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Rumour has it that Volkswagen is preparing a performance version of the all new Beetle. But before Volkswagen releases such a vehicle, the German automaker is giving us a glimpse of what the future might have in store by offering us the Volkswagen Beetle R-Line. The Volkswagen Beetle R-Line model is available in two different packages; an exterior package and an interior package. The exterior package may be ordered separately, while the interior package is always offered as an extension of the R-Line exterior details. The exterior package includes front bumpers with independent black grained air inlets and chrome surrounds for the directional indicators, a rear diffuser, special body side panels and door mirror housings in body colour, R-Line logos on the front body beneath the A-pillars and 18 inch "Twister" alloy wheels. The R-Line interior package includes sport seat system with seats upholstered with an active-breathing fabric in "Kyalami" design, front head restraints with R-Line badge, leather trimmed sport steering wheel, the gear shift lever boot and the handbrake grip with decorative seams in "Art Grey" and decorative inlays in "Dark Vanadium.

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Volkswagen has previewed the Volkswagen Beetle R concept at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. What this concept car shows is basically the Full Monty of Volkswagen Beetles if they put it into production. It shows off a redesigned and more aggressive bodykit, a bonnet with vents on it, a rear diffuser with quad-tailpipes and 20 inch wheel combo for the exterior. It also shows off a more luxuriously trimmed interior featuring nappa leather wrapped sports seats, a revised aluminium meter cluster, aluminium pedals and other unique to the Beetle R trim. As for what sits in the engine bay, we do not know as yet as Volkswagen has only hinted that it may have the same power output as the 266hp Volkswagen Golf R. So the question that begs asking is this: Do all the mods make the Volkswagen Beetle R a more macho car? One that motorheads, petrolheads and gearheads would drool over, go weak in the knees or feel that driving one is better than sex or one still destined like its less brutal looking siblings and be the favourite of hairdressers or crossdressers alike? I think the Volkswagen Beetle R is still for the latter group of people. You know why? If you really took a long look at the new, slightly lower, wider Beetle you could see that it looks like a slightly taller Porsche 911 (930 series) from the 1970s -1980s. What the bodykit needs to ape a little more is the whale tail of the 930 911 Turbo. The front already has modern day Porsche aping looks, why not add a retro but totally outrageous touch like that Porsche whale tail? And while they're at it, add wider rear arches so that the car goes truly aggressive. I can vouch that there will be people who would love a Beetle with some early Porsche DNA built into them. Retro may work well with the Beetle R. What the Volkswagen Beetle R concept to me is something still incomplete. It looks quite aggressive, but not gut wrenching aggressive enough. Photo source: Autocar