Rendered Speculation: VW Porsche-fying next-gen New Beetle

Here's a rendering of the new, new, New Beetle, courtesy of AutoBild. The 2009 edition of the remade icon still hasn't been shown in public, but that hasn't stopped artists and prognosticators from sharing images of a likely form for this most legendary people's car. In a sort of twist on the normal gameplan, it is believed that the cabrio will debut before the coupe this time around, and there's even a talk of a Microbus variant in the mix!
The Beetle should share the VW Golf VI platform, but the Microbus would likely use older Golf and Touran parts. Either way, the new look of the Beetle is sportier, with a hint of Porsche in the front fascia. Okay, more than a hint. Looking at the clipped pic at right, you'd be forgiven for thinking it was a 997. The new Beetle should also share powertrains with the Golf VI, and therefore the Golf V, as most are expected to carry over from the current models. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[Source: AutoBild via TheGermanCarBlog]