What's all this about?
Volkswagen is marking its 60th anniversary in North America this year and so it has created four distinct Beetle concepts for the New York Auto Show that present some potential for future levels of customisation.
Concepts you say?
Well, all four cars - two coupés and two convertibles - are based on the current production Beetle we know, but the styling of each remains very much an exercise is creativity. Volkswagen will however be paying close attention to how each car is received by the public at the New York Auto Show.
Whoa, that's pink!
Funny you should mention that, as it's what Volkswagen calls the Beetle Pink Colour Edition - catchy name, right? As if the sickly paint wasn't enough, it has been given bodywork from R-Line and 10-spoke alloy wheels. Inside it is, as you might have guessed, quite pink. Air vents, door panels, steering wheel spokes and even the stitching all come in pink. Volkswagen's designers have also said that they could have added even more pink to the mix. There is some method to Volkswagen's madness however; it has said that there is an increasing demand throughout its American and Chinese dealers for a pink Beetle, so this is to gauge public reaction.
This drop top looks a lot cooler.
The Beetle Convertible Wave is seriously cool in fact. Not only does it look superb in that Habanero Orange Metallic paint, it's set off by the chromed door mirror caps and cool 19-inch Tornado alloy wheels. Inside is where the style ratchets up a notch thanks to its hound's-tooth inserts in the seats and real wood dash pad.
What's this sporty number?
We're hoping that the R-Line concept previews a properly hot Beetle. Painted in a striking Onyx White Pearl effect paint, it features contrasting black wheel arch mouldings and sills with yellow flashes along the lower door sections. Aggressive bodywork that includes a large rear spoiler and diffuser as well as beefed up bumpers show plenty of potential, especially if Volkswagen could squeeze that Golf R powertrain into it. In true performance style there's plenty of carbon fibre inside the cabin too.
Is that a denim car?
Yes. Yes it is. It's the Beetle Convertible Denim and it could just be the ultimate fashion accessory. Not only is it painted in 'Stonewashed Bleu Metallic' paint it also has a fabric roof that has been made from a blue fabric designed to resemble denim - and here we were thinking double denim was a fashion crime! Modest 18-inch alloy wheels and great body mouldings help to tone things down a touch, thankfully.
So, when can I get these?
Not any time soon; for now they remain just concepts, although Volkswagen may well look at producing something similar in limited numbers should the public demand it enough.
Dave Humphreys - 1 Apr 2015