@@mart3058 yup and the only engine sounds will be electronic and played through speakers. Well be lucky if we get even a simulated manual transmission.
@@mart3058 exactly mate, that’s why I’ll always have my classic bug and will never get rid of it. It’s a timeless piece of art, and will always stick out of the crowd.
In 2006, I stared into the front window of a dealership to see this little bizarre car everyday on my journey to my first job. I still love it, Oz racing wheels and Remus pipes from factory.
I owned a MkIV Golf R32. The best sounding car I have ever owned. That V6 is intoxicating. Wasn't the fastest car on the road, but was an amazing and effortless long distance machine, regardless of the weather/road conditions. I could very easily see me owning a Beetle RSi.
I’m a bit of a VAG fanboy. Had a wide range of VWs and Audis over the years, from a big-bumper Mk2 Golf 8v GTI, to a B5 A4 1.8T, to a face-lift VW CC GT, to an A3 8P 2.0tdi S-Line Sportback. It’s a huge regret of mine never having owned a VR6 powered VAG vehicle. I used to think that at some point I would buy one (ideally powering a Corrado). But with fuel prices as high as they are now, and every government hellbent on forcing everyone to drive zero-emission cars, I’m starting to think it will have to remain a dream…
2002 - I remember when this Car came out and my Dad wanted one but they were sold out super quick. 4 month later a neighbour's friend showed up with one! He took me for a ride through some narrow roads(i was 12) - this car is absolutely amazing! Its super stiff, the gear ways were super short, the seats and interior - so cool made - it will always stay in my mind as a one time experience. Cause finding these Beetle´s over here in North America is next to impossible! Thanks @collectingcars for giving the car a platform it deserves!
They were cool. But were priced not much below a 911. They’re more desirable now due to their rarity. But at the time, I thought they were all mouth and no trousers.
Everyone says Gran Turismo, I say Midtown Madness 2. When I think of this car, I think of that game. It was on the splash screen, I think this exact same unit in fact.
I never knew about the RSI until now.... boy it it looks sick. Those wide body parts are on point... the massive wing and Remus sound from the VR6 R32 engine... those bucket seat 😊😊🌶🌶👌🇿🇦
I remember one was for sale in my town a good number of years ago, seeing it on the road and telling my other half how special they are. I'd like to think that at the time it was for sale compared to the prices they are now, it's probably doubled. Real passion from one of the biggest brands in the automotive world.
I like them too.I imagine that the RSI would be rather expensive, but you could probably find the beetle with the turbo pretty cheap because people don't take care of them and are very hard on them.
I am the original owner of a 2008 R32. I added a turbo, APR tune, Peloquin differential, new suspension and larger tires and wheels. I call it my smile machine as I can't get the grin off my face when driving it. Thanks for the history on the VR6 engine.
Thanks for doing this video, as an owner of a 2002 Beetle Turbo S in Refex Silver it's great to see this car. 👍 I drive my car all the time and it still puts a smile on my face and I always get people asking me about it.
Love it my wife had a 1999 tdi version many years ago it was a great car outlasted her and two of my boys. The 2011 mk6 Jetta she bought new not so good barely made it 100k miles the Mexican bits where fabulous but anything with a Bosch label on it was fail. So what was learned from this as a aircraft mechanic is no more Volkswagen I sold the Jetta a year ago for dirt cheap to lessen my strain in life and now she drives a Toyota.
@RR Continued 2.0 16V turbo engine in a Golf R is very far away from the VR6. Lower on power, but so smooth and amazing sound. It needs a GT35R or bigger 😁
Noise makes a huge part of the feal of performance. I had a forester turbo and with an open air filter and recirc valve deleate the turbo futter made 180hp feel lije 280hp 😎 nice car
Vw fan from New York here, I had a 03 edition w/turbo manual transmission, man it's 39 miles a gallon on the highway, plus solid car with 4 cylinder 20 valve, but never even heard of RSI
I didn't know about the RSI until I watched this video! Very cool..I owned a 2.0L NA manual for many years, was very slow but a blast to drive all the same
VR6 is easily the best sounding 6 cylinder ever made. I was addicted to my 3.6 B6 passat engine tone. Sadily chain guides and oil cooler took her out of the streets. But that easily made mw a VAG fan especially anything with VR6. We didnt get the VR6 in manual transmission unless its an R32 golf or some rare TT or A3. Most were mated to a slushbox but B7 passat came with DSG atleast. dsg+VR6 is something out of this world. vR6+ manual is even better.
