saw one on the road, though.
You should ask VW to dust off the GTI W12 for you to check out, now that was a crazy car made just for a VW based car show in Austria , I think. There is nothing like the sound of a VR6 engine, as I used to have one a long time ago. OZ wheels are some of my favorite, I think I have near 7 or 8 sets of them now.
Cool Porsche 👀😁
It does look an awful lot like a 997 around the front doesn't it?
Putting Porsche badges on it would offend both porschofiles and dub heads..make it so.
And it's an all wheel drive 4motion
I wanted one..but impossible to obtain..
I settled for an 01 glx turbo...it's a lot of fun to drive..and that turbo pssshht sound...lol
This car was awesome in Gran Turismo
Reminds me of Midtown Madness 2!
I never looked into it, but there was a Beetle Cup around the time - with very similar looking body kits. Never looked into the drivetrains etc. Wonder if some of those are kicking around in someone's garage?
I loved seeing this used as a rally car, both in Gran Turismo and (I believe) in one of the Colin McRae games. There was also the GRC Beetle, but sadly that seemed short lived, and despite a fictional GR3 racecar version of the MK.III Beetle in GT Sport/GT7, no other variant (rally or street) is included (besides the classic Beetle of course)
VR6 beetle is all we need in the states
This car wouldve be been extra special, with the engine fitted at the rear.
Aren't these 4WD? No mention of that in the video. Pretty important spec if you ask me.
Exactly what I was about to say. These things are 4motion. The running gear is lifted directly from a VR6 Bora.
There was a guy in central NC that had one that he sent to HPI for a twin turbo kit...hilarity ensued.
Saw one years ago was a cool curiosity for sure. Back when most people choose an R32 instead
They're 5 times the money of a r32
I remember seeing this bug when I was a kid and wanting one
Sounds amazing 🥹
this is my dream car
"A manual winding window for the RSI"
Irony.
For the first time this oddball of a car makes sense. It really looks far more serious and interesting. The awkwardness of borrowing the profile of a design from 1938 and all the compromises that brought, have been made purposeful and purposed. A great save from Volkswagen! More please!
Only beetle I would drive 👌🏼👌🏼
I remember Salomondrin gushing over One of these. Way back when
Literally ALL Beetles should have come like this stock. Sold for $37,000, they would have competed with the 3 Series in sales.
I have a 99 Bug design by Germans built by Mexicans. Got it off my cousin for $500 . We traded it back and forth about 3 times. It's going on 200439 miles on it and still going. The cheap plastic inside breaks easy. I get 53ish miles per gallon and it's actually fun to drive up in the hills .
Ok just found out it was Jay May's a American in California that designed the new Bug.
I'd definitely throw the cash down for this Daily Driver
It looks like something i saw in grand torisom 3 in PS1🤔🤔...i love it in royal blue
Hopefully I wil be completing my Replica with VW parts only soon.
The VR6 is the best sounding 6 cylinder engine in any displacement.
Can't argue with that
@@jamieeedden777 You're forgetting the Alfa GTV (Busso) V6 3.0. 24v - unbeatable sound. 😎
@@jamesmurphy1389 unfortunately I live in America....never heard that engine in real life.
This VW had me think they were taking road cars serious again for about 2 years. I loved this car and also the racing circuit that followed. But of course USA doesn't get good stuff over because of whatever... gets in the way.
OH look at that a round racing car!
From Midtown Madness 3?
in midtown madness 2 as well
There was a game based in France that featured this car? What was it?
Cool car , that noise 😁😁😁
Nice fwd shitbox👍
I need one of these, if only to park next to a 911 and muse the various strained connections!
But it’s obviously a very special thing in of itself.
I used to play this in gran turismo 3
What a beautiful porsche
No mention of the chassis configuration, brakes, all wheel drive system, handling at speed? You left a lot on the table.
giving me 911 GT3 vibes for some reason
We are forgetting the GRS and the Dune Beetle
Lovely car with lovely potential
Are they only left hand drive?
You said v6. Isn’t it vr6?
A vr6 is a v6
I'm sure I saw one these (likely this one) in Northampton a few weeks ago. Such an understated car that I spent many many hours thrashing round in on Gran Turismo
So, was it AWD? I don’t remember if you specifically mentioned it but since the R32 was I guess it’s a safe assumption…?
Yes it was AWD! Technically a R32 underneath a Beetle Body
Haldex 4motion, FWD until it loses grip
It's says 4motion on the gear knob
Feel like it needs bigger wheels (aesthetically) to fill those wide hips
Gran Turismo 3: A Spec