Volkswagen’s board apparently approved and gave the go-ahead for the Beetle Dune to be put to production, only it will not feature all-wheel drive.
Based on the current Beetle, the Dune is set to launch in early 2016 in both hatchback and cabriolet configurations. All Dune-models will be raised by 50 mm and widened by 26 mm.
Instead of featuring an all-wheel drive system, the Dune will receive an electronic XDS differential lock when it reaches showroom floors. The changes to the Dune will only be cosmetic where it will feature more aggressive front and rear bodywork.
Head of Beetle marketing, Matthias Zauner, believes the Dune will have a place and future within an expanding Beetle family. Zauner continued to convince himself that the Dune offers “sportiness, proximity to SUVs, authenticity, lifestyle, history, leisure-orientation [and] emotion,” all things that should make a raised FWD Beetle cool.
The Dune is set to feature high trim engines from the Beetle portfolio.
Though the only dunes the Dune will conquer is in name, nothing’s preventing prospective buyers from flattening those pesky mole hills.
– Charlen Raymond