I fell out of love with Vw after being stranded for many many many hours waiting for recovery to many times to mention, I loved the older well built era but won’t have another ever
I bought a new Corrado SLC in 1992 and still own it. One thing I learned is you don't want a low distribution VW because the parts are harder to source over time. That rules out the EOS, Phaeton, and especially any VW that has only 250 copies.
Not sure what it was like around the world, but back in the early 2000's I was selling VW's and the bug was always the "test bed" car. We always got the newest diesels..first in the bug. The bug was the first DSG car in America (I believe). I even think the 1.8T predated the other cars in the bug, etc. Seemed like a very common thing.
I have a 99 Bug design by Germans built by Mexicans. Got it off my cousin for $500 . We traded it back and forth about 3 times. It's going on 200439 miles on it and still going. The cheap plastic inside breaks easy. I get 53ish miles per gallon and it's actually fun to drive up in the hills .
And it's an all wheel drive 4motion I wanted one..but impossible to obtain.. I settled for an 01 glx turbo...it's a lot of fun to drive..and that turbo pssshht sound...lol
You should ask VW to dust off the GTI W12 for you to check out, now that was a crazy car made just for a VW based car show in Austria , I think. There is nothing like the sound of a VR6 engine, as I used to have one a long time ago. OZ wheels are some of my favorite, I think I have near 7 or 8 sets of them now.
For the first time this oddball of a car makes sense. It really looks far more serious and interesting. The awkwardness of borrowing the profile of a design from 1938 and all the compromises that brought, have been made purposeful and purposed. A great save from Volkswagen! More please!
I loved seeing this used as a rally car, both in Gran Turismo and (I believe) in one of the Colin McRae games. There was also the GRC Beetle, but sadly that seemed short lived, and despite a fictional GR3 racecar version of the MK.III Beetle in GT Sport/GT7, no other variant (rally or street) is included (besides the classic Beetle of course)
This VW had me think they were taking road cars serious again for about 2 years. I loved this car and also the racing circuit that followed. But of course USA doesn't get good stuff over because of whatever... gets in the way.
I'm sure I saw one these (likely this one) in Northampton a few weeks ago. Such an understated car that I spent many many hours thrashing round in on Gran Turismo
Have the complete opposite end of the spectrum beetle, yellow 1.4 litre petrol convertible, its abjectivly terrible in every way, drives like a boat, slower than a traction engine and throws up engine lights for fun and yet I can't bring myself to part with it, makes me smile.
I never looked into it, but there was a Beetle Cup around the time - with very similar looking body kits. Never looked into the drivetrains etc. Wonder if some of those are kicking around in someone's garage?
The “new” beetle never really resonated with me when new. But now, I’m like… those were kinda neat. Still don’t think I’d have one personally but I appreciate them now for some reason. I will say I wish they were rear engined. That would have been amazing
Not many people know this but the Beetle RSI was named after the repetitive strain injuries suffered by people who were racing it in Gran Turismo.
You kidding right?
This is hilarious
@@audiwankenobi361 No
@@audiwankenobi361 it's true he is right
@@gmain1977 I just don't get it...seriously.
Pause at 8:33 - Compared to the crossover and SUV bullshit that fills the roads today, this Beetle RSI looks absolutely phenomenal.
The same goes for so many cars its age and older. What a shame our roads will be bland and ugly in no time at all.
@@mart3058 yup and the only engine sounds will be electronic and played through speakers. Well be lucky if we get even a simulated manual transmission.
@@mart3058 exactly mate, that’s why I’ll always have my classic bug and will never get rid of it. It’s a timeless piece of art, and will always stick out of the crowd.
That's what should be definition of special edition... those details and improved everything over standard beetle. Simply perfect
Special Edition is a Marketing Gimmick lately so it's great to see Clear daylight between this RSI and standard Beetle..in Power too not just Optics..
In 2006, I stared into the front window of a dealership to see this little bizarre car everyday on my journey to my first job. I still love it, Oz racing wheels and Remus pipes from factory.
