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.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

Each of the individually numbered 250 examples completed were finished in silver with one additional car completed in blue for then CEO Ferdinand Piech. Inside the car features burnt-orange trimmed, body coloured fixed back Recaro bucket seats, aluminium door pulls and window winders, carbon fibre door cards and an LED shift light.

Mechanical changes saw extensive reworking of the rear suspension and the inclusion of a rear strut brace to improve torsional rigidity. The 4Motion four-wheel drive system was paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and the interior features numerous other special touches; carbon fibre inserts, roof-mounted radio, its individually numbered plaque as well as many design cues from the MK1 Audi TT.

This example was sourced by DK Engineering for the current keeper in 2021. The car was imported, IVA tested and registered in the UK where it has since resided within a prominent collection.

Fresh from a re-commissioning service with Volkswagen Little Chalfont, this example presents today with 30,990 km (19,260 miles from new). With just 8 known examples in the UK and all cars leaving the factory in left-hand drive, this presents as a rare opportunity to the hottest Beetle built.