First Coast Gears: More aggressive Volkswagen Beetle R-Line debuts for 2013

Volkswagen's much-beloved Beetle has always been known for its economy. But historically, the aggressive looks have been left to models like the long-U.S. departed Scirocco (it's still sold in Europe) and GTI to execute.

That changes in 2013.

VW has announced it's launching an R-Line Bug.  The R-Line is to Volkswagen what SRT is to Chrysler or M is to BMW. Although, in the case of the U.S.-bound Beetles, it's more about appearance than performance.

The Beetle R-Line starts with the Turbo model, which makes 200 horsepower. VW then adds a more aggressive front bumper and chrome-framed turn signals while the rear gets a race-inspired diffuser.

R-Line logos, 19-inch "Tornado" aluminum-alloy wheels and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights round out the exterior enhancements.

Inside, the R-Line features custom stainless-steel kickplates, a steering wheel badge, a unique color dashboard panel and contrasting-color sticking on the seats, shifter knob, and handbrake lever.

Although similar, the production R-Line does differ from the Beetle R Concept that was shown at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.

Coming Saturday night, Jan. 5

First Coast Gears will be at the Sunshine State Chevelles Cruise-in at 8015 Merrill Road Saturday evening. The cruise-in runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Watch for video coverage Saturday on First Coast News at 11 on WJXX-ABC 25 and WTLV-NBC 12. You'll also find a slideshow from the cruise-in on firstcoastnews.com.

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