It’s the Beetle Dune Concept

Volkswagen has revealed this Beetle Dune concept at the Detroit Motor Show with a rather explicit announcement: that should its reception be positive, it'll go into production.

In fact, we're told this car is practically production ready, sitting as it does on the FWD architecture of the current Beetle, matched to a 207bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine (the same one you get in a Golf GTI) and six-speed DSG automatic gearbox.

This means the summer ‘concept' - with its electronic front differential - can accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and onto a top speed of 141mph that, says Volkswagen, "would be a speed for the race track". Quite.

But what exactly is it? Those with long memories will remember its predecessor, the original Beetle Dune concept from January 2000, and this car is a step closer to a production version of that, rather wilder, early concept. There are a pair of skis mounted to the back, and the whole car has been raised by 50mm and fitted with 19in wheels, just like those old VW dune buggies.

It's not only taller than a regular Beetle, but also slightly wider (wider wheel housings and an extended track front and rear) and longer too, together with polished aluminium sill trims, a higher bonnet, a redesigned front apron, and a rear roof spoiler.

There's more exclusive Dunery inside too; a colour coded dashboard, a 7.7in touchscreen that handles the infotainment and some new seat upholstery. You'll also notice how everything is orange.

And should you like this orange, it could appear in a city near you. So, VW are listening, everyone. Do you like this Beetle Dune? And should VW put it into production?