2016 Beetle Dune is a Modern Day Baja Bug

Growing up, I always had a fascination with the old Volkswagen Baja Bug that seemed to be everywhere. For 2016, VW is set to broaden the Beetle line up with a new car that is inspired by the Baja Bug. The Beetle Dune will be available as a coupe and convertible.

The car gets more aggressive styling on the outside with new bumpers, side moldings, wheel design, and higher ground clearance than a stock Beetle. Ride height is raised 0.4-inches compared to other Beetle models and the track is 0.6-inches wider, and the car rides on 18″ aluminum alloys. Power comes from a 1.8L turbo four, with 170 hp and 184 lb-ft. of torque.

Inside the car are sport seats with contrasting orange stitching and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. The car gets standard MIB II infotainment system supporting CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink. The color infotainment system is a 6.3-inch unit with capacitive touch. The car is also fitted with LED taillights and park distance control.

The car will be offered in Sandstorm yellow, white, and black pearl. The yellow one will have yellow on the inside while the other colors get black. The Beetle Dune will go on sale in Q1 2016 for the coupe and Q3 for the convertible.