VW Beetle Turbo S

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As the top-of-the-line trim, the Turbo S commanded nearly $8k more than the base car, and was so highly equipped that the only option available was a 6-disc CD changer
The Turbo S came with the same engine that was later found in the 1.8T Jetta GLI (2004.5+)
The “S” received substantial upgrades over the regular Turbo, such as the 6spd manual from the Audi TT (vs 5spd), sport suspension, and a 20% boost in horsepower over the standard Turbo (150hp). Other “S” upgrades include special 17″ wheels, a bespoke two-tone leather interior, stainless steel pedals, and a leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel that features dimpled metallic spokes (this same treatment is applied to the leather shifter and handbrake). The door handles (and glovebox handle) are all genuine metal – even the rear hatch features brushed aluminum shock housings
The Turbo S is the first U.S. model to feature VW’s Electronic Stability Program (ESP). VW engineers found this to be an essential feature, as the “S” is capable of roasting its front tires throughout the entirety of 1st gear
Despite having a sport suspension, ride quality was hardly affected. VW officials claimed the sport suspension is only “slightly stiffer” on the Turbo S compared to the rest of the Beetle lineup
The Turbo and Turbo S both feature a spoiler that extends upward at just over 40 mph and retracts when speeds drop below 10 mph

Key Model Year Changes:

The Turbo S was only available from 2002 to 2004. Only around 5,000 were produced annually
No significant changes occurred between each year of the Turbo S
The following year (2004) could be optioned with a CD-player that now reads MP3-formatted discs. Halfway through 2004, all Beetles switched to mirror-mounted turn signals (instead of the fenders)

Specs: