The VW Concept BlueSport represents VW's idea of what a fun, but environmentally conscious roadster should be like.
The VW Concept BlueSport is powered by a 180 horsepower clean diesel engine mated to 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission that sits behind the driver. It accelerates from 0-62 in 6.6 seconds while getting about 35 mpg on the European cycle.
PRESS RELEASE:
Detroit 2009: World Premiere of the Concept BlueSport
Volkswagen celebrates comeback of the compact roadster
Wolfsburg/ Detroit, 11 January 2009 - Maximum driving fun with minimal fuel consumption: This is the standard by which Volkswagen is starting the new car year 2009 and is presenting the roadster Concept BlueSport at the North American International Auto Show. "The BlueSport proves to be a compact and passionate car with a clear Volkswagen signature. The car offers pure dynamics with a powerful 180 PS Clean Diesel engine that is combined with the characteristic Volkswagen philosophy of efficiency," confirmed Volkswagen's Chairman of the Board, Prof. Martin Winterkorn in Detroit.
The Concept BlueSport is making its appearance at the car show in Detroit with a Flex Silver exterior and orange fabric convertible top. "It is the symbiosis of outstanding technology and timeless Volkswagen design that makes this car an exceptional sports car. Its styling is clear and is reduced to the essentials; the car body itself has a lean and linear structure", explains Volkswagen chief designer Walter de Silva. The interior shows finesse in details and conveys a high level of technological fascination. Immediately visible to the eye is the intuitive and easy to operate touchscreen. Perfectly adapted to the interior are the leather upholstered seats in lightweight construction with their single-piece seatbacks.
Behind the two sport seats of the 3.99 meter long Concept BlueSport, a 132 kW / 180 PS strong Clean Diesel (TDI) with common rail injection and downstream NOx storage catalytic converter delivers dynamic performance. A 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission – the most economical and agile transmission system in the world – transfers power to the rear wheels. In just 6.6 seconds the sports car is moving at 100 km/h; its top speed is 226 km/h. Also having a positive impact on the car's low fuel consumption of just 4.3 l/100 km and reduced emissions are two technologies that are part of the so-called Eco mode: an automatic start-stop system and energy regeneration. Together they propel the Concept BlueSport to an additional fuel savings of up to 0.2 liter per 100 kilometers in city driving.
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Comments (9)
I have nothing against diesels, but the "motivation" has to be right... people carrier, mini van, cheap family sedan, etc.
Why would any one want to buy a TWO setter small convertible diesel? To hear the extremely beautiful engine noise better?!?!?
IMHO is the same as going to one of that "all you can eat" barbecue places and ordering diet coke. I you are on a diet, just dont go there... or in these case, buy a Polo diesel... 2x the mpg, probably 1/3 of the price...
Posted by Rafael Fernandes | January 11, 2009 9:12 PM
Posted on January 11, 2009 21:12
@Rafael Fernandes:
The idea that diesels are noisy and slow with the sole purpose to propel large people carriers is SO outdated. Have you tried some of the newer diesels lately? If you get the chance, try the new BMW 3 series coupe with the smallest 2.0 diesel engine. Trust me, you will be amazed. Yes, the maximum speed might roughly be a mere 145mph perhaps, but there is so much power it's a genuine sports car, yet still easily manages to do 35mpg. And no, I don't work for BMW, I just happened to drive one for a while.
Combine that with cheaper diesel price (in most European countries at least) and it's not difficult to choose which to opt for, at least around here ;)
Posted by KoenigseggCCX | January 12, 2009 12:54 AM
Posted on January 12, 2009 00:54
@KoenigseggCCX:
I am in Belgium for 2 years and so far i have driven 3 diesels, BMW 120d, 319d, and 320d and i am impressed with diesels cars they were my first diesel cars to drive, and i have to say i loved them, when i get back in the states i would consider buying the 2009 BMW 335d. With the amount of performance and fuel economy I have no complaints, and with the price of fuel over here diesels are the way to go here, the only thing with a diesel in the states is the price for the fuel, but with the fuel econmoy of diesel i think it would make up for it, then buying a gas 335.
Input on the Cadi, that is pretty sleek looking i am impresed with that and it does look much better then the volt.
Posted by Hunter | January 12, 2009 3:37 AM
Posted on January 12, 2009 03:37
O wrong input on the wrong car.....Ehhhh i do not like that VW so much it is kinda ugly, and looks like a Opel GT or something.
Posted by Hunter | January 12, 2009 3:42 AM
Posted on January 12, 2009 03:42
Wonder how much torque that engine makes?
I bet enough to drift that thing pretty easily..
And if it can do that, then does it really matter?
Cause that's really all the "fun" I need out of a two seater RWD coupe...
And a convertible with a turbo engine (modded with external blow off valve (which might not engage very often being DSG....)) would sound lovely...
Posted by Brain | January 12, 2009 6:20 AM
Posted on January 12, 2009 06:20
Hey.. the heck with Rafael! Let him keep his outdated, old school, in the dark opinions on things like diesels.
More for the rest of the enlightened!
Posted by Not Rafael | January 12, 2009 8:20 AM
Posted on January 12, 2009 08:20
Good looking design, promising numbers, surprisingly functional looking rag top for a concept. (bias note: I love roadsters.)
Wonder what niche they are aiming at? Miata? Mercedes SLK?
Posted by kw | January 12, 2009 8:21 AM
Posted on January 12, 2009 08:21
Just for clarity, my father drives a very modern powered diesel. Ok, its a light pick up, but what about it?!
I know all you guys are saying about the "new" diesels are true. They are silent (but dont have an appealing noise either), lots of torque, fun to drive (if you are not bothered by changing gears all the time, or your automatic doing it for you), economical, etc...
My point was, its not their place... the same way you dont put a 4.0 twin turbo gas engine (550 hp) in a semi truck.
Well, but it seems to be a matter of taste.. so, no more discussion about it.
Posted by Rafael Fernandes | January 13, 2009 10:35 PM
Posted on January 13, 2009 22:35
Not their place? Matter of taste indeed. Modern diesels have come a long way. This doesn't have to be a case of shoehorning a big CAT into a VW Beetle anymore.
Depending on price, I'd certainly give a roadster like this a chance to be my next new car.
Posted by kw | January 14, 2009 8:38 AM
Posted on January 14, 2009 08:38