Next year will mark the 75th anniversary for the iconic Beetle nameplate, and Volkswagen is starting the celebration early by bringing a fleet of tuner-customized bugs to the SEMA show in Las Vegas. The most extreme of the bunch is a VWvortex creation known as the Super Beetle, which features a 500-horsepower turbo four-cylinder and an all-wheel-drive system pulled from a Golf R.
To create the Super Beetle, the VWvortex team started with a 2013 Beetle Turbo and went crazy with mods sourced from performance specialist APR, adding an uprated turbo system, a high-performance intercooler and an ECU upgrade. A high-flow cylinder head and intake manifold along with high-strength internals are among the numerous other engine mods, while the six-speed manual transmission gains a short-throw shifter kit and a fortified clutch to help handle the extra power.
A Volkswagen Racing six-piston brake system gives the Super Beetle stopping capability that's commensurate with its potent motor. On the suspension front, the high-performance bug features an H&R adjustable coil-over suspension and sway bars.Â
Outside, the car is distinguished by a matte blue wrap, 19-inch three-piece wheels and aggressive bumpers from Japanese aftermarket tuner Newing.
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