Scott Speed Visits Stohlman and Definitive Beetle GRC Unveiled!

(Stohlman VW Management, Sales, and Service Staff with Scott Speed)

Yesterday was an exciting day at Stohlman VW, where Volkswagen Andretti GRC driver, Scott Speed stopped by to say hello. He took the time to sign autographs and meet fans who were excited for the upcoming race. If you missed meeting Scott Speed, luckily he left some tickets for Stohlman customers, so if you'd like to attend the Volkswagen Rallycross DC this weekend at RFK Stadium, swing by the dealership and grab some before they're all gone!

The big news however is that the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team has finally unveiled the definitive Beetle GRC rallycross car. After it's initial concept unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show, there has been much speculation on what this powerhouse would entail.

(Photo courtesy of vwvortex.com)

The rallycross Beetle features a sequential six-speed transmission, with a fixed ratio all wheel drive system with multi plate limited-slip differentials in the front and rear. The suspension is an all-around strut-type suspension with ZF dampers, giving the Beetle around 9.1 inches to handle the off-road portion of the rallycross course. The Beetle GRC has 14 inch diameter front and 11.8 inch rear vented disc brakes, four-piston aluminum calipers, and 17 inch wheels with 240/640-R17 Yokohama competition tires. In other words, it's ready to handle whatever a rallycross course is going to throw at it.

(Photo courtesy of vwvortex.com)

The Beetle GRC features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder TSI turbocharged and intercooled engine, producing 544 horsepower. 168.8 inches long and 71.7 inches wide, the Beetle GRC must weigh in at a series regulation minimum of 2668 lbs. That being said, with a combination of the high horsepower, slender figure, and AWD, the new rallycross Beetle GRC is predicted to have an incredible 0-60 mph time of 2.1 seconds. Sign me up for one of those bad boys!

(Photo courtesy of vwvortex.com)

The Beetle GRC will not be used at the race this weekend, but will be available for fans and attendees to see. Volkswagen Motorsport director, Jost Capito stated, "After Volkswagen of America’s impressive start on the rallycross scene with the Polo, the launch of the new Beetle GRC rallycross car represents the next major milestone. The Beetle boasts a unique appearance and state-of-the-art technology. It will sweep fans off their feet.” I'd have to agree with Capito. The new Beetle GRC rallycross car has definitely swept me off my feet.

Let us know what you think of the Beetle GRC and if you'll be attending this weekend @stohlmanauto. 

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5