Imagine pulling up to a track day in a VW Beetle. Not just any Beetle, but a New Beetle RSi, secretly packing incredible power under its iconic shell. While onlookers in their Porsches and Ferraris might smirk, they’ll quickly eat their words when the flag drops. This isn’t your average Bug; it’s the ETG454, a New Beetle RSi tuned by Ed’s Tuning Garage to deliver a staggering 454 horsepower. Prepare to be launched from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.3 seconds, experiencing 1.35G of force that pins you to your seat. And if the straightaway allows, you’ll reach a top speed of 175 mph, matching the pace of a Porsche Cayman R. Want to build your own Beetle RSi track weapon? Here’s the guide.
Vehicle Base & Aesthetic Customization
To start this transformation, you’ll need the right foundation and visual enhancements:
- Base Car Color: Marsrot (Volkswagen Color) – This vibrant red hue is essential for the RSi’s aggressive look.
- Rims: BBS RE-MG – Known for their lightweight and strength, these rims are perfect for performance.
- Rim Color: Silver (Close to stock color of BBS LM-R) – Maintaining a classic motorsport aesthetic.
Performance Upgrades for the Vw Beetle Rsi
To achieve the ETG454’s blistering performance, a comprehensive list of upgrades is required, focusing on maximizing power and handling:
- Tires: Racing Soft Tires – For maximum grip on the track.
- Suspension: Fully Customizable Suspension – Essential for fine-tuning handling.
- Clutch: Twin-Plate – To handle the increased power output.
- Flywheel: Semi-Racing – For improved engine responsiveness.
- Limited Slip Differential (LSD): Adjustable LSD – Optimizing power delivery to the wheels.
- Center Differential: Torque Sensing Center Differential – Enhancing traction and stability.
- Drive Shaft: Carbon Drive Shaft – Reducing rotational inertia for quicker acceleration.
- Transmission: Fully Customizable Transmission – Allowing precise gear ratio adjustments.
- Turbo Kit: High RPM Range Turbo Kit – Providing a significant power boost.
- Exhaust Manifold: Sports Exhaust Manifold – Improving exhaust flow.
- Catalytic Converter: Sports – Balancing performance and emissions.
- Exhaust System: Titanium Racing Exhaust – Lightweight and high-flow for maximum performance.
- Intake Manifold: Sports Intake Manifold – Enhancing air intake for improved engine breathing.
- Air Filter: Racing Air Filter – Maximizing air intake volume.
- ECU Tuning: ECU Tuning – Essential for managing the upgraded components and unlocking performance.
- Engine Tuning: Stage 3 Engine Tuning – A significant engine overhaul for maximum power gains.
- Weight Reduction: Stage 3 Weight Reduction & Window Weight Reduction – Shedding unnecessary weight for improved agility and acceleration.
- Chassis Reinforcement: Chassis Reinforcement – Enhancing structural rigidity for better handling at high speeds.
Detailed Tuning Settings for Optimal Track Performance
The raw parts are only half the story; the tune is where the magic truly happens. These settings, developed on Grand Valley East with driving aids minimized (ABS on 1), aim for lap times around 1:06 and are designed to be beginner-friendly yet potent across various tracks.
Braking System:
- Brake Balance: Front 7 / Rear 9 – Fine-tuned for optimal stopping power and stability.
Suspension Configuration:
- Ride Height: Front -22mm / Rear -20mm – Lowering the center of gravity for improved handling.
- Spring Rate: Front 12.8 kgf/mm / Rear 8.0 kgf/mm – Stiffening the suspension for better cornering.
- Extension: Front 8 / Rear 8 – Adjusting rebound damping for control.
- Compression: Front 7 / Rear 7 – Adjusting bump damping for stability.
- Anti-Roll Bars: Front 6 / Rear 6 – Reducing body roll during cornering.
- Camber Angle: Front 2.8 degrees / Rear 2.6 degrees – Optimizing tire contact patch during cornering.
- Toe Angle: Front -0.48 degrees / Rear -0.10 degrees – Fine-tuning steering response and stability.
Limited Slip Differential (LSD) Settings:
- Front LSD: Initial 30 / Acceleration 50 / Braking 30 – Balancing traction and turn-in.
- Rear LSD: Initial 30 / Acceleration 50 / Braking 30 – Providing consistent rear-wheel drive grip.
Torque Distribution:
- Torque Split (Front/Rear): 30/70 – Rear-biased for a sporty driving feel and power delivery.
Transmission Settings:
- 1st Gear: 2.925
- 2nd Gear: 1.995
- 3rd Gear: 1.445
- 4th Gear: 1.125
- 5th Gear: 0.920
- 6th Gear: 0.795
- Final Drive: 4.200 – Optimized for acceleration and track performance.
Tuner’s Notes and Performance Validation
This VW Beetle RSi tune is designed to be approachable for drivers of all skill levels while still delivering impressive performance. It’s versatile enough for both short and long tracks. For extremely high-speed circuits like La Sarthe, consider lengthening the 6th gear to maximize top speed. Independent testing by Hillcrest823 on the Nürburgring Nordschleife resulted in a lap time of 7:04.121, earning the tune a remarkable 97.5/100 rating. This Beetle RSi build proves that you can achieve serious track performance in the most unexpected of packages.
Copyright 2012 ETG
