Is it just us, or do major automakers have a penchant for investing resources in creating one-off convertibles based on existing models? Shortly after Toyota unveiled the open-air version of the Crown Crossover in Japan, VW Brazil joined the bandwagon with the Virtus Cabrio concept, derived from the locally-produced budget sedan.
The Virtus Cabrio isn’t the work of independent craftspeople; rather, it was made by around 30 Brazilian workers from VW’s Sao Bernardo do Campo plant in Brazil. The unconventional project stemmed from a visit to the factory by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, following VW’s latest round of investments in the country.
Despite the tight deadline, the team had just six weeks to complete the conversion, a remarkably short period for such a project.
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The concept started life as a facelifted VW Virtus – a spacious and rather affordable sedan currently on sale in South America, India, and China (albeit with a different name). The roof and pillars were removed, with a crossbar being added behind the front seats. The latter is not only there for restoring part of the sacrificed rigidity, but also for allowing the rear passengers to stand up more safely.
The redesigned rear deck is custom, with the notable absence of a roof reclining mechanism. More importantly, the wheelbase has been extended, offering more legroom to the rear passengers who sit on redesigned seats. Stretching the chassis required modifications on the fuel tank, revised door latches, and a new setup for some of the vehicle’s electronics.
VW says that the special Virtus combines elements from the Highline and Exclusive trims. The exterior is finished in Biscay Blue over a black interior. The dark-finished 18-inch wheels are a nice touch, but the model would arguably look better with a lowered suspension as it sits too high above the ground for a non-crossover convertible.
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Under the hood lies the most powerful version of the turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine (250 TSI) producing 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. As with the stock Virtus sedan, power is transmitted to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG automatic.
Believe it or not, VW Brazil has a habit of creating one-off convertibles whenever a Brazilian president visits one of its local factories. The Virtus Cabrio was preceded by roofless Beetle conversions in 1959 and 1993, a Polo Sedan Cabrio in 2003, and a Fox Cabrio in 2005.
After serving its purpose during the latest presidential visit, the one-off VW Virtus Cabrio will retire, joining other special builds at the VW Garage collection in Brazil.
