How many New Beetle RSi cars were produced?

Volkswagen produced 250 New Beetle RSi cars.

The RSi was a highly limited performance version of the New Beetle, produced from 2001 to 2003. Its rarity was part of the model’s identity: unlike the regular New Beetle, the RSi combined aggressive bodywork with a 3.2-litre VR6 engine, a six-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen’s 4motion all-wheel-drive system.

The special edition also received substantially revised hardware and styling. It featured widened fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, a large rear wing, and 18-inch OZ Superturismo wheels. Inside were Recaro racing seats, carbon-fibre and billet-aluminium trim, and bright orange leather.

The RSi is sometimes confused with ordinary sporty New Beetle versions or with later limited editions. Its 250-car production run is the defining figure. The suspension was tuned in-house by Volkswagen Individual, despite recurring claims that Porsche handled the work. That distinction makes the RSi notable both as a rare collectible and as Volkswagen’s unusually serious performance interpretation of the retro hatchback.