Volkswagen Beetle RSi (2001)

At the time of its launch in 2001, the New Beetle RSi cost twice as much as a Porsche Boxster. The rarest and most expensive Beetle ever produced, the car introduced the narrow-angle 3.2-litre VR6 to the world. With just 15° between the cylinder banks, the engine design meant for a shortened, offset inline 6 cylinder, specifically designed for transverse engine installations and front-wheel drive vehicles.

With similar architecture having been deployed by Volkswagen as early as 1991, the 3.2-litre as fitted in the Beetle RSi would go on to see use in the Golf MK4 R32, Audi’s TT and the Porsche Cayenne.

Constructed away from the standard production line at Volkswagen’s factory in Puebla, Mexico, the limited run RSi saw extra attention and liberal use of exotic materials. Visually similar to the earlier Beetle RSi Cup cars, the production version borrowed the blistered stance bodykit, 18 inch OZ alloy wheels and the double whale tail spoilers, but differed favouring 4Motion Haldex 4 wheel drive system and the larger displacement VR6.