1986 Ford RS200
September 25, 2026
2001 Volkswagen Beetle RSi
2001 Volkswagen Beetle RSi
The Beetle That Broke the Rules.
Born from a bold idea, the Beetle RSi combines unmistakable design with serious performance engineering.
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More than a limited-production Beetle, the RSi represents a unique chapter in Volkswagen’s performance history
CAR MILEAGE
17,690
UNITS PRODUCED
250
YEAR
2001
OFFERED AT
$Call for price
The Beetle Nobody Expected
The Beetle RSi was Volkswagen’s most radical interpretation of the Beetle concept. Developed as a serious performance machine, it took one of the brand’s most recognizable designs and transformed it into something far more focused, aggressive, and technically sophisticated.
It remains one of the most unusual performance cars Volkswagen has ever put into production.
An Exceptionally Rare Example
This Japanese-market RSi is #176 of only 250 produced worldwide and shows just 17,690 original miles.
Its combination of extremely limited production, low mileage, and distinctive specification makes it a particularly compelling example of a model rarely encountered—even among dedicated Volkswagen collections.
The Heart of the RSi
At its center is a 3.2-liter naturally aspirated VR6, producing approximately 224 horsepower and paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
The narrow-angle six-cylinder delivers the unmistakable VR6 soundtrack and sends its power through Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system—a configuration that gives the RSi a character completely removed from the standard Beetle.
More Than a Widebody
The RSi’s dramatic appearance was developed around substantial changes beneath the surface. Its wider track is complemented by a specially developed suspension, larger brakes, and chassis revisions designed to give the car the handling to match its performance.
This was not simply a Beetle with visual modifications. Volkswagen re-engineered the car as a complete performance package.
A Cabin Built Around the Driver
The transformation continues inside. The RSi received a highly distinctive cabin featuring extensive carbon fiber and aluminum detailing, Recaro sports seats, and performance-focused instrumentation.
These elements created an environment unlike that of any conventional Beetle and reinforced the RSi’s position as the flagship performance interpretation of the model.
Built Differently
The RSi was not treated like a conventional mass-production Beetle.
Its highly specialized construction and limited-volume assembly reflected the complexity of its unique bodywork, drivetrain, chassis, and interior.
That approach helped make the RSi something particularly unusual in Volkswagen history: a familiar production model transformed into an exclusive, highly specialized performance car.
Preservation, Squadra Lupo Style
Every detail of this Beetle RSi has been carefully inspected and addressed through the Squadra Lupo PRESERVATION PROCESS™, with one clear objective: preserve its originality while ensuring it looks, feels, and performs as it should.
Its original finish received a complete paint correction, restoring depth, clarity, and gloss while respecting the character and authenticity of the car.
Preserved, not restored. Ready to be driven, enjoyed, and carried into its next chapter.
A Different Kind of Volkswagen Icon
What makes the RSi significant today is not one individual specification, but the philosophy behind the entire project.
Volkswagen took an automobile associated primarily with design and nostalgia and gave its engineers the freedom to create something genuinely unexpected. The result sits outside the traditional GTI and R performance formula, occupying a unique place in the company’s history.
More than two decades later, the RSi remains difficult to categorize—and that is precisely what makes it so special.
From the Racetrack to the Road
Inspired by Volkswagen Motorsport’s New Beetle Cup, the RSi brought genuine racing influence to the road, transforming the familiar Beetle into something far more purposeful and extraordinary.
Born from racing. Built to stand apart.
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CAR PEDIGREE
Preserved, not restored.
This Beetle RSi has completed the Squadra Lupo PRESERVATION PROCESS™, with careful attention given to maintaining its original character, finishes, and factory identity. The objective throughout the process was preservation rather than recreation—protecting what makes this example authentic.
Authenticity & Rarity
A genuine 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle RSi, #176 of only 250 produced worldwide. This Japanese-market example retains the distinctive specification that made the RSi Volkswagen’s ultimate factory interpretation of the Beetle RSi.
Driving Readiness
Preservation goes beyond appearance. The vehicle has been carefully inspected and prepared with the objective of delivering the driving experience intended by Volkswagen—from its naturally aspirated VR6 and six-speed manual transmission to its 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.
Squadra Lupo Verification
Every relevant area of the vehicle has been evaluated as part of the Squadra Lupo PRESERVATION PROCESS™, with attention to mechanical condition, functionality, presentation, and originality. The result is a carefully preserved RSi prepared to be driven and enjoyed.
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
WVWZZZ9CZ1M750163
The VIN provides the unique factory identification of this individual Volkswagen Beetle RSi.
PRESERVATION PERFECTED
If you’ve ever wanted the Beetle that broke every rule of what a Beetle could be… this is your opportunity.
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