2000 VW New Beetle Turbo

Ever since Volkswagen started playing the "Turbonium" ads on national television, where neon-green B cars drove in orbit like patterns in atomic form, we knew that the already popular Beetle would sell even more. You see, these ads were announcing the introduction of the newly enhanced turbo Beetle (But I bet you knew that already.--MAX). And who's to argue? Innovative design, more than livable ergonomics, and now with a peppier turbo motor. I mean, who could ask for more? Well, to be honest, you could...

As a car enthusiast, I'm sure you understand and relate to the ideology that "we can never have enough" and that "there is no such thing as a perfect vehicle." Fortunately for you, the boys and girls at ABD (a.k.a. Autobahn Designs) think along the same lines. They know what it means to be a Volkswagen fanatic (as they are one of the premier Volks Tuners around), and by the time the turbo Beetle came out, they had one in the back garage being fitted with custom-made parts that would be available soon--minus a chunk of your credit card balance. What you see gracing the pages in front of you is that vehicle, and by the time you read this, you should be able to get all the goodies.

At a quick glance, this Volkswagen may not seem that much different from a stock green machine, but take a closer look, and I'm sure that you'll wet your pants. Lets start by lifting the hood. Under it, you'll find a host of ABD carbon-fiber components, including an engine cover, oil cap cover, and reservoir cap cover. To give the peppy motor even more pep, ABD designed a racing turbo- upgrade kit featuring a Wetterauer computer upgrade, four-bar fuel pressure regulator, and KKK K-94 Turbo. Also added was a free-flow intercooler with hi-speed fan and an ABD Racing Quick Flow system coupled with a Techtonics Tuning 2.5-inch after-cat exhaust sporting a V1 center exiting tip.

To match the muscle added by the power upgrades, ABD decided to outfit the B ride with a V1 wide-body conversion from Classics by Bernt. The company replaced all four fenders as well as the front and rear fascias. This gave the car a much wider and lower-to-the-ground appearance. Also added was a V1 rear wing, which is perched on the hind side of the Beetle. To finish up the exterior, clear turn signals and rear bumper indicators were installed to bring about "the clean look," as everything was match-painted to the soon-to-be- traditional Turbonium Green.

In the handling department, ABD made sure to make no stops, producing parts to take full advantage of the much-to-be-appreciated enhancements in the performance and aero department. This newly turned euro rocket sports a slew of antisway equipment: ABD upper stress bar, racing sway bars (25 mm front/28 mm rear), and racing stainless steel links. To keep suspension movement stiff and to a minimum, a full set of H&R threaded body coilovers were set under all fours. In the stopping on a dime department, a complete Brembo big-brake package (four-piston calipers with 12.9-inch front rotors and 11.0-inch rear rotors) was put in along with ABD racing stainless braided brake lines. The stock rollers were thrown out to accommodate a set of 19x8 Axis Se7ens in a formula white color which are wrapped with 245/35 -19 Michelin Pilot rubber. This all helps to keep the car glued to the ground as well as to add some style. To bring out the wheel-and-tire combo to the edge of the fender, ABD used a set of H&R wheel spacers (15 mm front/25 mm rear).

Now let's not forget the most important part and that's you and the place you sit. On the inside, ABD designed a number of products, including a billet-aluminum flower vase, racing floor mats, and trunk mat. Adding some style to the dash is a Superior "fish scale" dash/console kit and a silver M.I.H.I console cover piece. To aid in the toe/heel action and shifting duties, ABD opted for all MOMO: tuner pedal covers, foot rest, and black leather shift boot and knob. The seats also received a custom treatment as a Classic Soft-Trim leather interior conversion in two-tone white and silver was swapped in place of the usual mundane cloth seating. Rounding out the interior package is an Auto-Meter dash pod and three Auto-Meter read-out gauges.

ABD Racing upper stress bar, racing sway bars (25 mm front/28 mm rear), stainless steel links inprove the suspension.

Soft-Trim leather interior conversion in two-tone white and silver was swapped in place of the usual mundane cloth seating. Rounding out the interior package is an Auto-Meter dash pod and three Auto-Meter read-out gauges.