Photo: Volkswagen
It seems that while Volkswagen's media representatives were showing us photos of the Beetle Dune Concept on a beach in Germany, company officials had already approved its production. Unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in January, the aggressive looking car attracted a lot of attention, many demanding its production.
The finial decision has apparently been made at a company meeting in May 2014. Following that, development will begin for both coupe and convertible models, concluding in 2016 when production will start, according to CAR Magazine.
The business case for the car apparently includes a €2,800 premium over the standard models, which will cover bigger wheels and tires, beefed up suspension and other small changes. However, we think this won't apply to the most basic engines, which won't be offered. Remember, Volkswagen will have to re-test every drivetrain due to the changes made to the suspension, so we probably won't get as wide a powertrain choice. The base 1.2 TSI probably doesn't make sense, but bigger 2-liter turbos do.
All this information comes from Matthias Zauner, head of Beetle marketing, who stresses the fact that it will be marketed as a "Dune" not a "Cross". This is convenient, since all-wheel drive will not be offered.
'The difference between the Dune and the base Beetle is almost exclusively visual. But the more self-assured stance, the redesigned front and rear ends as well as the inspiring crossover character make this version quite special. We believe in fact that the Dune - which will be offered as coupé and cabriolet - is going to be an integral part of the future Beetle line-up," says the company official.
Just to remind you, the Dune Concept features a 210 PS 2.0-liter turbo engine and a six-speed DSG gearbox. Its suspension is raised by a full 2 inches (50 mm) and the tracks are wider. Capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, it's fast enough to keep up with some hot hatches.
The business case for the car apparently includes a €2,800 premium over the standard models, which will cover bigger wheels and tires, beefed up suspension and other small changes. However, we think this won't apply to the most basic engines, which won't be offered. Remember, Volkswagen will have to re-test every drivetrain due to the changes made to the suspension, so we probably won't get as wide a powertrain choice. The base 1.2 TSI probably doesn't make sense, but bigger 2-liter turbos do.
All this information comes from Matthias Zauner, head of Beetle marketing, who stresses the fact that it will be marketed as a "Dune" not a "Cross". This is convenient, since all-wheel drive will not be offered.
'The difference between the Dune and the base Beetle is almost exclusively visual. But the more self-assured stance, the redesigned front and rear ends as well as the inspiring crossover character make this version quite special. We believe in fact that the Dune - which will be offered as coupé and cabriolet - is going to be an integral part of the future Beetle line-up," says the company official.
Just to remind you, the Dune Concept features a 210 PS 2.0-liter turbo engine and a six-speed DSG gearbox. Its suspension is raised by a full 2 inches (50 mm) and the tracks are wider. Capable of going from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds, it's fast enough to keep up with some hot hatches.
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