VW New Beetle: Update on the jet-powered beast!

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

VW New Beetle: Update on the jet-powered beast!

We have an update for you on the street-legal (!)jet-powered VW New Beetle from last month, including more pics.

What can you do with a GE Model T58-8F helicopter turboshaft engine, converted to jet? With Ron Patrick’s custom VW Beetle you can have lots and lots of dangerous fun exploiting all 1350 horsepower. This monster is powered by two engines (original up front, jet in back) and is perfectly street legal since you’re only using the gasoline powered engine in normal driving conditions. But if you’re feeling adventurous, fire up the jet engine - which spins up to 26,000 rpm/13,000 rpm idle - and watch the afterburner come to life. More after the jump.

“The car was built because I wanted the wildest street-legal ride possible. With this project, I was able to use my engineering skills (I have a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University) to design the car without the distraction of how other people have done it in the past - because no one has.”