Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept

 Volkswagen’s 2014 Detroit Motor Show surprise will come in the form of this slightly off-road prepared Beetle concept. Called the Beetle Dune, the concept is apparently a preview for a 2015 production model.

The Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept sits 2-inches (50 mm) higher than the standard car thanks to raised suspension, it’s also wider by 2-inches due to the extended wheel arches, which are stuffed with 19-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires.

To give the Beetle Dune concept a more rugged appearance it has been equipped with scuff plates under the front bumper and below the side skirts. The front end has also had a partial re-design with the addition of LED daytime running lights, fog lights, and LED turn signals.

Inside, the VW Beetle Dune concept has lost its glove box – which has been replaced with a grab handle, and gained a 7.7-inch touch screen infotainment system. The normal seats have also been replaced by more supportive sports seats.

 Powering the Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept is a 210 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a six-speed DSG transmission. 0-62 mph is expected to be in the 7.5 second range, with the top speed coming in at around 140 mph (225 km/h).

Below is the official press release for the Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept:

With the world premiere of the Beetle Dune at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volkswagen is giving the public the chance to see a Beetle with a cool and rugged offroad look.

The Dune concept shows the potential for a new production version of the sportiest Beetle ever. The body was raised by two inches and the designers bolted a pair of skis to the roof to show the vehicle’s go-anywhere intentions. Its name, raised ground clearance, and all-terrain look hark back to the VW Bugs that conquered beaches and dunes in times past. In the summer, simply swap the skis for a sandboard.

The Dune revisits an idea that was born with the New Beetle Dune concept, presented in Los Angeles in 2000. While the concept car shown in California was not very realistic, especially with its interior and roof structure, the 2014 Dune Concept is a lot more feasible.

The Dune follows the production R-Line Beetle in its running gear. The 210-horsepower turbocharged TSI engine, together with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, will handle the trip to whatever destination you choose. And just like the R-Line, the Dune puts its power to the ground via the front wheels and a strut-type front and multilink rear suspension, with the XDS electronic differential lock providing further traction.