Few cars could possibly hope to remain as unassuming as this Subaru-swapped Volkswagen Super Beetle. With a clean exterior that's not too cherry, plus little in the way of visual cues pointing toward the changes beneath the skin, owner John Reynolds definitely put the right work in to let the car earn its "Supersleeper" moniker. Of course, the original Beetle's air-cooled and rear-engined design was shared with sportier cars from the eponymous firm founded by its designer, Ferdinand Porsche.  And VWs are a favorite for engine swaps on hardcore Baja builds. Seeing one that aspires to the goals set out by Reynolds is refreshing in comparison.

A Long Process

In a 17-minute video that Reynolds posted to YouTube, as well as some photographs on Instagram, the entire project is revealed, proving just how much work went into the transformation. The Bug began its life as a 1973 Super Beetle, a specific model year that Reynolds selected as the basis for the build thanks to its curved windshield and lack of later-model-year bumpers. Plus the fact that his brother, Jerry, owned one. That it's not subject to California's stringent pre-1975 smog requirements was another plus.

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Dropped In Out Back

Sleeper Volkswagen Beetle Subaru Engine Swap 2
via YouTube

The entire process with all the parts and labor required is certainly too long to list here, though highlights include the turbocharged 2.5-liter Boxer four crammed into the tiny rear engine bay. With a custom intercooler, a Garrett turbo, and a custom exhaust manifold, the setup reportedly produces up to 517 horsepower when running on E85 fuel.

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Celebrate The Change

Sleeper Volkswagen Beetle Subaru Engine Swap 3
via YouTube

Reynolds describes his brother's original Super Beetle as "probably the slowest car on the planet" and those 517 ponies are about 16 times what the car's original air-cooled flat-four would have produced. Complementary modifications to support the massive power gains include a 2009 Subaru WRX's five-speed manual gearbox that's been converted to two-wheel-drive transaxle status, plus 930-gen Porsche axles. Brake calipers from a Mk4 VW Golf, a later-year Super Beetle's steering rack, and QA1 shocks also fit into the mix.

Sources: youtube.com and instagram.com.

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