Volkswagen does an Elise
22/01/09 17:47 Filed in: News
One of the stars of the North American
International Auto Show in Detroit is an all-new mid-engined,
rear-wheel drive roadster concept from Volkswagen.
Named Concept BlueSport, to define its environmental and sporting aspirations, the two-seat roadster, combines an efficient, mid-mounted common rail diesel engine with a lightweight chassis structure to put the emphasis on simplicity and handling dynamics.
The 2.0-litre TDI engine which produces 180 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque from 1,750 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox and sees the Concept BlueSport accelerate from standstill to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and go on to a top speed of 140 mph.
Despite its sporting focus the adoption of lightweight materials, coupled with a 45:55 weight distribution and multi-link rear suspension allows Concept BlueSport to strike a balance between agility and economy – the Concept emits just 113 g/km of CO2, while returning 65 mpg on the combined cycle. To improve fuel economy and emissions further an ‘Eco’ mode function can be engaged to activate an automatic Stop-Start system and braking energy regeneration.
Styled by a team led by Director of Design for Volkswagen, Klaus Bischoff and Director of the Design Centre in Potsdam, Thomas Ingenlath, Concept BlueSport combines an elegant profile with a purposeful stance, clean surfaces and innovative design details.
The Concept BlueSport is a design study with no immediate plans for production. But if there was enough demand, could they resist?
Named Concept BlueSport, to define its environmental and sporting aspirations, the two-seat roadster, combines an efficient, mid-mounted common rail diesel engine with a lightweight chassis structure to put the emphasis on simplicity and handling dynamics.
The 2.0-litre TDI engine which produces 180 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque from 1,750 rpm. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a six-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox and sees the Concept BlueSport accelerate from standstill to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds and go on to a top speed of 140 mph.
Despite its sporting focus the adoption of lightweight materials, coupled with a 45:55 weight distribution and multi-link rear suspension allows Concept BlueSport to strike a balance between agility and economy – the Concept emits just 113 g/km of CO2, while returning 65 mpg on the combined cycle. To improve fuel economy and emissions further an ‘Eco’ mode function can be engaged to activate an automatic Stop-Start system and braking energy regeneration.
Styled by a team led by Director of Design for Volkswagen, Klaus Bischoff and Director of the Design Centre in Potsdam, Thomas Ingenlath, Concept BlueSport combines an elegant profile with a purposeful stance, clean surfaces and innovative design details.
The Concept BlueSport is a design study with no immediate plans for production. But if there was enough demand, could they resist?