VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE LSR RUNS 205.122 MPH AT BONNEVILLE SALT FLATS, BECOMING THE WORLD'S FASTEST BEETLE
• Automobile magazine contributing Editor Preston Lerner scorches across the salt in Volkswagen of America's Beetle LSR
Herndon, VA (September 19, 2016) – Volkswagen of America, Inc., today announced that its specially tuned Volkswagen Beetle LSR, powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged, direct-injection four-cylinder TSI® gasoline engine, has achieved 205.122 mph over a flying mile—the fastest speed ever recorded for a Beetle. The car was driven by Automobile magazine contributing Editor Preston Lerner on the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Útah, at the Útah Salt Flats Racing Association (ÚSFRA) 2016 World of Speed event.
To achieve the horsepower needed to run above 200 mph at Bonneville, while adhering to Southern California Timing Association (SCTA) G/BGC rules, the powertrain was specially modified by THR Manufacturing, based in Santa Paula, Calif. With new turbochargers, pistons, camshafts, connecting rods, and head modifications, it produced 543 horsepower and 421 pound-feet of torque at the wheels: at the flywheel, that would be more than 600 hp and nearly 500 lb-ft.
'We are completely thrilled with the Beetle LSR's performance at Bonneville,' said Dr. Hendrik Muth, Senior Vice President, Product Marketing and Strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. 'The Beetle is not the most aerodynamic car in our portfolio, so running 205 mph is a testament to the power that can be made from the EA888 TSI four-cylinder engine. This feat truly underscores the sporty and pugnacious spirit of the Beetle.'Obviously, the Beetle had many other changes. The suspension was lowered, special Salt Flat wheels and tires fitted, a limited-slip differential added to aid traction, and the interior was stripped and outfitted with full safety equipment, such as a rollcage, racing seat and harness, and a fire suppression system. Plus, to help slow the car down, the Beetle was fitted with a pair of parachutes.
'Exceeding 200 miles per hour in the Beetle LSR was a serious thrill,' said driver Preston Lerner, a contributing Editor at Automobile Magazine. 'We had enough power to go even faster if the salt hadn't been so sketchy. But seeing 208 miles per hour briefly on the digital readout was an experience I'll never forget.'
Volkswagen's stock Beetle R-Line® coupe model features a EA888 turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter TSI engine that makes 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque (achieved using premium fuel), enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds and to reach an electronically governed top track speed of 130 mph. The engine delivers peak torque from as low as 1700 rpm, giving smooth, effortless acceleration in all the gears. The R-Line comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but a dual-clutch DSG® six-speed automatic transmission is optional.
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the Únited States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and Touareg vehicles through approximately 652 independent Ú.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.Source - Volkswagen
Drag Racer VehiclesSimilarly Sized Vehicles
Additional Sales Volume Data
Similarly Sized Vehicles
from 2016
Volkswagen Monthly Sales Volume
March 2023
67,853
Recent Vehicle Additions
Related Automotive News
328 KM/H! – THE WORLD'S FASTEST BEETLE
New speed record for specially prepared Beetle LSR with 550 PS
Top performance at the annual World of Speed event on the Great Salt Lake in Bonneville, Utah (USA)
Wolfsburg, 19 September 2016 – A specially-tuned Volkswagen Beetle has set a...
ALL-NEW GOLF ALLTRACK AND NEW BEETLE MODELS HEAD THE CHANGES
Volkswagen also simplifies model lineups to put the emphasis on value
Golf Alltrack adds all-wheel-drive ability and rugged off-road looks to the fun-to-drive and practical Golf SportWagen
Golf SportWagen receives 4Motion® all-wheel-dr...
MODEL YEAR 2015: NEW GOLF FAMILY, REDESIGNED JETTA, AND NEW TDI® CLEAN DIESEL ENGINE HEAD THE CHANGES
In a busy year, Volkswagen will also add a new Golf SportWagen, an all-new Golf R, a redesigned Touareg SUV, and the companys first U.S.-market EV, the e-Golf
All-new Golf is bigger, lighter, and more fuel-efficient than the previous model,...
VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING OF 2015 GOLF MODELS, STARTING AT $17,995
The seventh-generation version of VWs worldwide best seller offers more space, less weight, and increased efficiency at an even better value
Pricing starts at %2417,995 for the two-door Golf Launch Edition model with manual transmission
New TDI® S m...
NEW VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R MAKES ITS U.S. DEBUT AT THE 2014 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Most powerful production Golf ever for the North American market
New car has an estimated 290 horsepower, but is more fuel efficient than previous Golf R
EA888 TSI® 2.0-liter engine propels DSG® equipped Golf R from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds
...
NEW VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R MAKES ITS U.S. DEBUT AT THE 2014 NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
Most powerful production Golf ever for the North American market
New car has an estimated 290 horsepower, but is more fuel efficient than previous Golf R
EA888 TSI® 2.0-liter engine propels DSG® equipped Golf R from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds
Car...