I owned a MkIV Golf R32. The best sounding car I have ever owned. That V6 is intoxicating. Wasn't the fastest car on the road, but was an amazing and effortless long distance machine, regardless of the weather/road conditions. I could very easily see me owning a Beetle RSi.
VR6***, and yeah my favorite engine :)
I’m a bit of a VAG fanboy. Had a wide range of VWs and Audis over the years, from a big-bumper Mk2 Golf 8v GTI, to a B5 A4 1.8T, to a face-lift VW CC GT, to an A3 8P 2.0tdi S-Line Sportback.
It’s a huge regret of mine never having owned a VR6 powered VAG vehicle.
I used to think that at some point I would buy one (ideally powering a Corrado). But with fuel prices as high as they are now, and every government hellbent on forcing everyone to drive zero-emission cars, I’m starting to think it will have to remain a dream…
*VR6 mate. Single head.
i daily a vr6 powered Golf, and yes, it's a fantastic little engine! sounds great, lots of torque.
This car is just Grand Tourism for me. Had it in deep pearl blue. So clean.
Blue?
2002 - I remember when this Car came out and my Dad wanted one but they were sold out super quick. 4 month later a neighbour's friend showed up with one! He took me for a ride through some narrow roads(i was 12) - this car is absolutely amazing! Its super stiff, the gear ways were super short, the seats and interior - so cool made - it will always stay in my mind as a one time experience. Cause finding these Beetle´s over here in North America is next to impossible! Thanks @collectingcars for giving the car a platform it deserves!
They were cool. But were priced not much below a 911.
They’re more desirable now due to their rarity. But at the time, I thought they were all mouth and no trousers.
Golden age for VW/Audi products! A lot more passion went into every product, and it shows
Everyone says Gran Turismo, I say Midtown Madness 2. When I think of this car, I think of that game. It was on the splash screen, I think this exact same unit in fact.
Ah the memories! Couldn’t remember the name👌🏼
I'd say PGR, the spiritual successor lol
Exactly! It has been one of my dream cars ever since seeing it on the splash screen.
Hell yeah, the sheltered kid’s GTA3
@@misterhat6395 You're talking to a veteran GTA fan as well... 😄
I never knew about the RSI until now.... boy it it looks sick. Those wide body parts are on point... the massive wing and Remus sound from the VR6 R32 engine... those bucket seat 😊😊🌶🌶👌🇿🇦
It isn‘t the R32 engine. Its base engine is the 2.8 VR6 from the Mk4 with increased displacement
I’ve now got some wide body parts.
I remember one was for sale in my town a good number of years ago, seeing it on the road and telling my other half how special they are. I'd like to think that at the time it was for sale compared to the prices they are now, it's probably doubled. Real passion from one of the biggest brands in the automotive world.
I like them too.I imagine that the RSI would be rather expensive, but you could probably find the beetle with the turbo pretty cheap because people don't take care of them and are very hard on them.
I am the original owner of a 2008 R32. I added a turbo, APR tune, Peloquin differential, new suspension and larger tires and wheels. I call it my smile machine as I can't get the grin off my face when driving it. Thanks for the history on the VR6 engine.
Those OZ wheels look crisp on anything!
Love how everyone remembers it from games. Without those classics how would we of ever known this was actually a real car 🤣
Thanks for doing this video, as an owner of a 2002 Beetle Turbo S in Refex Silver it's great to see this car. 👍
I drive my car all the time and it still puts a smile on my face and I always get people asking me about it.
I remember this car, that rear spoiler left an impression when I played midtown madness back then hahah
Love it my wife had a 1999 tdi version many years ago it was a great car outlasted her and two of my boys. The 2011 mk6 Jetta she bought new not so good barely made it 100k miles the Mexican bits where fabulous but anything with a Bosch label on it was fail. So what was learned from this as a aircraft mechanic is no more Volkswagen I sold the Jetta a year ago for dirt cheap to lessen my strain in life and now she drives a Toyota.
I've watched a half million car vids on YT and this is the very first time I've ever heard of or seen this amazing car! Thank you for showing it!
I remember driving this car on Project Gotham Racing 1 back in 2003 🤣
24V VR6 engine is lovely. It needs forced induction, like all other VR6s :):)
The VR6 and W12 make such perfect sounds when naturally aspirated, it makes me wonder what the W16 would have been like without turbos.
