The Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept May Become a Reality

A few sources confirmed what was a fairly good bet: the Volkswagen Beetle Dune is going to be produced. This information has yet to be confirmed by Volkswagen, but it sounds like the VW board approved production. If it does go into production, there may be a cabriolet option.

Sadly, it sounds like the Volkswagen Beetle Dune will not be equipped with an all-wheel drive system.

The Volkswagen Beetle Dune will be raised two-inches and widened by one-inch. Other than a front diff-lock (called “XDS”) a majority of unique touches that make a regular Beetle become a Volkswagen Beetle Dune is cosmetic. The nose, tail, fenders and interior will have unique touches, making the overall package look off-road-ready.

Well, at least the configuration of the VW Beetle Dune will be ideal for snow and rough roads. Hell, add real skid-plate and you could have a nifty rally car. Sort of. The Volkswagen Beetle Dune may command up to a $4,000 premium over the base model. It should have the more powerful 1.8 and/or 2.0-liter, turbocharged engines.

Hopefully, a manual version will be available, but I’ve been told that the six-speed DSG may be the only option. Bummer.

Keep in mind: if Volkswagen builds the Beetle Dune, it may not come to the United States. Despite the disappointment of no AWD, the idea of playing with the Volkswagen Beetle Dune in the snow is appealing. We’ll keep an eye on this one.

Think about it this way: the Baja Bug (spiritual grandparent to the Volkswagen Beetle Dune) made due with just rear wheel drive. Maybe this new rugged-ish Beetle will be fun off road too? Here’s hoping!

Maybe FIAT will make an AWD FIAT 500 Cabriolet and call it Arrakis.