Skip advert
Advertisement

VW Beetle Dune concept hotfoots it into Detroit 2014

Volkswagen’s Beetle Dune concept brings the dune buggy formula bang up to date at the Detroit Motor Show 2014.

Volkswagen chose the wintery wastes of Detroit to unveil its latest concept, the Beetle Dune.

This crossover-style makeover of the latest VW Beetle is a case of style over substance – it’s based on the regular Beetle Sport. That means it has a 207bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine under its bonnet, driving the front wheels via a six-speed DSG gearbox.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Despite the summery overtones of the Dune, Volkswagen chose the hard-top Beetle as the base vehicle not the 2012 cabriolet.

• Detroit Motor Show 2014 - latest news 

However, the design tweaks are fairly detailed. Up front, the bonnet has been reshaped and now has a pair of vents cut into it. The bumper now features a large black honeycombed section flanked by semi-circular LED foglights, and an aluminium bash plate that runs under the engine.

At the side, there are 19-inch alloys and the suspension has been raised by 50mm. The plastic cladding that runs around the wheelarches is quite neat with the outer edge of the wheelarch made from matt black plastic and the material closest to the body getting a gloss black finish. It makes the car look more jacked-up than it really is.

Editor in chief Steve Fowler takes a look around the VW Beetle Dune

The cladding means the Dune is 48mm wider than a standard Beetle, at 1,856mm. The tracks are 29mm wider too, helping the wheels better fill the arches.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

At the rear, there’s a specially developed roof spoiler, which doubles as a ski rack. It separates in the middle, allowing the skis to be slid in and secured with a 20mm-wide belt.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The spoiler and roof are painted gloss black, while the rest of the car’s body is painted in a special metallic yellow colour called Arizona. Finishing the exterior is a chunkier rear bumper and set of redesigned tail-lights.

Inside, the Beetle Dune gets more Arizona yellow detailing on the dash and seats. All four seats also benefit from a grey breathable material on the base and seat backs.

The standard car’s upper glovebox is replaced by a grab handle, just like in the original Volkswagen Beetle and the infotainment system is upgraded with a 7.7-inch touchscreen.

This is the second time VW has built a Beetle Dune concept. The first was shown at the LA Motor Show in 2000, and was more far-fetched. It included air suspension and a removable plastic roof panel. 

• VW Beetle Dune concept sketches revealed

The new version is a more realistic effort in most respects but the new infotainment display does include digital versions of the original concept’s pitch and roll gauges.

The new concept also includes a special app, called Volkswagen Sideways. It allows the driver to use the sat-nav to find where their friends are and navigate to them. 

While VW says the rugged-looking Beetle Dune concept is “practically a production vehicle,” a spokesman for the brand confirmed it’s extremely unlikely to ever be sold in the UK.

It could, however, be offered in the US - the biggest market for the Beetle worldwide - if the concept is well received. Given the sub-zero temperatures in Detroit recently, the Beetle Dune’s summery outlook should go down well.

• Detroit Motor Show 2014 

Detroit Motor Show 2014 - latest news

• VW Beetle Dune concept sketches revealed

Stay up to date with the latest Detroit Motor Show 2014 news, follow Auto Express on Twitter and join us on Facebook.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025 preview: every new car A to Z
Gordon Murray T.50 in front of Goodwood house

Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025 preview: every new car A to Z

This year’s event promises plenty of highlights. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News
27 Jun 2025
Shanghai Motor Show 2025: what all the big car brands are up to
Shanghai Motor Show 2025 - header

Shanghai Motor Show 2025: what all the big car brands are up to

The Shanghai Auto Show is now an established part of the automotive calendar – we’ve got a full list of show debuts
News
25 Mar 2025
Best classic and performance car shows, events and days out for the family in 2025
British motoring events planner 2025 - header

Best classic and performance car shows, events and days out for the family in 2025

You’ve got your new car but where are you going to drive it? Our selection of events and road trips will provide some inspiration
Features
27 Jan 2025
Brussels Motor Show 2025: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars
Brussels Motor Show header

Brussels Motor Show 2025: full show round-up and all the exciting new cars

The all-new BYD Atto 2, Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Mazda 6e were among the key models on display at this year's Brussels Motor Show
News
14 Jan 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025