# Desert-Ready Mini Cars A VW Beetle Dune Concept Car Will be Released at the Detroit Auto Show 2014 By Ashley Noelle Lesiak | Published 2014-01-13 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vw-beetle-dune-concept References: [ca.autoblog](http://ca.autoblog.com/2014/01/11/detroit-autoshow-vw-beetle-dune-concept-detroit/) The [VW](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/porsche-x-vw-renndienst-idbuzz-bus) Beetle Dune Concept is set to debut at this year's Detroit Auto Show 2014. Since the Beetle has a rear engine and is small, over the years people have been converting them to handle difficult [desert terrain](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rivian-california-dune). Now VW wants to run with that concept and has released some photos of a new car idea. Some information based on previous designs has been pieced together to figure out exactly what the [new VW Beetle Dune Concept](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-numa-concept) is made of. Experts can already see that the body has been raised from the ground by two inches. A 210-horsepower turbocharged TSI engine will power the little automobile, and a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission will help you out through all the rough terrain you have to traverse. Power is put to the ground via the front wheels and a strut-type front and multilink rear suspension and extra traction will be got through a XDS electronic differential lock. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 34% | Activity: 38% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Off-road Mini Cars:** Opportunity to develop small, high-performance vehicles that can handle difficult terrain and off-road adventures. - **Raising Body Height of Cars:** Opportunity to design and market cars with a raised body height, providing a unique look and enhanced functionality. - **Compact Suvs with High-powered Engines:** Opportunity to cater to consumers who want the style and functionality of an SUV, while maintaining fuel efficiency and performance with high-powered engines. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** Industry players can innovate by developing new models of off-road mini cars or compact SUVs with high-powered engines. - **Automotive Accessories:** Industry players can innovate by manufacturing accessories that can enhance the performance of small off-road mini cars and compact SUVs. - **Outdoor and Adventure:** Opportunity for companies in the outdoor and adventure industry to collaborate with automotive companies to market and distribute off-road mini cars. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rugged Off-Road Concept Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jeep-dune.md) - [Sporty All-Electric Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-idx-performance.md) - [Outdoor-Focused Concept Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manifesto-concept-car.md) - [Desert Competition SUV Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/land-rover-dakar-rally-defender.md) - [Beastly Off-Road Vehicle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chevrolet-beast.md) - [Landscape-Inspired Off-Road SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-atlas-peak-edition.md) - [All-Electric Dune Buggies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/manx-20-electric.md) - [Retro Electric Buggies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meyers-manx-ev.md) - [Surf and Track Hatchbacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-and-deus-ex-machin.md)