Volkswagen BlueSport Concept @ 2009 NAIAS

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Volkswagen's Concept BlueSport is a midengine roadster concept for the modern era: fast, frugal and clean. It debuts at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show.

The two-place Concept BlueSport is designed to accommodate either a TDI or TSI engine. The concept that's being displayed at the Detroit show features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder clean diesel. It delivers 177 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque and returns fuel economy ratings of 35 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway, with an ultralow CO2 level of 113 g/km.

The common-rail TDI engine drives the rear wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The Concept BlueSport sprints from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 140 mph. Two additional features — an automatic stop-start system and regenerative braking — help boost fuel economy.

The Concept BlueSport is longer and wider than the VW Polo but shorter and lower than the new Scirocco. In order to keep the car's weight below 2,600 pounds, VW used a manually operated canvas top as well as an aluminum hood and deck lid. The vehicle rides on 19-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels with 235/35ZR19 tires in front and 245/35ZR19s in the rear.

Inside, Concept BlueSport features a touchscreen interface plus three large dials for the automatic climate control system. The transmission, audio system, onboard computer and hands-free mobile phone are controlled from the multifunction steering wheel.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Volkswagen
• BlueSport
• Concept
• 2009
• NAIAS
• Detroit
• Auto
• Show
• Edmunds
• Inside
• Line
• roadster
• car
• motor

[bototheone1]

I don't see why hybrids are so "in" with 2 litre diesels that put out 140-170 hp, plenty of torque and get you the same kind of fuel economy, plus they don't emit too much CO2 either. Diesels are huge in Europe for a reason, the U.S should take a hint.

[ANGELUISANGEL]

I have a jetta, I could say it´s good manufacturing. VW is one of the best trade marks

[CorvetteRacingFan]

@bototheone1

I don't know exactly why they don't pass. It is all some bureaucratic nonsense if you ask me. I can't disagree with you about diesels though. I would buy a bluesport or the European version of the Polo if they were sold over here. A Volt is not worth 40k and you have to worry about eventually replacing batteries and all sorts of other expensive technology. I think hybrids like that are the way of the future (once the cost comes down) and clean diesels should be used right now.

[bototheone1]

@CorvetteRacingFan

First of all, I don't get why a 1.6 diesel TDI bluemotion edition putting out 90hp and 96 grams of CO2 wouldn't pass emission standards.

And I think even if the Volt has better fuel economy, clean diesels are better than gasoline engines, mild-hybrids and old generation full-hybrids, so they should still use them more, if they're concerned about the enviroment and the fuel reserves.

[CorvetteRacingFan]

They originally claimed pricing "similar to a miata", which is just over 20. Then they said mid 20's. I think 30k or under is acceptable but any higher and they are out of their minds.

[CorvetteRacingFan]

Those European diesels don't pass emissions regulations in the United States. Also, while most production hybrids are a joke, new series hybrids like the Volt can achieve mileage that no plain diesel or gasoline vehicle ever could.

[AccidentallyFunny]

That is a really really REALLY cool looking car. +1 for support in hopes of ever seeing it on US roads.

[Khumarey]

I am so gonna get alloys like these...

:o)

[brattzzzzz]

great daily drive there!

[quincee33]

that's a good thing, hopefully it's more reliable though....hope they produce it.