RE: VW Beetle RSI: Spotted

[Synchromesh]

tomellingham said:

These were on 'Midtown Madness', that little know racer by Microsoft. That was a long time ago!

YES MATE!! That brings back the memories!

Also, that roof spoiler looks like it would create lift rather than downforce. Can anyone explain otherwise?

[Dave G fsi]

I never even knew these existed!

Cool, in a weird kind of way...

[TIGA84]

I think I recall VBH testing one on 5th/top gear when they came out.

The general consensus from memory, was pony.

[RenesisEvo]

kambites said:

I always liked the RSI. I'm not quite sure why though, possibly just because it's such an unlikely car to do this to.

In a funny sort of way, it reminds me of the Clio V6.

I think the wheels are quite similar (both OZ aren't they?). I've a soft spot also for the RSI, simply because I do love when manufacturers forget about being sensible and release something totally unjustifiable yet very appealing.

Although the poor paint match on the rear bumper would really bother me. Perhaps it's just the photos.

[KennyGT]

Butter Face said:

Tell me that doesn't look like a 911.




(Seriously, tell me)

That doesn't look like a 911.

[Terminator X]

I remember the original review (Evo Mag?) where it got slammed! Surprised any were sold tbh.

TX.

Edit - yep in their top 10 worst cars ever!

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/cargrouptests/2049...

[Fast Bug]

fastgerman said:

Schrick cams, Milltek full system with sports cats and a remap will put this at 300 bhp and give a fantastic engine note. That would be a 5.5 second to 60 Beetle ;-)

Slower than my air cooled Beetle then

[RichieB1973]

Is it a big job to retrofit the vase?

[delays]

Synchromesh said:

tomellingham said:

These were on 'Midtown Madness', that little know racer by Microsoft. That was a long time ago!

YES MATE!! That brings back the memories!

Also, that roof spoiler looks like it would create lift rather than downforce. Can anyone explain otherwise?

Loved that game, what a cracker.

As for the Beetle, I've always been a fan of this one since it's a bit mental.

[J B L]

£20k!? Bargain!

France: ~ £32.5k
http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/494822017.htm?ca=...

Spain: ~ £25k
http://www.autoscout24.com/Details.aspx?id=2412659...

[Andy ap]

J B L said:

£20k!? Bargain!

France: ~ £32.5k
http://www.leboncoin.fr/voitures/494822017.htm?ca=...

Spain: ~ £25k
http://www.autoscout24.com/Details.aspx?id=2412659...

25K for a car with lexus lights???? WTF?

[moskvich427]

But they only made 250 of them and it has the 'Beetle' name so... I'm going to put my neck on the line and say:

FUTURE CLASSIC

[Stu R]

Only ever seen one on the road in Dubai, sounded great with a fruity exhaust. Quite like the look of them too, but not for that money.

[interloper]

I couldn't get my head around the pricing of the RSI. When new you could pick up a 911 for about 5 grand more or a serious hot hatch or Renault's daft Clio V6 for a lot less. The car simply didn't have performance or handling to back up the price or the pumped up looks.

In all honesty I don't find Beetles remotely appealing but I think you needed to be a massive beetle fan to overlook the price as it didn't seem in anyway justified. Its rather thankful for the owners that these seem to have held their value!

[brocko]

Synchromesh said:

that roof spoiler looks like it would create lift rather than downforce. Can anyone explain otherwise?

You might get a bit of downforce depending on the profile of it but the main reason it's there is to stop the air flow separating on the trailing edge of the roof and guide it onto the wing - which otherwise would just be in a low pressure wake not doing anything useful

• searches for nerd smiley*...

[Podie]

Someone on PH had one.

Seem to recall the engine is actually different from the R32.

[Podie]

swerni said:

Think Tony (blim_bug) still has it.
I believe your right, I know be has some issue a few years ago and took ages to get parts as it was different to the R32 engine

Evenin' squire!

Couldn't recall the name, but knew he'd had grief with parts.

[stewies_minion]

Don't want one and wouldn't spend my own money on one. But..

I'm endlessly pleased they exist. For a miserable car company to make such a silly thing says a lot.

They are a delight to look at. There I said it.

[BUG4LIFE]

It's a cult car, you either get it or you don't, the price isn't important....I love it (though I did own a Beetle)

[k-ink]

I spotted a new one back in the day. I said to my girlfriend "Look, an RSI!". She replied; "Just a bodykit on a beetle". Ok then.

I did buy a new R32 some years later. That was fairy ok for a lardy modern hatch.