Volkswagen Beetle transformed into Gran Turismo Sport Gr.3 race spec

A version of the Volkswagen Beetle Gr.3 race car from the 2017 video game Gran Turismo Sport has become a reality.

German tuning firms JP Performance and Prior Design began working on the vehicle during 2020, developing a bodykit mimicking the vehicle from the racing simulator series.

This process has led to the first vehicle recently rolling off the workshop floor, with JP Performance taking to YouTube (speaking in German) to demonstrate the process behind the conversion.

There will be a limited run of 53 units for the Gr.3 replica, while the creators of the bodykit claim both Volkswagen and Polyphony Digital – the creators of Gran Turismo Sport – approved the conversion kit.

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Credit: JP Performance

The new design is headlined by bulky fender extensions with aerodynamic flaps and dual exhaust pipes, which exit from the front of the Beetle – all providing a look similar to race cars competing in Germany’s DTM grand touring series.

A unique front bumper brings yellow LED driving lights, a wider lower intake and a large splitter, while an eye-catching side skirt is combined with a set of bulky five-spoke alloy wheels sitting on low-profile tyres.

At the rear, the Beetle Gr.3 replica features a large rear spoiler mounted on the rear window – in addition to a prominent diffuser placed over the standard-fit rear bumper.

While the differences might seem visual, JP Performance has also swapped the Beetle’s stock four-cylinder engine for the turbocharged 2.5-litre five-cylinder taken from the Audi range.

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Credit: JP Performance

Figures for the tuned version of the engine fitted to this vehicle have not been announced, however, in standard form, the engine produced 294kW/500Nm in the outgoing Audi RS3.

Based on the now-discontinued Beetle, the kit is compatible with all models produced between 2011 and 2019. The bodykit without any mechanical changes will set owners back €5,990 (AU$9,665), with no price confirmed for any of the mechanical upgrades – such as those fitted to the first converted Beetle demonstrated here.