Detroit - Volkswagen has unveiled what could become an MX-5 killer. The styling of the BlueSport Concept roadster is modern and limited to the essentials. The interior shows finesse in details and conveys a high level of technological fascination. Think of the intuitive and easy to operate touch screen, or those lightweight construction leather upholstered seats with single-piece seatbacks.
The BlueSport is as long as an MX-5 (3990 mm) and pretty much the same width and height. And like the Mazda, a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine propels it. But there ends the comparison, first because this is a mid-engine roadster and, second its 180-horsepower engine bears the TDI logo. Yes, it's a "Clean Diesel" engine with common rail injection and downstream NOx storage catalytic converter.
An agile 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission transfers power to the rear wheels. This is enough to launch this two-seater up to 100 km/h in only 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 226 km/h.
This German-designed roadster weighs less than 1,200 kilograms and has a load distribution of 45:55. Performance drivers love such figures. But environment-minded consumers will also appreciate to drive a sports car that needs in average as little as 4.3 liters of diesel fuel to cover 100 km.
Thanks to a so-called Eco mode, made of an automatic start-stop system and braking energy regeneration, a further 0.2 liter per 100 kilometers can be saved in city driving. The nice thing is that this car could reach production.
photo:Philippe Champoux
 |
The BlueSport is as long as an MX-5 (3990 mm) and pretty much the same width and height. And like the Mazda, a 2-liter 4-cylinder engine propels it. But there ends the comparison, first because this is a mid-engine roadster and, second its 180-horsepower engine bears the TDI logo. Yes, it's a "Clean Diesel" engine with common rail injection and downstream NOx storage catalytic converter.
An agile 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission transfers power to the rear wheels. This is enough to launch this two-seater up to 100 km/h in only 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 226 km/h.
This German-designed roadster weighs less than 1,200 kilograms and has a load distribution of 45:55. Performance drivers love such figures. But environment-minded consumers will also appreciate to drive a sports car that needs in average as little as 4.3 liters of diesel fuel to cover 100 km.
Thanks to a so-called Eco mode, made of an automatic start-stop system and braking energy regeneration, a further 0.2 liter per 100 kilometers can be saved in city driving. The nice thing is that this car could reach production.
 |
photo:Philippe Champoux
Article Gallery