VW lowers the roof in a macho display

Is this the next generation Beetle? Volkswagen is referring to it as "a study, a sports car and a window to the future". Yet the low-roofed Ragster (a combination of Roadster and Speedster according to a spokesman) could hint at a future sportier version of the Beetle.

It was revealed to visitors at the Detroit Motor Show earlier this month, but since then several commentators have suggested that this is more than just the usual one-off concepts which regularly feature on car show stands.

Just as likely, according to some, is that it offers some significant suggestions as to the next generation of the Beetle.

The current model has failed to capture the sort of public interest that its arch-rival, the MINI, has done. While the British-built MINI has retained much of the charm of the original, the bulbous look of the current Beetle has been seen as too feminine for many.

This concept suggests the next generation Beetle will be a lot more macho. While retaining the trademark light clusters and curvaceous wings, it looks a lot more menacing with its lowered roof. The roofline of the Ragster is 11mm shorter than the current model, while the canvas roof folds back electrically to the c-pillars.

VW previously tested the water for a new Beetle with the Concept 1, which went on to become the current Beetle after its show debut 10 years ago.