This Volkswagen Beetle doesn’t look like much at first. Painted in Marathon Blue, it appears to be a well-maintained vintage car. But under the hood – or rather, where the engine used to be – lies a secret: over 600 horsepower of electric fury. The project, spearheaded by Knepper Bugs & More, combines the iconic design of a 1975 VW 1303 with modern, high-performance electric drive technology.
From Junkyard Find to Electric Monster
The build began with a heavily damaged but structurally sound Beetle rescued from a California junkyard. Every part was either replaced or reworked, resulting in a car that’s both classic and radically updated. The body was restored to its original Marathon Blue, but with subtle enhancements like wider carbon rear fenders and a carbon roof spoiler for added stability at high speeds.
The core of the transformation lies in its powertrain: a three-phase asynchronous electric motor sourced from Tesla, paired with 17 battery modules from a Porsche Taycan. This setup delivers 601 horsepower and 518 pound-feet of torque, though a TÜV-approved 200 hp limit keeps it street-legal in some areas. Even at this restricted power, acceleration is brutal.
Under the Skin: Porsche Parts and Tesla Muscle
The chassis also underwent a major overhaul. Suspension components were borrowed from a Porsche 944, with KW, Bilstein, and Kerscher parts enhancing handling. The brakes are from a Porsche 944 Turbo S, with upgraded 964 discs in the front. Toyo Proxes TR-1 tires (195/45R17 front, 235/45R17 rear) mounted on Porsche Cup 2 wheels provide serious grip.
The drivetrain bypasses a traditional gearbox: power is sent directly to the wheels via Porsche 930 drive shafts. The electric motor’s instant torque results in a blistering 0-62 mph time of just 2.9 seconds. Range varies from 62 to 155 miles depending on driving style, and charging is possible via CCS or AC adapter.
A Practical Electric Classic
The Beetle’s practicality wasn’t just theoretical. Owner Rüdiger Knepper drove the RS-E on a 5,000-mile road trip through Europe and Morocco, proving its reliability over long distances. The interior retains a classic feel, with Recaro seats from a BMW 2002 and a digital control panel replacing the clutch and gear lever.
This project demonstrates that the spirit of the Beetle – a simple, adaptable, and fun car – can survive even the most radical of upgrades.
The RS-E is a testament to what’s possible when classic design meets cutting-edge technology. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected combinations yield the most thrilling results.