Indeed, alas these car should be celebrated and used before the milk floats take over.
@RR Continued 2.0 16V turbo engine in a Golf R is very far away from the VR6. Lower on power, but so smooth and amazing sound. It needs a GT35R or bigger 😁
Such a cool enthusiasts car. Definitely one of the best cars from vw
beautiful , beautiful car , I always loved the new beetle,
I never knew this car existed. I'm in love 😍😍
Very cool, I do remember these, but never seen one on the road, thanks for sharing.
I had a standard beetle and it was a great car.
What a special car always loved these since I was a kid racing one on gran turismo 3 in the beetle cup 😂❤️
Noise makes a huge part of the feal of performance. I had a forester turbo and with an open air filter and recirc valve deleate the turbo futter made 180hp feel lije 280hp 😎 nice car
Vw fan from New York here, I had a 03 edition w/turbo manual transmission, man it's 39 miles a gallon on the highway, plus solid car with 4 cylinder 20 valve, but never even heard of RSI
Absolutely gorgeous gonna have to boot up beetle racing on the n64
So 50 grand back then. Wonder what today's price tag would be. Either way, looks 👌👌👌
Just looked on Car And Classic, theres one for sale at just under £55k with 45k miles on it.
One went for $62,000 US last year.
@@kennywallace1 Jesus
Using the inflation calculator it comes in at 75k.
In today's money thats 150k new I'd guess.
That things sounds absolutley amazing…
I didn't know about the RSI until I watched this video! Very cool..I owned a 2.0L NA manual for many years, was very slow but a blast to drive all the same
VR6 is easily the best sounding 6 cylinder ever made. I was addicted to my 3.6 B6 passat engine tone. Sadily chain guides and oil cooler took her out of the streets. But that easily made mw a VAG fan especially anything with VR6. We didnt get the VR6 in manual transmission unless its an R32 golf or some rare TT or A3. Most were mated to a slushbox but B7 passat came with DSG atleast. dsg+VR6 is something out of this world. vR6+ manual is even better.
I fell out of love with Vw after being stranded for many many many hours waiting for recovery to many times to mention, I loved the older well built era but won’t have another ever
Reminds me of Midtown Madness 2!
I bought a new Corrado SLC in 1992 and still own it. One thing I learned is you don't want a low distribution VW because the parts are harder to source over time. That rules out the EOS, Phaeton, and especially any VW that has only 250 copies.
Got my little GLS TDI from the same year and love driving it... Like a little go kart...
I remember this from Gran Turismo 2 - great car!
WOW! I'm also an RSI!
Rough
Slow
Ill-favored
Thanks VW!
I remember discovering this car in Gran Turismo 3 and used it quite a bit!
Not sure what it was like around the world, but back in the early 2000's I was selling VW's and the bug was always the "test bed" car. We always got the newest diesels..first in the bug. The bug was the first DSG car in America (I believe). I even think the 1.8T predated the other cars in the bug, etc. Seemed like a very common thing.
I love it. Much more character than a 911.
I remember Salomondrin gushing over One of these. Way back when
"A manual winding window for the RSI"
Irony.
Literally ALL Beetles should have come like this stock. Sold for $37,000, they would have competed with the 3 Series in sales.
VR6 beetle is all we need in the states
I have a 99 Bug design by Germans built by Mexicans. Got it off my cousin for $500 . We traded it back and forth about 3 times. It's going on 200439 miles on it and still going. The cheap plastic inside breaks easy. I get 53ish miles per gallon and it's actually fun to drive up in the hills .
Ok just found out it was Jay May's a American in California that designed the new Bug.
All I see is a Porsche bumper bolted to a beatle I love it hahaha and those arches are amazing
I used to play this in gran turismo 3
Loved my 98. Wanted the S since we never got this stateside.
There was a guy in central NC that had one that he sent to HPI for a twin turbo kit...hilarity ensued.
this is my dream car
And it's an all wheel drive 4motion
I wanted one..but impossible to obtain..
I settled for an 01 glx turbo...it's a lot of fun to drive..and that turbo pssshht sound...lol
It looks like something i saw in grand torisom 3 in PS1🤔🤔...i love it in royal blue
Always really liked these. Never saw one on the road, though.
