180hp New Beetle ¿Turbo S

Volkswagen of America, Inc. has unleashed the most powerful and sports equipped New Beetle ever available in the United States, endowing it with 180 horsepower, ESP, and the automaker's first six-speed-manual transmission in this market.

At last a Turbo Beetle

The 2002 New Beetle Turbo S becomes available in January 2002 throughout the United States. With its new brawn, the Turbo S can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 7.4 seconds; it is capable of reaching a top speed of 130 mph and employs a speed activated rear spoiler that helps maintain rear-end stability at very high speeds.

This version of the New Beetle is the first Volkswagen passenger car to include the Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP). ESP automatically uses the Turbo S's engine power, braking, and the transmission system to help the driver stabilise the car in very demanding driving situations such as emergency manoeuvres . As the name implies, ESP recognises when the car is in danger of skidding and helps compensate for driver over-reaction by using the performance dynamics of the car; applying brake pressure to certain wheels; reducing the throttle of the engine to one or both of the front wheels; and engaging or disengaging the transmission management systems.

¿Some people describe ESP as having a professional rally driver in your car at all times to help in difficult or sudden driving situations says Stefan Krebsfanger, manager of product strategy, Volkswagen of America, Inc. ¿I think this is a good and simple way of describing it, but people still need to understand that no system is completely fail-safe and no technology can overcome careless or dangerous driving

While retaining the classic and desirable profile of the New Beetle, the Turbo S model is specially clad to evoke its more sporty nature. In the front, the New Beetle Turbo S's wardrobe includes integrated foglights, newly designed turn signals, and an air-slicing front spoiler. In the back, a newly designed rear bumper, a subtle ¿Turbo S badge and dual chrome exhausts cunningly hint at the 180 ponies locked in front under the Turbo S hood.

Also new are special standard 17-inch alloy wheels that are only available on this model. The Turbo S also comes with a speed-activated black rear spoiler that stays hidden at the top of the rear hatch until a speed of 45 mph is reached at which time it deploys automatically.

Exterior colours for this special model include Reflex Silver metallic, Black and Red. Early next year, Platinum Gray will be added to range.

Inside, the driver and passenger happily find another of Volkswagen's renowned interiors that is tastefully sculpted from high-quality textured plastics and textiles. It is this extreme attention to detail that give all Volkswagen's a one-of-a-kind touch and feel that other car companies try to imitate with little regard for authenticity.

Other special Turbo S features include stainless steel pedals. This brushed alloy look is found throughout the cabin at the shift knob, glove box handle, on the spokes of the sport steering wheel and door lock sticks. Even the New Beetle bud vase goes metallic with a brushed alloy trim that screams for something other than a colourful daisy.

The Turbo Beetle - aggressive stance

Completing the Turbo S's sporty look is a leather wrapped, three-spoke steering wheel, black leather brake grip, and shift boot with gray stitching. The New Beetle's round instrument gauges are also feature white on black illumination that stands in stark contrast to the pleasing glow of indigo blue found in other New Beetle models.

Under the hood, at the heart of the Turbo S, resides the most powerful four-cylinder engine available in a Volkswagen. The 1.8 T engine has always been known for its six-cylinder like performance in an economical four-cylinder package. This upgraded version provides substantial low, and high-end power and performance, continuing to employ a turbocharger, an intercooler and Volkswagen's innovative five-valve technology.

These revisions give the new 1.8 T an output of 180 horsepower at just 5,500 revolutions per minute. The peak torque is offered throughout a wide rpm band, beginning at 1,950 rpm and stretching through 5,000 rpm. That means pulling power out of the gate and in the passing lane.

Mated to this remarkable four-cylinder is Volkswagen's first-ever six-speed manual transmission. This allows the driver to pick the perfect gear and rpm range for any driving style or situation. Uniquely, the six speed offers two final drives in fifth and sixth, allowing for optimal performance control and economy.

With an extra rigid body structure and four-wheel independent suspension system, which help give the New Beetle a rock-solid feel. The front suspension uses a McPherson struts with control arms, stabiliser bar and coil spring struts. The rear suspension employs a ¿V profile torsion beam axle with integral sway bar and trailing arms. The torsion beam axle is mounted to the vehicle with VW's unique track-correcting bushings a feature designed to minimise unwanted steering effects. Active safety in the New Beetle comes from its precise handling, the security of front-wheel drive, advanced braking, and other accident avoidance aids like daytime running lights (DRL).

This safety system in the New Beetle's includes energy-absorbing crumple zones. In a severe crash, these zones sacrifice themselves in an accordion-like fashion, absorbing the energy to help spare the critical central structure.

In addition to front and side impact airbags for front passengers, the New Beetle uses a safety belt pre-tensioning system that tightens and optimally positions the front belts within milliseconds of a severe crash. To help secure a child safety seat, which should only be used in the rear seats, automatic locking retractors (ALR) and emergency locking retractors (ELR) are provided.

After several half-hearted attempts, Volkswagen Of America has finally pulled off a true sport version of the New Beetle - it goes all out in both looks and, most importantly, performance.