Volkswagen has re-imagined its Beetle Dune concept car of 2000 with a similarly themed concept car that is claimed to be almost production ready.
The new 2014 VW Beetle Dune concept will star at the Detroit motor show next week, and is previewed here in this official design sketch.
The original Beetle Dune, unveiled in Los Angeles in January 2000, was a more outlandish concept, whereas its successor is claimed by its maker to be only a concept car “for now”.
“Everything about this car is feasible – [it is] practically a production vehicle,” according to VW.
Should it be built, it would join coupé and cabriolet versions in the VW Beetle line-up. Based on the Beetle coupé, the Beetle Dune has a suspension system raised by 50mm, while it also sports a bodykit, a pair of skis on the back, and wears 19in alloy wheels.
Power for the Beetle Dune comes from a turbocharged 207bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine mated to a six-speed DSG gearbox sending drive to the front wheels only. An electronic XDS differential lock is fitted, with the suspension system featuring MacPherson struts up front and a four-link design at the rear.