Exterior
Certainly, the Dune Concept is unmistakably a Beetle. Advance images show a cross-vehicle with its body raised by two inches and bigger wheels (19-inch in diameter as suggested by Volkswagen). The off-road looks are complemented by a cosmetic front skid plate just under the lower radiator. To hint at the car's off-road capability, a roof rack is added for skis (or maybe surf boards). Perfect then, for Aspen or South Beach.
Mechanicals
The show car uses a 210hp, turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a six-speed dual clutch automatic and front-wheel drive. To add traction, Volkswagen uses an XDS electronic 'differential'. By eschewing the original 2000 Dune concept's mechanicals, which sported a 2.3-litre engine with 4Motion and air suspension, the 2014 Dune Concept makes it more likely to get a production green light.
Anything else?
It is still a concept, mind, so there's no suggestion of prices. However, next week's public reaction, despite Detroit being in the grip of freezing temperatures, should prove useful for Volkswagen by showing Dune Concept to a receptive American audience.
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