In the 1970s, VW produced a Special Edition Beetle, a GSR – Gelb Schwarzer Renner – Yellow Black Racer.

40 years later, it’s the 2014 GSR.

Only 3,500 made.

Went for a quick run while in Napa, California last fall. It was at VW’s 1.8L Diesel Turbo & Jetta launch, so once around the drive loop at the day’s end.  That drive loop.

It’s a 2.0 TSI 4-cylinder engine, outputting 201 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.

Handles and launches, all of it, exactly as you’d expect; VW’s heart went into this car.

The 2014 GSR Beetle
Starting at $33,635