It’s the ten-year anniversary of Volkswagen’s second-generation Beetle, and rumours are rife that this line-up, which currently only has two versions (coupe and cabriolet), will soon expand with the possible addition of SUV and Speedster models.
The first suggestion of an SUV came badged as the Beetle Dune Concept in 2000. However, it is more likely that the new Dune Beetle will look more like the Up! than the eight-year-old Dune Concept. These images hint at the styling cues Volkswagen might adopt for the new-age Beetle.
The Dune Concept featured hard plastics, aluminium and leather on the inside, with a transparent detachable roof for extra light. This concept is powered by a 2,3-litre V5 engine that has a maximum output of 110 kW. VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive allows this vehicle to work off-road, while the suspension height can be adjusted up to 120 mm to suit various terrain surfaces.
The Beetle Speedster is rumoured to be the production version of the Beetle Ragster that was unveiled at the 2005 Detroit show. Essentially, the Ragster is a New Beetle Cabriolet that has been lowered by about 103 mm, fitted with shortened A-pillars and with a U-shaped roof that doubles as a frame for the rag top.
If reports are to be believed, development has already started in Germany, while the styling process is underway in California and production will start in Mexico.
The Up! debuted in Frankfurt last year, and is said to be the successor to the original Beetle, which only adds strength the suspicion that the possible Beetle SUV and Speedster designs might be ditched in favour of a smaller approach.
