California Dreaming

As hinted at in January’s WS, Volkswagen unveiled yet another Concept car at this year’s Los Angeles Auto Show, the New Beetle Dune. Released to test consumer reaction to a fun “Mud Buggy”, the concept has a high-torque V5 engine, four wheel drive (using the “4 Motion” system from the latest Golf) , with six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels with special 235/60 R18 tyres to give it more height. It also features variable height air suspension with 3 settings to match all terrains, with a maximum clearance of 120mm (4 ft).

The Dune’s design make it look like it can handle the rough and tumble off road. The front and rear bumpers are made from polished aluminium, as are the running boards (where have I seen them before), and set within the rear bumper are its twin exhaust ports. The transparent, detachable center section of this off-road Beetle’s roof can be stowed neatly into the boot. Inside the car the interior is a combination of black, yellow and aluminium, with no carpet – its just rubber matting. If you get into too much trouble there’s a dial that warns of an impending rollover.
VW of America stressed that this is purely a concept at present – with no firm production plans, but let one thing slip, “We will release a cabriolet first, early next year. But we’ll see what customers make of the Dune too”

 on to the RHD New Beetle

all Volkswagen Group communications and photos reproduced with permission of Volkswagen UK