Volkswagen Beetle Dune Goes Into Production +VIDEO

By Henny Hemmes Senior
European Editor

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VW Beetle Dune Concept

AMSTERDAM - July 5, 2014: Volkswagen has confirmed that the Beetle Dune goes into production. The forerunner of the new variant was unveiled as a concept car at the Detroit auto show in January. There, Volkswagen said that the name Dune, the larger ground clearance and the off-road like appearance refer to the VW Bug, which, a long time ago, we used to see in the dunes and on the beaches.

The Dune concept car was equipped with the 210 HP TSI turbo engine and a 6-speed automatic dual-clutch from the Beetle R, good for an acceleration from 0-62 mph in 7.3 seconds. It is highly likely that the production version gets the same power train. However, as AWD is not in the planning, the Dune will get an electronic differential lock for more traction on the sand or in the snow. Furthermore, the car will get special bumpers with larger air intakes and plastic wheel arch extenders. Like the concept car the production model will get the 2 inches raised ground clearance and a more than one inch wider track. With the higher ground clearance, the car will probably also get the concept’s 19-inch wheels with 255/40 tires. Volkswagen plans to offer the Dune also as a convertible model.

The tough Beetle will be introduced on the European markets early 2016. Whether the new model will be introduced on the North American market has not been announced. If so, Volkswagen will probably announce that at the LA auto show in November, or in Detroit in January 2015.