Most noticeably different when viewing from the rear are its long, narrow wraparound tail lamps, massive compared to the original van's tiny, dimly lit lenses. The concept strangely lacks my favorite Microbus feature, the eight curved glass skylights that angled over the roof edges. While these weren't standard, older buses with this option are worth a lot more for good reason. Still the prototype's profile is attractive, boasting power sliding rear doors on each side. Like the taillights the new van's double xenon headlamp clusters aren't big, round bulbs. Instead thin slits wrap around from the front fenders before slanting downward, all the while following the curving line of the front hood.
Yes, unlike the original there's an engine up front behind that Lexus ES 300 style grille, making it much more functional when it comes to loading gear in the rear. The engine itself is a 3.2-L V6 sporting 231-hp and 236 lb-ft of torque, much more robust than the T1's rather anemic horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder.
Another break from the past is its front-wheel drive architecture, a similar deviation to the New Beetle. While Volkswagen doesn't make a rear driveline suitable for the new Microbus, questionably better for handling, FWD is optimal for a flat loading floor. It is possible VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive will be available when produced. Either way the vehicle's 245/45R20 tires on 20-inch alloy wheels should help the fully independent suspension setup maximize grip, though I can't say for sure if such a large diameter wheel and tire package will be even optional in production trim either.