Just as the regular Beetle shares much of its running gear and powertrain with the standard Golf, so too does the Beetle R draw on the Golf R's impressive pieces. The engine is the same 265-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder, and though Volkswagen doesn't mention it, the Beetle R is likely to get the same Haldex 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, too. Large 20-inch wheels and blue brake calipers accent the Golf R's performance nature, while special bumpers with aerodynamic tweaks and wider fenders complete the look.
Inside, the Beetle R Concept gets Nappa leather and a set of sport seats, R-specific instruments, R-logo door sill plates, and brushed aluminum pedal caps. Blue piping and blue contrast stitching finishes the R look.
As of now, the Beetle R is just a "design study," meaning Volkswagen hasn't decided to announce it for production yet. If the business case for the Beetle R pans out--and that business case is likely to be judged in part by public response to this concept--it could see production, however. The car certainly looks close to production-ready. If it is built, it could follow the Golf R to U.S. sales. The Golf R is expected to arrive here in America in the first half of 2012.