Volkswagen’s New Beetle is hardly the first car that comes to mind when discussing serious performance machines. However, back in 2001, Wolfsburg’s finest built a limited-edition version that was way more exciting than the ordinary Beetle.
Known as the New Beetle RSi, this unusual hot hatch combined a powerful VR6 engine, a six-speed gearbox, all-wheel drive, and carbon-fiber components. Only 250 examples were produced, making it one of the rarest modern Volkswagens.
Now, one of these extraordinary Beetles has appeared for sale on Bring a Trailer, offering enthusiasts a chance to acquire a very unusual piece of VW history. The car is number 176 of 250 and has covered approximately 18,000 kilometers (11,000 miles).
With its exotic materials and extensive performance upgrades, the RSi was an ambitious project that became the most expensive production Beetle ever sold new.
A 3.2-Liter VR6 With All-Wheel Drive
Under the hood sits a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter VR6 producing 221 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission and a Haldex all-wheel-drive system.
The RSi also received upgraded suspension, larger brakes, and 18-inch OZ Racing Superturismo wheels. Its widened bodywork, aggressive bumpers, and prominent rear spoilers give it a distinctive appearance.
A Remus exhaust system provides a suitably aggressive soundtrack, while the Silver Arrow Metallic paint keeps the exterior relatively restrained.
Carbon Fiber, Aluminum, And Manual Windows
The cabin is arguably even stranger than the exterior, featuring carbon-fiber door panels, aluminum trim, and hard-backed Recaro racing seats upholstered in bright Tropical Orange leather. Despite the expensive materials, Volkswagen still fitted manual window cranks in the spirit of Lotus founder Colin Chapman’s famous philosophy of “adding lightness.”
Other unusual details include an ignition button beside the handbrake, an overhead-mounted radio, and a dashboard grab handle. An engraved plaque confirms this example’s place in the limited production run.
A Low-Mileage Collector’s Car With A Fresh Service
This particular RSi was first registered in Japan before joining a private collection in Germany. The selling dealer acquired it in 2026 and carried out extensive recommissioning work after a lengthy period in storage.
The July 2026 service included fresh fluids, replacement of ignition and cooling-system components, and maintenance of the gearbox, differentials, and Haldex system. According to the listing, the car comes with service records and a Florida title.
At the time of writing, bidding had reached $86,500, with the auction scheduled to conclude on October 28. That’s serious money for a Beetle, although with only 250 examples ever built, opportunities to buy one this well preserved are few and far between.