Beetlemania: Four Beetle Concepts mark VW of America’s 60th anniversary

Although the first Volkswagen Beetles were imported to the U.S. in 1949, the U.S. sales subsidiary of the German automaker didn’t set shop up until 1955. So to commemorate that anniversary of Volkswagen of America, the company commissioned 4 special edition concepts for the New York Auto Show, some of which may see production.

The foursome includes the Beetle Convertible Denim, Beetle Pink Color Edition, Beetle Convertible Wave and Beetle R-Line concept. 

Beetle Convertible Denim

This American fabric has become an international fashion sensation and the Beetle Convertible Denim uses the material not only for its top material, but also the inspiration for its stonewashed blue paint scheme. The package recalls earlier Jeans Bug that debuted in the mid-1970s. Equipped with the 17-horsepower 1.8-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, the Beetle Convertible Denim would also be available in 9 other colors in production trim. Exterior features like the rearview mirror caps, side skirts and body moldings are finished in gray and the car ride son 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.

Inside, the blue jean theme is carried over with light blue fabric on the seating areas that contrasts with dark blue leatherette used on the outer surfaces. White piping and red Beetle flags provide additional texture and denim-look pockets are integrated on the backs and sides of the seats. Matte aluminum accents, contrasting blue armrests and light ceramic stitching on the steering wheel complete the look.

Beetle Pink Color Edition

Recognizing the popularity of pink as an exterior color choice in both the U.S. and China ,VW decided to build a special edition package around the hue with an eye towards production if there’s enough positive reaction to the concept. Although shown as a coupe, VW believes if given the green light, a convertible would also be offered.

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Like the Denim concept, the pink exterior is offset by contrasting gray mirror caps and side body moldings. R-Line front and rear bumper designs add drama to the exterior. Pink metallic is used as a contrasting color on the door panels, air vent surrounds, and steering wheel spokes. Pink stitching is used on the steering wheel and leather shift knob as well as on the floormat borders. High-gloss Titanium black is used as a dash accent.

Beetle Convertible Wave

Paying homage to the surf crowd that embraced the Beetle and the Microbus, the Beetle Convertible Wave is painted Habanero Orange Metallic and offset by bright 19-inch alloy wheels and chromed door mirrors. The interior features a blend of high tech and retro touches such as the seating inserts done in a classic houndstooth pattern. The dash features a genuine wood accent designed in the style of a traditional surfboard.  Although a concept, VW says the Beetle Convertible Wave is similar to the Beetle Dune, a show car that also made it into production.

Beetle R-Line 

This concept backs up its sporty R-Line accents with additional muscle under the hood in the form of a 217-horspower 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. Finished in Oryx White Pearl, the R-Line has an aggressive bumper treatment that has larger intakes and wraparound high gloss black moldings that extend down the side of the car. This sporty Beetle is also equipped with a rear diffuser, black exterior mirror caps, a large rear spoiler and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Beetle R-Line concept is more than a half-inch wider than a standard model.

The cabin is equipped with upgraded sport seats and a carbon style finish on the dash, door inserts and steering wheel spokes. The instruments have contrasting yellow faces as well as yellow stitching on the seats, steering wheel and shift knob.