The First VW Beetle GT Conversion Is Willing To Race

Do you remember the Gran Turismo Sport VW Beetle GT racecar, which was supposed to be a real-life bodykit? According to a video broadcast a few days ago on JP Performance GmbH's YouTube channel, the first car has been finished by Prior design and JP Performance GmbH.

Even Volkswagen's own 2011 Beetle R Concept looks better with this bodykit than the Beetle RSi it replaces, according to VW. Front and rear bumpers have aerodynamic flaps linked to the fender extenders, giving the car a DTM-like appearance. Dual exhaust pipes emerge from the front fenders in an odd configuration.

Those yellow LED lights on the custom-designed front bumper, which also has a large lower intake and a noticeable splitter, wouldn't make VW Beetle GT completed without them. As a result of the additional width, black sill inserts have been added, as well as a set of massive five-spoke alloy wheels with ultra-low-profile tires on the side. An enormous wing is installed on the back windscreen, while the basic bumper has a diffuser.

As a single cosmetic upgrade, the JP Performance bodykit is available. However, the guys at JP Performance stepped higher and included some mechanical improvements.  Audi's five-cylinder 2.5 TFSI turbocharged 2.5 TFSI engine looks like the ideal choice for this construction. All in all, the last Beetle is available with several performance bits taken from the VW Golf GTI and Golf R, as well as Audi's TT RS and RS3, thanks to its MQB platform.

As a result of the engine's tuning, it will generate more than the previous-generation standard unit's 394-hp and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft). Both Volkswagen and Polyphony Digital, according to the bodykit's developers, have authorized the construction. Only 53 VW Beetle GT bodykits will be made available to potential buyers. 

Everything from 2011 through 2019 Beetle vehicles is suitable with the upgrade. The bodykit costs €5,990 ($7,073) on its own, but the mechanical improvements are not yet priced.