[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/vw-dune-looks-hot-in-michigan-chill\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/vw-dune-looks-hot-in-michigan-chill\/","headline":"VW Beetle Dune Looks Hot In Michigan Chill","name":"VW Beetle Dune Looks Hot In Michigan Chill","description":"The VW Beetle Dune isn't just a throwback to the past\u2014it's a bold reimagining of an icon, combining retro charm with a dash of adventure. This special edition brings rugged styling, a higher ride height, and modern tech to the timeless Beetle silhouette, creating a vehicle that\u2019s as ready for the beach as it is for city streets. With features like a turbocharged engine, leather-trimmed interior, and sporty details, the Beetle Dune is built to turn heads and tackle the road less traveled. For enthusiasts who love the Beetle's classic spirit but want something a little wilder, the Dune delivers in spades.","datePublished":"2014-01-20","dateModified":"2024-10-16","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/#Person","name":"Isabelle Lawrence","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/author\/isabelle-lawrence\/","identifier":30,"description":"Max Wheeler is a leading motoring journalist and classic car specialist at Smart Motoring, renowned for his sharp insight and infectious passion for all things automotive. With years of experience covering motoring news, supercars, and the enduring legacy of classic cars, Max brings stories to life with style and authority. Whether it\u2019s the roar of a Lamborghini, the elegance of an Aston Martin DB5, or the cultural impact of vintage motoring icons, he delivers expert commentary that inspires enthusiasts and collectors alike. Dedicated to celebrating the heritage and future of driving, Max Wheeler is your trusted voice for classic car news and beyond.","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8d331506e3c530b5ec4930c30a01ed8cc29b0537227573ae5da98f559e681401?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Smart Motoring","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/smart-motoring_news_logo_g-e1765846726493.webp","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/VW_Beetle_Dune_sandstorm_metallic.webp","url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/01\/VW_Beetle_Dune_sandstorm_metallic.webp","height":693,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/vw-dune-looks-hot-in-michigan-chill\/","about":["Cars","LATEST CAR NEWS"],"wordCount":645,"keywords":["beetle","concept","detroit motor show","dune","NAIAS","North American International Auto Show","volkswagen","vw beetle"],"articleBody":"It was a concept first unveiled in January 2000 at the Los Angeles Motor Show, but it never really took off. However, the Volkswagen Dune now looks closer to full production than ever before.The VW Beetle Dune, with its off-road inspired design, rests opposite the beach, embodying a mix of classic Beetle heritage and adventurous style.Beetle DuneWith a new release at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, the model looks like it could be hitting global showrooms in the next few years.Inside the VW Beetle Dune, luxury meets sport with a leather-trimmed steering wheel, contrasting black accents, and modern dashboard featuresThe Dune takes the already iconic Beetle shape and gives it that little bit of extra cool, thanks to a raised body and lower height, as well as more robust and chunky features.Despite the chill that has been engulfing Michigan thanks to the polar vortex, the car certainly looked hot as it was revealed to expectant crowds.It presents a much more rugged and robust look than any other previous Beetles and is set to be the perfect car for anyone who has a passion for hitting the slopes.A close-up of the VW Beetle Dune’s rear reveals a large spoiler and modern LED lights, giving the iconic model a futuristic touch.The vehicle has been presented with a rear-mounted ski-rack, mimicking a design feature that was present in former classic Beetles. In the summer, it’s perfect for holding sand skis for hitting the dunes, while in the winter, drivers could take it to the mountains.It is largely based on the current production model, featuring a 210 PS turbocharged petrol engine and a six-speed DSG gearbox, sending the power to the front wheels.Under the hood, the VW Beetle Dune is powered by a robust 2.0L TDI engine, delivering a balance of efficiency and performance.The interior is relatively similar too, but it comes with a passenger grab handle in place of the dash-mounted glovebox.VW Beetle Dune Concept Warms Windy 2014 Detroit Motor Show At the Detroit show, the car was presented in a yellow-orange metallic body colour, evoking the look of a sandy desert. The car also ripples and undulates like the dunes, thanks to large wheel arch extensions, burly front and rear bumpers and a shaped bonnet. The bonnet has been made more bulbous in order to incorporate new air vents on either side of the raised central section.The interior of the VW Beetle Dune features two-tone leather sport seats with Turmeric stitching, offering a blend of comfort and style.The strength and power of the vehicle is also conveyed through larger five-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, an increased body width and a larger track.At the bottom of the front bumper comes a new black honeycomb grille, with additional space for LED fog lights on either side.The VW Beetle Dune comes equipped with a Composition Media System, including a 6.5-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and DAB radio, enhancing the driving experienceMoving towards the rear of the vehicle, the car also comes with a rear spoiler, with a second also added that can serve as a ski rack.It’s an exciting addition to the Volkswagen roster and motorists could soon be getting their hands on a production version of the car.However, the manufacturer is using the Detroit motoring event to try and understand how the public will take to this latest creation, and to decide whether or not to pursue the design.Despite the 2000 version never taking off, there are much higher hopes for the 2014 model.It looks like a fun and quirky car, which is both versatile and aesthetically interesting. For UK customers though, it’s pretty unlikely that the car will be taken to any sand dunes! Perhaps a trip to the beach is the closest they will get!"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Latest News","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"VW Beetle Dune Looks Hot In Michigan Chill","item":"https:\/\/smart-motoring.com\/latest-news\/vw-dune-looks-hot-in-michigan-chill\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]