OH look at that a round racing car!
Aren't these 4WD? No mention of that in the video. Pretty important spec if you ask me.
Exactly what I was about to say. These things are 4motion. The running gear is lifted directly from a VR6 Bora.
giving me 911 GT3 vibes for some reason
What a cracking little car! Love it
You should ask VW to dust off the GTI W12 for you to check out, now that was a crazy car made just for a VW based car show in Austria , I think. There is nothing like the sound of a VR6 engine, as I used to have one a long time ago. OZ wheels are some of my favorite, I think I have near 7 or 8 sets of them now.
I remember seeing this bug when I was a kid and wanting one
Only beetle I would drive 👌🏼👌🏼
For the first time this oddball of a car makes sense. It really looks far more serious and interesting. The awkwardness of borrowing the profile of a design from 1938 and all the compromises that brought, have been made purposeful and purposed. A great save from Volkswagen! More please!
I loved seeing this used as a rally car, both in Gran Turismo and (I believe) in one of the Colin McRae games. There was also the GRC Beetle, but sadly that seemed short lived, and despite a fictional GR3 racecar version of the MK.III Beetle in GT Sport/GT7, no other variant (rally or street) is included (besides the classic Beetle of course)
The VR6 is the best sounding 6 cylinder engine in any displacement.
Can't argue with that
@@jamieeedden777 You're forgetting the Alfa GTV (Busso) V6 3.0. 24v - unbeatable sound. 😎
@@jamesmurphy1389 unfortunately I live in America....never heard that engine in real life.
What a beautiful porsche
This VW had me think they were taking road cars serious again for about 2 years. I loved this car and also the racing circuit that followed. But of course USA doesn't get good stuff over because of whatever... gets in the way.
Saw one years ago was a cool curiosity for sure. Back when most people choose an R32 instead
They're 5 times the money of a r32
La seule new beetle pour moi
Nice fwd shitbox👍
Hopefully I wil be completing my Replica with VW parts only soon.
I'm sure I saw one these (likely this one) in Northampton a few weeks ago. Such an understated car that I spent many many hours thrashing round in on Gran Turismo
You said v6. Isn’t it vr6?
A vr6 is a v6
aren't everybody confusing a v6 with the vr6 engine? They're not the same
No mention of the chassis configuration, brakes, all wheel drive system, handling at speed? You left a lot on the table.
6.4 secs aint slow either , same as the mk 4 R32
Yellow would be nice
Any Midtown Madness players here ? This car was so dope in that game
Looks like a goodwill Porsche
Sounds amazing 🥹
There was a game based in France that featured this car? What was it?
Have the complete opposite end of the spectrum beetle, yellow 1.4 litre petrol convertible, its abjectivly terrible in every way, drives like a boat, slower than a traction engine and throws up engine lights for fun and yet I can't bring myself to part with it, makes me smile.
I have 2 lol
superb fun!
I never looked into it, but there was a Beetle Cup around the time - with very similar looking body kits. Never looked into the drivetrains etc. Wonder if some of those are kicking around in someone's garage?
Kind of looks like a 911/ beetle hybrid with that wide body kit.
Feel like it needs bigger wheels (aesthetically) to fill those wide hips
The “new” beetle never really resonated with me when new. But now, I’m like… those were kinda neat. Still don’t think I’d have one personally but I appreciate them now for some reason.
I will say I wish they were rear engined. That would have been amazing
it looks like a baby 911. fitting given its lineage
Any car with a carbon door card is cool....
Lovely car with lovely potential
This unicorn should of been graced a supercharger from factory.
Actually 251 We're made. There was a blue one made for VW executive
cheapest available in germany 45k, 3 others around60k mark.
Someone must build a rear engined one
Need a rear engine rear wheel drive bug
Is no one talking about the fact those seats are clearly red and yet he calls them orange?
Still won't catch me driving one of those things. My car is 1 in 14k so not quite on that level. 429hp can u guess what it is?
Welcome to Midtown Madness 2
I paid like 40 grand for my 2000 Jetta 😂😂 yeah yeah I was ripped off, but it was really nice 1.8 T, fully loaded
Silver is way to conservative, needs to be wrapped in the maddest colour possible.