Volkswagen Beetle R concept (photos)

Volkswagen showed off this concept R version of the new Beetle at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Although just a concept, it signals that Volkswagen is building up R as its performance brand. The company is releasing a production Golf R early next year.

Volkswagen released few specifications about the Beetle R, but there are some obvious cosmetic differences. It is based on the new, 2012 Beetle, with its flattened roofline. The Beetle R gets big air intakes below the bumper, which has also been widened by 1.2 inches.

The engine is a turbocharged, direct injection 2-liter four cylinder and, if it is the same as that in the Golf R, it will produce 267 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.

Volkswagen put vents in the hood to help bleed heat from the engine bay; they give the car a more aggressive look.

The Beetle R has a glass, panoramic roof, and four exhaust pipe tips. The Golf R has Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, so the Beetle R would likely have this system as well.

Custom 20-inch wheels adorn the Beetle R, with Volkswagen's blue brake calipers, a signature of its R division, visible between the spokes.

Very cool-looking sport seats have high bolsters and Volkswagen's R logo.

The Beetle R has Volksagen's DSG transmission, a dual-clutch six-speed able to perform very quick, efficient shifts.

A set of three gauges are set into the top of the dashboard, showing information such as turbo pressure and oil temperature.

Volkswagen also fitted the Beetle R concept with its RN315 infotainment system, which includes navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity, and a variety of media sources. The car also has Volkswagen's new Fender premium audio system.