Detroit Auto Show: Volkswagen Debuts Mid-Engine Diesel Roadster Concept

The news release Volkswagen handed out as it unveiled its Concept BlueSport sports car in Detroit today said it all: "Volkswagen is starting the new year by presenting an automotive dream -- an affordable, uncommonly economical and highly agile mid-engine roadster."

The key word being "dream," because if the turbocharged clean-diesel roadster really does accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in 6.2 seconds, gets 42 miles per gallon combined, has a top speed of 140 miles an hour and is affordably priced -- all of which it claims -- Porsche would probably view it as a rival to its Boxster.

And with Porsche recently taking control of Volkswagen Group -- parent company of nine automakers, including VW -- all Porsche would have do to keep the BlueSport out of dealers' showrooms is vote it down at a Volkswagen Group board of directors meeting.

On the other hand, Porsche doesn't make a diesel Boxster and hasn't announced plans to come out with one.

A 6-speed dual clutch transmission -- the most economical and agile transmission system -- transfers the BlueSport's 350 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. It is shifted either automatically or via shift paddles on the steering wheel.

Making a positive impact on the car's range, fuel economy and emissions is the concept's start-stop system. When the car stops at a traffic light, for example, it automatically shuts off its engine. As soon as the light turns green, just tapping on the gas pedal is enough "to start the engine lightning fast."

 Lightning fast? Sounds good to us.

Posted by

Scott Doggett January 11, 2009, 4:26 PM

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Diesel, Emissions, Fuel Economy, Porsche, Volkswagen

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Diesel, Emissions, Fuel Economy, Porsche Boxster, Volkswagen Concept BlueSport