Volkswagen has unveiled two variants of the Beetle. One is a jacked up, Baja-inspired version of the Bug. The other feels like the return of the 90s and reminds us of the Backstreet Boys in their prime, when oversized jean jackets were not a crime and Levi’s were still all the rage. Here are the 2016 VW Beetle Denim and Dune special editions.

Thankfully, the 2016 VW Beetle Denim edition is not literally clad in denim. The matte body color is reminiscent of a pair of jeans and actually looks pretty good. And if the blue wash doesn’t match your style, the Denim edition will also be available in Pure White. It has been designed as an homage to the 70s Jeans Bug, also following in the footsteps of the concept introduced in New York back in April. This time, we are  looking at the final product  and only 2,000 units of this version will be stitched up.

The interior of this Beetle is where things get a little tacky with actual denim-looking cloth inserts and seats. Think of that picture of Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears 2001 VMA’s all-denim matching kits. It also receives Volkswagen’s latest version of their MIB II infotainment system with a five-inch touchscreen, rear-view camera and Bluetooth connectivity. The Denim special edition will be added to the Beetle Convertible lineup.

The sand buggy

The Beetle Dune edition has very different origins inspired by the crazy, dusty, off-road dedicated Baja Bug. According to Joerg Sommer, Vice President Product Marketing and Strategy at Volkswagen of America Inc., “The new Dune successfully captures the iconic spirit of Baja Beetles, with a more rugged feel and amenities never before offered on the third-generation Beetle.”

The Dune gets you a 0.4-inch raised Beetle with a wider stance and an overall rugged and muscled-up look available in two-door coupe and convertible versions. As a standalone trim level the Dune will be offered in Sandstorm Yellow, Pure White, or Deep Black Pearl with contrasting “Dune” stripes on the sides.  If VW ever wanted to introduce a more masculine Beetle, that should have been it!

This special edition includes sport seats with contrasting stitches, the second generation MIB system with a 6.3-inch touchscreen, the AppConnect technology, rear-view camera and multiple other features. Option packages will also be available to up the ante.

Both editions will be launched in the US with a 1.8L turbo engine rated at 170 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission — booh! Both versions of the Bug will be integrated to the lineup in 2016.

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