NY LIVE: Volkswagen’s Beetle-based concepts

Volkswagen has traveled to the New York Motor Show with no less than four Beetle-based concepts in tow. The show cars were designed to preview what upcoming limited-edition variants of the retro-styled icon could look like, and to celebrate Volkswagen of America’s 60th birthday.
The most eye-catching concept is dubbed Beetle R-Line. Essentially a Beetle on steroids, it features a deep rally-inspired front bumper that incorporates three air ducts, black mirror caps, an air diffuser integrated into the rear bumper, a sizable spoiler and 20-inch Monterey alloy wheels. The concept sits about half an inch lower than a stock Beetle thanks to a sport-tuned suspension.

The muscular treatment continues inside with bucket seats and faux carbon fiber trim on the dashboard. Power for the R-Line comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 217 horsepower, a slight power bump over the top-of-the-line regular-production Beetle.

Next up is the Beetle Convertible Wave. Designed as the ultimate vehicle for summer, it features retro-inspired classic houndstooth seating inserts and a wooden dashpad built to look like a surfboard. Outside, the Convertible Wave gets a Habanero Orange paint job, silver mirror caps and bright 19-inch Tornado alloy wheels.

As surprising as this might sound, Volkswagen explains that it built the Beetle Pink Color Edition to cater to buyers in the United States and in China who regularly ask for a pink Beetle. It is finished in Pink Metallic with contrasting gray mirror caps, and it is equipped with R-Line bumpers on both ends. The cute look continues inside with a healthy dose of pink trim, though Volkswagen assures us that “an even higher proportion of pink” is conceivable if buyers ask for it.

Finally, the Beetle Convertible Denim is a heir to the limited-edition Beetle Jeans that debuted in the middle of the 1970s. It features a dark blue soft top, 18-inch Disc alloy wheels and a shade of blue called Stonewashed Blue Metallic that was developed specifically for the concept. Inside, the Denim gains blue upholstery, a matt aluminum dashpad and denim-look map pockets stitched into the front seatbacks.

What the future holds for Volkswagen’s Beetle-based concepts is up in the air, but the Wolfsburg-based automaker has made it clear that they could be built in the near future if they generate a positive response from the show-going public and potential buyers.

Live images by Brian Williams.