Volkswagen prices limited-edition Beetle GSR

Volkswagen is bringing back the yellow-and-black Beetle GSR for 2014, more than 40 years after the “Yellow Black Racer” (Gelb Schwarzer Renner) debuted for the first time. That car had around 50 hp; the new one will eclipse that by just a little bit.

On sale today, the Beetle GSR will use VW's turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI engine making 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The sprint to 60 mph will take a respectable 6.6 seconds while speed will top out at 130 mph. Peak torque is delivered at only 1,700 rpm, and a six-speed manual transmission is standard.

The 2014 Beetle GSR will start at $29,995, not including destination; the DSG-equipped car costs $1,100 more.

Only 3,500 will be produced globally, sporting the classic bumblebee paint scheme. “GSR” lettering is pasted on the side skirts, while 19-inch Tornado aluminum alloy wheels sit at all four corners. We first saw the hopped-up bug at the Chicago Auto Show in February.

Inside, the Beetle GSR has a yellow/black theme, sport seats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The seats are black leather with yellow stitching. Elsewhere in the interior, changes including an R-Line dash pad, a GSR shift lever and black floor mats with yellow accents. A badge on the steering wheel will note the limited edition.

The GSR is based on the R-Line with Sunroof and Sound with Navigation model -- yes that's the full name – and it comes with the Fender premium audio system, keyless access with push-button start, xenon headlights, heated front seats and Bluetooth, in addition to the sunroof and nav system.

By Jake Lingeman