Volkswagen of America and Andretti Autosport revealed the 400 kW (544 hp) all-wheel drive Volkswagen Beetle GRC race car in late June, which celebrated its race debut over the weekend. Tanner Foust got behind the wheel of an extreme Beetle for the first time in the seventh and eighth races of the US Global Rallycross Championship in Los Angeles . It's a debut that motorsport fans and Volkswagen fans have been looking forward to. The Beetle GRC charmed with its extraordinary appearance, the distinctive sound of the 1.6 liter turbocharged engine and the special technology developed for rallycross.
" We are very excited and even a little nervous that the Beetle will now celebrate its rallycross debut in Los Angeles, " Jost Capito , director of Volkswagen Motorsport , said before the race. " We've been working together over the past months to get this unique racing car on the wheels, and we can't wait to see it in action for the first time. The remaining events of the Global Rallycross USA series this year are very valuable as they will allow us to gain experience with this all-new car and optimally prepare it for the 2015 season. ”
The development of the Volkswagen Beetle GRC took place within the Volkswagen concern as a project of Volkswagen of America with the support of the Volkswagen Motorsport department. The Beetle GRC will be fielded by the legendary Andretti Autosport team in the Global Rallycross USA Championship.
The Beetle GRC is based on the third generation of the Beetle model. It is equipped with a 400 kW (544 hp) in -line four-cylinder engine , a racing six-speed sequential gearbox, self-locking multi-plate differentials on the front and rear axles and McPherson struts with ZF shock absorbers. The Beetle GRC can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in about 2.2 seconds and continues with very intense acceleration up to a top speed of 200 km/h. Its exterior is also remarkable. Wide fenders, a large rear spoiler, a low roof edge and the front part are characterized by an aggressively sporty appearance. At the same time, the designers of the Volkswagen brand managed to preserve the unmistakable shapes of the cult car.
Tanner Foust showed just how fast this car is on the first day in Los Angeles by setting the fastest time in one of the qualifying runs. " We have gained a lot of experience with the Beetle on this track and have set some fastest times. Now I'm looking forward to the next venture in Seattle ," said Foust.
Source: Volkswagen
