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GALLERY - RSI BEETLE

The RSI was produced as a "numbered series" of only 250 units. Its clear purpose was to boost New Beetle sales! For marketing reasons, the cars were specifically allocated to large dealerships and select customers. This was VW's wishful thinking – brainwashing buyers!

And - IT WORKED!
 

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If such celebrities drive something like this, the car must be top-notch...
For the average consumer, this presents a great opportunity to build something similar on a small budget. And it worked! The result is countless replicas with up to 600 hp for racing and street use!

RSI BASIC DATA:

  • 2.8 liter displacement from the Golf 4 V6 increased to 3.2l and 225 hp in performance

  • 6-speed gearbox & "4 Motion" from - is from the Golf 4 V6 with electro-hydraulic Haldex 

  • Built on the floor pan of the "GOLF SYNCRO". 

  • Remus double exhaust system 

  • The rear suspension has been significantly modified and is more designed for racetracks. 

  • 80 mm wider fenders, unique front and rear aprons, a defuser over the rear window and a beautiful rear wing that is otherwise only seen in racing. 

  • 18x9 OZ Superturismo wheels - 235/40ZR-18 for the necessary propulsion.

  • Inside lots of carbon fiber, aluminum and orange leather. 

  • KÖNIG sports seats were installed at the front. 

  • The RSI were only produced and delivered to customers in silver ex works. 

  • Unit price (2000) ==> 128,000 DM (65,000 US$) - the information varies up to 134,00 DM


RSI - SPECIAL FEATURES:
According to VW insiders, Ferdinand Piëch renounced the RSI #001 in favor of a VIP customer, 
who was willing to pay double the price! 
 

  • A single car - RSI #002 - was delivered in the color Techno Blue!

  • The car was made in BLUE for the chairman of the board from 1993 to 2002, Ferdinand Piëch.

  • Apparently because all his cars were always blue? That's the tradition :) ... see picture!

  • The prototype with #000 is now in the Volkswagen Museum in Wolfsburg 

  • Three extreme conversions from HGP with around 460 HP - at least one of them with "Paddle Shift"

  • RSI #164 - mounted above the entrance to a CLUB due to approval problems in China 

  • RSI#001 - changed hands again in 2025!

THE RSI - A DESIGNER'S MASTERPIECE!

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