Volkswagen unveils Beetle GRC ahead of its debut

Volkswagen's Andretti Rallycross team has unveiled the 'Beetle GRC,' just before its official debut at the Red Bull Global Rallycross race this weekend. The machine was earlier displayed at the 2014 Chicago Motor Show as a symbol of Volkswagen's entry into motorsports. The beetle GRC features a bold front fascia and aggressive stance, the rally machine will be driven by Tanner Foust and Scott Speed. With two victories in the kitty, the team will enter the third round of the season for another straight win.

"The Polo has already proved super-competitive," said Speed, "and we are really looking forward to racing a car that has been engineered specifically by Volkswagen Motorsport for GRC competition." Foust added: "I know I can't wait to race the No. 34 Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle. There's no cooler looking car in the series."

The Beetle GRC is based on the third-generation Beetle and has been designed and engineered from the prospect of a rally machine. It is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter TSI four-cylinder intercooled engine that pumps out a massive 544 bhp (405 kW) of maximum power. The powerful TSI engine comes mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox which transfers the force to all four wheels. With these brilliant performance figures, this mean machine sprints 0-100 kmph in just 2.1 seconds. The car is 168.8 inches in length, and is 71.7 inches wide, as per the specific regulations required to race.

Jost Capito, Volkswagen Motorsport director, said: "After Volkswagen of America's impressive start on the rallycross scene with the Polo, the launch of the new Beetle GRC rallycross car represents the next major milestone. The Beetle boasts a unique appearance and state-of-the-art technology. It will sweep fans off their feet."

On the design front, the Volkswagen Beetle GRC comes with big rear wings, wide-body fenders, side scoops and over-all dynamic shape. It also comes equipped with spot-on high performance braking system (14.0-inch dia front and 11.8-inch rear vented disc brakes), advanced suspension set-up as well as limited slip differentials. The machine uses an advanced all-around strut-type suspension system with ZF dampers and about 9.1 inches of travel to cope with the rigors of the off-road portion of rallycross race track. It wears 17-inch shoes that are shod with 240/640-R17 Yokohama's best tyres.