Mini has achieved great success spawning a wide variety of offspring from its original retro hatchback, including updated versions

2014 Volkswagen Beetle Dune Concept set to debut this week in Detroit. (Photo: VW)

of the classic Mini station wagon (the Clubman) and panel van (the Clubvan), and even a four-wheel drive version (the Countryman). Now it looks like Volkswagen might be thinking of tearing a page from the Mini playbook, with an updated version of the once-popular aftermarket-built "dune buggy" set to debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Volkswagen accompanied its announcement of the Beetle Dune concept with a single teaser image and a smattering of technical detail.

The Dune Concept is based on the R-Line Beetle, with its body raised by five centimetres and oversized wheels fitted to provide increased ground clearance. Up front

VW’s latest concept isn’t entirely new, as the New Beetle Dune Concept was introduced at the Los Angeles auto show in 2000. (Photo: VW)

there’s a beefy-looking bumper underguard, with matching underguards at the rocker panels.

Under the hood the Beetle Dune concept retains the R-Line’s 210-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-litre engine and six-speed dual-clutch transmission, driving the front wheels through an XDS locking differential. Underpinning it all is the R-Line’s strut-type front suspension and multilink rear suspension.

The Beetle Dune Concept isn’t entirely new, as it revisits an idea born with the New Beetle Dune Concept presented in Los Angeles in 2000. However, Volkswagen says that the latest Beetle Dune Concept is "a lot more feasible," hinting at possible production plans. Slip in the all-wheel drive system from the Tiguan and it could have real potential.

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