If you spend your free time in search of the road less traveled, grab your GPS and hop in the new Beetle Dune Concept! This all-new Beetle with an attitude is a throwback to the Baja Beetles that started appearing in the late 1960s in California. Volkswagen’s latest off-road machine, the Beetle Dune concept, debuted at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show. The official Volkswagen press release dubs it, “a Baja Bug for the 21st century.” Here is a rundown of the inspiration, components, and exterior features of the Beetle Dune concept.
The Baja Bug returns
The Volkswagen Beetle has been a dream come true for off-road enthusiasts for more than 40 years. The Beetle, with its engine placement over the rear axle, low center of gravity and exceptional two-wheel-drive handling, has provided a base for some of the most off-road friendly vehicles to hit the desert and mountain terrains. An off-road ready Beetle eats desert terrain for breakfast, making it a versatile vehicle for an active lifestyle. While the first Baja Beetle’s were custom creations, the new Dune concept is a tribute to these first VW off-road machines. Even if you have an older Bug in the driveway, it can become an off-road terror with a few simple modifications.
Under the Dune’s Hood
The Dune is based on the Beetle R-Line which is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that pumps out 210-horsepower. The engine is controlled by a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and Volkswagen estimates a fuel economy of 23/29 mpg city/highway.
Exterior Features of the Dune concept
The Dune’s design marvel is the ski/snowboard rack built into roof and rear spoilers. Skis are placed in a roof spoiler compartment and locked in by the swivel function of the rear spoiler. The front-end has a new hood with an elevated center and air vents. The large central air intake is set between ring-shaped LED fog lights/turning signals. The Dune’s wheel arch was extended 2.2 inches in width and the body was raised 2 inches for increased ground clearance. The body of the concept was painted in “Arizona”, a yellow-orange metallic. The bold coloring of the body is offset with 19-inch matte black and aluminum spoke wheels.
Volkswagen has not put the Beetle Dune concept into production, but the concept looks like they are not far off. Be the first to know if the VW Beetle Dune will see the streets of Amarillo, TX at Street Volkswagen. LIKE US on Facebook and FOLLOW US on Twitter!
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