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Volkswagen shows off four Beetle-based concepts at the New York motor show

Four Volkswagen Beetle concepts have been revealed at the New York show, including one that previews an R-Line edition.

There are two cabriolet and two coupe concepts on display, including the Beetle Cabriolet Denim and the Beetle Wave convertible. The Beetle Pink Edition and the R-Line Concept complete the line-up.

The Beetle Cabriolet Denim concept is finished in 'Stonewashed Blue' and has been created to honour previous jeans-based Beetles of the 1970s, '80s and '90s. The soft-top is finished in a darker denim look than the body, while the body colour also features throughout the interior. The seats are also finished in a light blue denim and feature red and white stripes.

VW says that up to nine colours would be available on any subsequent production version.

The Beetle Cabriolet Wave is the second convertible concept, and is finished in a bright Habanero Orange. It is said to be inspired by the east and west coasts of the USA and American surfing culture, with wood details on the inside. The Wave takes inspiration from the Dune concept that appeared at the 2014 Detroit show, and will go on sale next year.

The Pink Edition is, as its name implies, largely finished in pink. The exterior is largely Fuchsine Metallic, while the door mirror housings and side body mouldings are Dark Adamantium. The main exterior colour spreads to the interior as well, although the seats feature pink details rather than being totally covered in the colour.

The final concept is more focused on performance; the R-Line concept is powered by the 217bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine that features in the production car.

As well as visual tweaks, the Concept R-Line is 14mm wider than the standard production version of the Beetle, thanks to elements such as restyled bumpers. It also gets a large rear spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the R-Line concept gets sports bucket seats with lateral supports in a leather-carbon-look finish. This also spreads to the door inserts and steering wheel. It also gets contrasting yellow stitching.

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Beastie_Boy 2 April 2015

VW are often derided for turning out dull cars...

...but I think it's great they can still justify building this Beetle, which sells in small numbers (in this RHD country at least). I think I'd choose one of these over a Mini but that is simply down to personal taste. Having the Beetle in their showrooms certainly brightens the place up.

I wish Citroen would drop the 'anti-retro' stance and do a decent, modern 2CV.

catnip 1 April 2015

One of the main reasons I'm

One of the main reasons I'm on my 3rd MINI is because of the way they drive. I've really liked the looks of the 1st and second generation, but i'm struggling with the current one so I don't know if I'll go for one when the time comes to change, even though technically they sound impressive. There are a lot of the new model on the road in my area so the appearance doesn't seem to be putting people off. Back to VW, the Beetle Cabriolet seems more worthy than the tin top somehow, but I'm not sure about R-Line trim. VW really struggled to sell the pre-facelift R-Line Polo and quietly discontinued it, and I wonder how the new Golf R-Line is selling.
abkq 1 April 2015

All these pointless special

All these pointless special editions suggest that VW must be desperate with the Beetle. Even though I quite like the Mk2 Beetle which, unlike the Mini, has enough differences from the Mk 1 version to be visually interesting, this in fact demonstrates the very limited relevance of retro-styling. Quite why Mini continues to be so successful is beyond me.
Frightmare Bob 1 April 2015

abkq wrote:All these

abkq wrote:

All these pointless special editions suggest that VW must be desperate with the Beetle. Even though I quite like the Mk2 Beetle which, unlike the Mini, has enough differences from the Mk 1 version to be visually interesting, this in fact demonstrates the very limited relevance of retro-styling. Quite why Mini continues to be so successful is beyond me.

Here in West Somerset new Minis, as well as Beetles, are a very rare sight.