Fifth time's the charm for VW Roadster concepts?

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Volkswagen has revealed its Bluesport roadster concept, which will be on display at the Detroit auto show starting this week. Originally slated to debut at the Los Angeles auto show, the car was delayed because VW felt the amount of anticipation generated by earlier rumors warranted greater publicity.
Designed as a rival to the Lotus Elise, the car, if ever produced, would be relatively affordable and extremely lightweight. Unlike past roadster concepts from VW, the Bluesport appears to be intended for production. “It is the fifth time in as many years that we have created such a [concept] car, but this time, more than any other, the signs are looking good that we will get production approval,” a source told Automotive News in August.
Expected to enter production some time in the next two years, the car will weigh around 2,200 pounds and be motivated by a 180 horsepower engine with 260 pound-feet of torque. Fuel economy is estimated at 35 mpg in the combined European cycle. The mid-mounted engine yields a weight distribution of 45:55 front to rear. Power is transmitted through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The car’s platform is rumored be shared with the forthcoming Porsche 914, which would slot below the Cayman and Boxster.
More images are expected in the coming hours and days.
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http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-bluesport-concept.html

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Looks alright. I was expecting a little more from the new styling department, but I'll take another 2,200lb sportcar on the market!
 
I… really like the way this looks. Every detail is spot-on, and there’s no frou-frou whatsoever. It’s perfect.

Please, VW, don’t break my heart again like you did with the GX3.
 
That is a good looking car. The only complaints I have are that the shape up at the front may need to be broken up a little bit more and something should be done with that big, flat, empty area at the back. I like the exhaust too.

I'm going to assume that this car is using diesel power, probably the same engine, although slightly tuned as the Golf/Jetta TDI? It would be cool to see one with the 2.0T too.
 
Its a very "basic" look, and much like Sage, I like it as well. The big deal is the diesel power, which would make it the only diesel sports car on the market. They're talking about very reasonable performance numbers, which suggests production could happen. With the long rumored 914 revival, it seems logical that they could do it.

I just hope they make a cheap gasoline version available from the start.
 
DOOOOOH! I Still like the VDUB better.:) I agree with Philly something else for the rear styling would help.
 
Is this more of Walter's work? If so, that guy's genius will never cease to amaze me.
 
Is it just me, or does it look like the new Scirocco, Porsche Boxter, and Mazda Miata had a threesome? :lol:
 
Philly
But the Abarth is FWD (if I remember correctly) while the VW is going to be MR...
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Very true. But most drivers won't be able to tell the difference and the Abarth will be cheap, wheras the VW will cost a bomb (in the UK at least).

Don't get me wrong though the VW looks damn good. Probably be pretty fun too, with enough VW comfort to justify any performance or handling compromise over something like an Elise.

I just get the impression that the Abarth will be more "effervescent" than the VW and probably more fun day to day.
 
The biggest difference will probably be what happens when you mash the gas pedal mid corner. Where the VW will kick the rear end around sideways, the Abarth will just plow straight ahead...

It'll be interesting to see how these two cars compare though. It seems their biggest difference will just be where the engine is and which wheels do the driving. I'm going to guess that the FIAT is going to be a fair bit heavier and less uncomfortable too.
 
homeforsummer
... and the Abarth will be cheap, wheras the VW will cost a bomb (in the UK at least).
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I wouldn't count on it being much more than the price of a GTI, perhaps an R32. Hardly completely affordable, but not that bad considering that its a "poor man's Boxster" and will probably do more time batting the ball around with high-level Miatas and low-end Z4s.
 
Philly
The biggest difference will probably be what happens when you mash the gas pedal mid corner. Where the VW will kick the rear end around sideways, the Abarth will just plow straight ahead...
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But let's be fair, for the average driver, who'll buy one to pose in, which is safer?...

It'll be interesting to see how these two cars compare though. It seems their biggest difference will just be where the engine is and which wheels do the driving. I'm going to guess that the FIAT is going to be a fair bit heavier and less uncomfortable too.
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From the Auto Express article (source), they reckon the Abarth shouldn't weigh much more than 1000kg. So probably the same as the VW, but I'd bet the VW would be the heavier one given their usual standards.

Actually, also found on Auto Express:

Tipping the scales at a slimline 1,200kg
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1200kg? Slimline? :lol: I'll take an Elise thanks...

YSSMAN
I wouldn't count on it being much more than the price of a GTI, perhaps an R32. Hardly completely affordable, but not that bad considering that its a "poor man's Boxster" and will probably do more time batting the ball around with high-level Miatas and low-end Z4s.
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In the UK Fiat have apparently said they're aiming for £12k, because the smart Roadster was too expensive at roughly £13k. I'd be surprised if the VW is less than £18k when it hits our shores, given that an MX-5 starts at about £16k. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if VW wanted even more for it. A Golf GTI is £21k and it's not beyond VW to milk a niche for all it's worth.

Again, I like the VW but the Abarth appeals more, certainly if I'm right about pricing. Plus I'm a sucker for Italian cars :D

But as this is a thread for the vee-dub, more pics:

car_photo_299459_25.jpg

car_photo_299462_25.jpg
 
EA11R
It's just a Ford GT, isn't it?
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Umm, how is it a Ford GT?

I almost like it. But it isn't quite sharp enough of a looker, and 1200kg is a bit too heavy... and then there is the fact that is VW...

Philly, this car won't rotate nicely, it will just spin out with that much torque that quickly in an MR layout. It will at least make use of the power effectively, unlike the GTi, but will be a huge handful.

But I would never own one, regardless. Not because I couldn't buy it, but because it is a VW, and I will never buy, own, or let a friend buy a VW.
 
All this VW hate. You're just angry because this is the closest thing to your MRS without being a Toyota.
 
homeforsummer
Autoexpress link

I'd be surprised if the VW is less than £18k when it hits our shores, given that an MX-5 starts at about £16k. In fact, it wouldn't surprise me if VW wanted even more for it. A Golf GTI is £21k and it's not beyond VW to milk a niche for all it's worth.
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Your own link gives a likely starting price of £22,500 for the VW ;)
 
EA11R
It's just a Ford GT, isn't it?
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Eh? If it looks like anything it's an Audi R8. Just take a look at the wheel arches and the waistline running between them. In fact, the shape in general.

TheCracker
Your own link gives a likely starting price of £22,500 for the VW ;)
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Yeah... I noticed that after I posted. So I was more or less right about the price then :p
 
So, a VW convertible that is somewhat affordable and isn't just for hairdressers, and it's mid-engined, sleek, and has enough power to crest a hill? (Okay, so the fuel-filler cap is in a weird spot, but you'll figure it out on the third or fourth attempt.)

How long until VAG cancels the project or forgets to send it to the US?
 
Its pretty sharp looking.

It is striking similar to the new TT.

I wonder if that will help it into production?
 
Azuremen
It will at least make use of the power effectively, unlike the GTi, but will be a huge handful.
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Are we just being bitter out of jealousy that you don't need to be at 8000 RPMs before this thing makes any usable power?
 
So what is the point of getting this thing over a MX-5?

The Abarth makes sense though as it is much cheaper and much better looking. Real shame it isnt coming to where I currently reside.
 
Depends, really. I think you're going to find people opting for the VW versus the Mazda based solely on the diesel powerplant and the overall "refined" nature of the car. Nothing against the Mazda, I'd probably end up choosing it by days end as well, but we all know how crazy Volkswagen fans are (myself included).
 
YSSMAN
I just hope they make a cheap gasoline version available from the start.
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This concept at the moment has a 2.0 TDI I4, and it's supposedly economical, so don't expect a gasoline version any time :lol:
 

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