Volkswagen Unveils Beetle Concepts
The Volkswagen Beetle isn’t for everyone, but it looks like VW is trying to widen the iconic hatchback’s appeal with four new special-edition concepts. The Beetle Convertible Denim, Beetle R-Line, Beetle Convertible Surfer and Beetle Pink Color Edition are taking the stage at the 2015 New York International Auto Show.
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The original Volkswagen Jeans Bug made its debut in the mid-1970s and VW is following up with the Beetle Convertible Denim. The concept convertible’s exterior wears a textured fabric resembling denim, complemented by Stonewashed Blue Metallic paint and gray-painted exterior mirror caps, side skirts and body moldings. Inside, the concept has two-tone blue sport seats with white piping and denim-look pockets on the backs and sides of the seats.
Volkswagen claims demand for a pink beetle spurred the creation of the Beetle Pink Color Edition concept. The coupe wears Pink Metallic paint with black, chrome and aluminum trim inside and out. Not enough pink for you? “An even higher proportion of pink would be conceivable, based on feedback from the auto show,” VW said in a statement. Barbie should be pleased.
The Beetle Convertible Wave concept also wears an eyebrow-raising color: The convertible’s Habanero Orange Metallic paint joins bright Tornado 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and chromed side mirror caps. Inside, the cabin looks classy with houndstooth-pattern seats and a real wood dashboard designed to look like a surfboard.
Lastly, the Beetle R-Line concept is meant to inject some sportiness into the lineup with its,217-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four cylinder, Oryx White Pearl effect paint, high-gloss black trim, a rear diffuser, large spoiler, 20-inch wheels and aggressive-looking bumpers. Inside, there’s carbon-fiber trim as well as yellow accents throughout the cabin.
Will the concepts see dealerships? It sounds possible. Volkswagen said they “pay homage to the Beetle’s past while providing a glimpse at a possible future direction for the vehicle,” and that all four models “could make it into production in the near future.”
Check out the gallery below.
