The new Volkswagen Beetle is set to hit UK roads soon - and VW has already previewed a performance version at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
What is the Volkswagen Beetle R?
Officially this is a 'design study', but you can expect to see a production version of the sporty Beetle R in showrooms next year.
It will be the flagship model in Volkswagen's new Beetle range, with performance to rival the existing Golf R and Scirocco R.
See our first drive review of the new VW Beetle
Why should I buy a VW Beetle R?
For starters, it looks fantastic - like a compressed Porsche 911.
The front and rear bumpers have been widened by 30 mm, and the bulbous wheelarches stretched over 20in chrome-finished alloy wheels. There's also a front splitter and air intakes in the bonnet to feed the engine with extra oxygen.
At the back you'll find a diffuser and a decidedly unsubtle spoiler, plus no less than four exhaust tailpipes. In case you were wondering, that paint finish is called 'Serious Grey'. Serious indeed.
The Beetle R cabin boasts bucket seats, extra instruments and plenty of chrome highlights.
What engine does the VW Beetle R use?
There's no word on the powertrain yet, but we expect the Beetle to use the same 2.0-litre 270bhp engine found in the R versions of the VW Golf and VW Scirocco.
That should offer a 0-62mph time of less than six seconds - significantly so if the Beetle is fitted with four-wheel drive.
When can I buy a Volkswagen Beetle R?
Hopefully you'll be able to buy this car in mid-2012. Reaction at the Frankfurt Motor Show has been positive, so it looks likely.
The Golf R costs around £32,000 - and the Beetle is likely to be pitched at a similar price.
See more star cars from the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in our comprehensive guide
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