Photo of Malcolm Flynn
Malcolm Flynn

Editor

1 min read

The first images of Volkswagen’s new Beetle Dune concept have appeared online, ahead of its public unveiling in Detroit this week.

Teased in a single sketch last week, the Beetle Dune boasts a 5cm suspension lift and off-road styling tweaks compared to the production Beetle coupe, harking back to the previous Dune concept shown at the 2000 Los Angeles motor show.

The interior has been given the Dune treatment too, with black and yellow trim, an enlarged touchscreen interface, extra gauges atop the dash and a new dash-mounted grab handle for front seat passengers.

Unlike the earlier concept, Volkswagen admits that the new Dune “is a lot more feasible ... potential for a new production version of the sportiest Beetle".

“The Beetle Dune is very much based on the current production model”, Volkwagen says.

Despite its off-road pretence, the Dune uses a front-wheel drive layout, with the 155kW 2.0-litre turbocharged four from the limited-edition Beetle R-Line sold overseas, backed by a six-speed DSG dual-clutch auto.

Back when all cars burned fuel and couldn't drive themselves, Mal was curing boredom by scanning every car his parents' VB Commodore drove past. His childhood appreciation for the car world exploded during a three-year stint in the US, and serious questions were asked when he spent a good chunk of his uni career perfecting lap times at Wakefield Park. Mal got his big break scooping the VE II Commodore, before a stint at Overlander magazine and kicking off his online career with The Motor Report in its heyday. These days he's exactly the same height as Michael Schumacher and uses his powers for good at the helm of CarsGuide's editorial team. Mal proudly shuns brand allegiance and counts three young kids, an EH Holden, NA MX-5, KE20 Corolla, W116 Mercedes-Benz and the world's most versatile Toyota Echo among his personal stable. He also craves a Subaru Vortex, so get in touch if you know where to find one.  
About Author

Comments