Here are the first images of Volkswagen’s new Beetle Dune Concept, which makes is about to make its world debut in Detroit.
As with the original version, which was unveiled at the 2000 Los Angeles Auto Show, the rugged Beetle Dune Concept features a 5 cm raised ride height and protective under-panelling along with gloss black plastic side mouldings and arch extensions adding 2.4 cm to each side of the vehicle. The face receives a pair of semicircular LED foglamps, an aggressive fascia with enlarged intakes, and ribbed bonnet, while the rear features smokes tail-lights, a diffuser housing twin tailpipes and a pair of spoilers which also serve as a ski rack.
Inside, the cabin features more practical, harder-wearing surfaces along with leather-trimmed seating, a grab handle for the passenger, a 7.7-inch AMOLED touch screen displaying the digital inclinometer and additional dials showing oil temperature, tyre pressure and a stopwatch.
Propulsion comes from the same 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine seen powering the Beetle GSR, which develops 155 kW (208 hp) and 280 Nm of torque and is mated to a six-speed DSG transmission. An XDS electronic differential lock helps the front-wheel drive Dune with traction, with 100 km/h happening in 7.5 seconds and top speed rated at 227 km/h.
[Source: Volkswagen]