2016 Volkswagen Beetle Dune Confirmed

VW Beetle Dune Concept (Credit: © Volkswagen)

German automotive entity Volkswagen confirmed that the Beetle Dune, the concept of which was first introduced during the 2014 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, is headed for production. The neo-retro beach cruiser (their description, not mine) is expected to closely resemble that of the concept that attracted unexpected consumer interest and critical acclaim. It has also been confirmed that the Beetle Dune will be offered as either a coupe or convertible and it will definitely be released in the North American market.

In a word, the exterior aesthetic of the 2016 VW Beetle Dune is rugged. It features a bolder front and rear fascia design, a wider stance with two inches more ground clearance than the conventional Beetle, a sport tuned suspension, and 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 245/40R19 tires. A glass panoramic sunroof and a trick ski/snowboard carrier that is integrated into the rear spoiler are key elements of the overall active-lifestyle persona. Oh, and the unique Arizona Metallic paint lends tremendous curb appeal to the high-riding front-wheel drive VW.

The color keyed cabin offers Titan Black leather seating with Ceramique colored Gobi breathable fabric inserts, dash-mounted clinometer that shows vehicle pitch and roll angle, and an upgraded audio/infotainment system with a 7.7-inch AMOLED touchscreen, VW Sideways App as standard equipment.

VW Beetle Dune Concept (Credit: © Volkswagen)

VW Beetle Dune Concept (Credit: © Volkswagen)

Under the hood, a turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI 4-cylinder engine that produces 210-horsepower mated to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and traction-enhancing XDS electronic differential. There is no early word as to whether VW will make other engine options available, or possibly an all-wheel drive version, but both of these ideas would make a lot of sense.

Pricing for the Beetle Dune is expected to run several thousand dollars above that of the Beetle R-Linem which currently starts at around $31,900.