Volkswagen penning Beetle 'R'

Once Volkswagen had debuted the new Beetle, it wasn't long until information on upcoming variants hit the web.

According to source deep within Volkswagen, the firm is scheduling a range-topping Beetle R, and although no powertrain or chassis information will detailed, the sporty Beetle R is likely to utilise a turbocharged 2.0 litre petrol engine, pumping out 266bhp (270PS/199kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. And while most “R” model use a 4Motion four-wheel-drive system, the Beetle may only be front-wheel-drive.

Unsurprisingly, a cabriolet variant will be offered in the last quarter of 2012.