A specially-tuned Volkswagen Beetle has set a new land speed record at the World of Speed event held at Lake Bonneville in Utah (USA). The Volkswagen Beetle LSR with a turbocharged 2.0-litre direct-injection engine (TSI) reached a speed of 328.195 km/h (205.122 mph) over a distance of one mile.
The car was modified to comply with regulations for record-setting drives on the salt flats. The output of the 2.0-litre TSI was bumped up significantly, to a peak power of 542 bhp (550 PS) and a peak torque of 571 Nm by adding a new turbocharger, different pistons, camshafts, connecting rods and cylinder head modifications.
They also added to this Volkswagen Beetle LSR, special flat-faced wheels and tyres to cope with the salt surface and lowered the ride for stability and increased aerodynamics. A limited-slip differential was also used to improve traction, while a safety package that consisted of a rollover protection cage, a race seat with five-point harness and a fire extinguishing system was also added. The record-setting Beetle had two brake parachutes that were used to slow down the Beetle.
The performance of this stark yellow Volkswagen Beetle LSR was officially recorded by the Utah Salt Flats Racing Association (USFRA), in the event which is held every summer.
