VW Beetle R gets the “man” treatment

The Volkswagen Beetle, one of the oldest surviving nameplates in automotive history, has always had more female aficionados due to its inevitably-cute design. Yet, folks at Volkswagen seemingly have not given up trying to inject doses of masculinity into this cute-o-mobile, evident from the Beetle R Concept which debuted at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The ‘R’ badge on the Beetle R signifies its rubber-burning intentions, aided by the same powertrain powering the Golf R and Scirocco R, though no official figures have been announced. Adding to the mean looks are the 20-inch “Talladega” alloy wheels, redesigned fascias with three air intakes – the centre one for making the engine breathe more air and one on each side meant to cool the brakes, ventilation slots to keep the furious engine cool enough and a larger rear spoiler for better downforce on the rear axle. The interior houses sports seats clad in black Nappa leather with embossed “R” logo, ‘R-specific’ instrument cluster and upgraded door-sill plates with ‘R’ logos.

Judging by the pictures, the Beetle R Concept is not far away from production. And regardless of the numerous attempts to make it look serious and manly, it only looks cuter. And anyway, last we heard, the new “New Beetle” isn’t coming to the GCC.