Volkswagen Dune Concept to début in Detroit

In the midst of a ferociously cold Michigan winter, the new Volkswagen Beetle Dune concept is all set to bring a hint of summer sunshine when it makes its debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit next week.

The Beetle Dune is based on the latest version of the iconic Volkswagen, and adds a cool, rugged off-road look. The body has been raised by 50 mm compared with a standard Beetle, while 19-inch wheels with large tyres lend an all-terrain look.  A rear-mounted ski-rack is reminiscent of those fitted to classic Beetles, and makes a perfect accessory for the season.  In the summer, it could hold a sandboard – the ideal accessory for surfing the sand dunes from which the Beetle Dune takes its name.

The latest Beetle Dune concept also revisits an idea from January 2000, when Volkswagen showed the New Beetle Dune concept in Los Angeles.  But while that vehicle was far from a production possibility, the Beetle Dune is very much based on the current production model, using the same 210 PS turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed DSG gearbox, providing power to the front wheels.

Further information on and images of the Beetle Dune concept will be available after the car makes its debut at the NAIAS on 13 January.

Land Rover offers kids the chance to go off-road

• ‘Start Off-Road’ gives youngsters the opportunity to get ahead of the game from behind the wheel of the Range Rover Evoque
• Driving lessons include climbing and descending hills, negotiating ditches and ridges, and water crossings
• Helps to develop a strong foundation of driving skills for future years

Land Rover has developed a unique new driving programme for youngsters – Start Off-Road.

The scheme allows 11-17 year olds to get behind the wheel of a Range Rover Evoque and experience true off-road driving, teaching them skills and techniques that they will go on to utilise throughout their future years both on and off road.

Participants have the chance to experience driving techniques including basics such as steering, braking and reversing, as well as more advanced skills such as climbing and descending hills, crossing ditches and ridges, negotiating ruts, wet grass and mud, and even crossing water.

Statistics show that younger drivers pick up new skills easier and are more open to learning good driving habits. By instilling the basics in them at an early stage it is hoped that they will gain invaluable experience for later in life.

Each student receives a personalised Log Book in which to record progress so that when they come again – to the same venue or another venue – they pick up where they left off.

As well as providing participants with an invaluable set of skills the course is also unique in offering youngsters the chance to experience the renowned capability of the Range Rover Evoque, lauded for both its off-road and on-road ability.

Each Range Rover Evoque is fitted with dual controls for safety as well as an automatic gearbox, and a dedicated team of instructors are on hand to take participants through every scenario. Parents can also take part in the activity.

Pilot courses are being run at four locations throughout the UK:

• Chavenage House – Gloucestershire – Sunday 13th October
• West London Shooting School – Middlesex – Saturday 2nd November
• Duncombe Park – North Yorkshire – Sunday 29th September; Sunday 27th October; Sunday 24th November
• Rockingham Castle – Leicestershire – Sunday 6th October; Sunday 10th November
• Ragley Hall – Warwickshire – Saturday 19th October; Sunday 17th November

David Saunders, General Manager Land Rover Experience, commented: “The Land Rover Start Off-Road programme is designed to offer youngsters something unique that they wouldn’t usually be able to experience. Not only is it a fun day out, it also teaches an invaluable skill set to youngsters before they can even obtain a license. It helps instill confidence in them, gives them a head start and should help make for proficient driving in the future.”

For further details visit http://startoff-road.com/