Volkswagen introduced the Virtus in 2022, a product developed and built in India for the world. Underpinned by the heavily localised MQB A0 IN architecture, Virtus has found its way to other international markets like Brazil. Recently, the German brand introduced a one-off convertible edition of Virtus in Brazil.
Named Virtus Cabrio, this one-off prototype is essentially an open-top version of the mid-size sedan and was showcased at the carmaker’s factory in Sao Bernardo do Campo (SP) in São Paulo, Brazil. This prototype has been specially conceptualised on the occasion of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s visit to the facility.
Volkswagen Virtus convertible: Highlights
The open-roof Virtus combines attributes from two trims— Highline and Exclusive. The most distinctive visual highlight is the chopped-off roof. As a result, the prototype’s structure has been strengthened at key points and it has also received different suspension components. Additionally, the doors have been slightly realigned and are pillarless, thanks to the removed roof.
To provide a wider space between the front and rear seats, the floor was lengthened, including changes to the size of the fuel tank housed in the lower part of the floor. Furthermore, the rear seat has also undergone modifications with an exclusive design for this special model.
External components like closing parts for the columns, doors, seats and fuel tank were redeveloped. A cross bar was also added in the region of the B column, so that the rear occupants, when standing, would have support and safety. Finally, some electronic vehicle management systems were modified.
The prototype wears a Biscay Blue exterior paint and 18-inch alloy wheels with darkened finish. Inside, the cabin wears an all-black theme for the seats, dashboard and door inserts. Volkswagen claims the custom Virtus convertible prototype was built in just six weeks by a team of 30 professionals.
Powering Virtus Cabrio is a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox, which is not available on the India-spec Virtus. In India, Virtus is offered with a 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol unit and a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol motor. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard with the option of a 6-speed torque converter for the 1.0-litre unit and a 7-speed DSG transmission for the 1.5-litre unit.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Volkswagen has designed a one-off convertible prototype. The company has previously made open-top models of Beetle in 1959 and 1993, Polo Sedan in 2003 and Fox in 2005. Virtus Cabrio will find its place in the VW Garage collection and will be located alongside other special, sports and prototype vehicles from the brand. However, it will never make it to the market.
