REPORT: Volkswagen BlueSport ready for production, estimated cost: $30k. Will it happen?
Volkswagen Bluesport Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery
After getting an exclusive first drive of the Volkswagen BlueSport roadster, the lucky scribes from AutoWeek write of the machine as if it's likely headed for production. This is contrary to earlier reports coming from an unnamed VW insider that indicated the program had been placed on hold due to the dire state of the global economy.
We hope AW's right about the BlueSport's production possibilities, especially after reading about how close to production-ready the roadster appears to be. If the German automaker does find a way to build the BlueSport, it will reportedly show up in in the States in 2013 starting for somewhere around $30,000, depending on the powerplant that VW decides to place behind the two occupants.
The turbocharged and directed-injected diesel mill currently in the concept, which VW says delivers nearly 42 miles per gallon in everyday driving, could very well be joined by at least one of VW's gasoline-burning units – possibly the 265-horsepower 2.0-liter installed in the Audi S3 and Volkswagen's own Scirocco R and Golf R. As always, we'll keep our eyes and ears open for more.
[Source: Auto Week]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
roz 10:30AM (6/05/2009)
I really think it would be wise to ship this car to the US with only the diesel, at least to start. It is a very distinct and attractive looking car and would stand out. In the same way that the Prius is the standard bearer for hybrids, this car could define diesel. Not that diesels would need to be a two seater but that diesels could be known for combining efficiency without sacrificing driving pleasure.
Really, in the US we just don't have cool cars that are green. We have the Prius which although improved in the latest version is still a decidedly family car. We have the Insight which sits in the same category as the Prius. Then you add Altima, Camry, Civic Hybrid, Jetta TDi, Honda Fit, Nissan Versa - all of which are family cars or read as more practical than fun. The Fit looks fun but driving it is another story. I guess the Mini is an option, it gets good mpg, but beyond that the US car market does not have a cool car for a single person to buy and have fun in that is also green. I really think this is a missed opportunity because a lot of young people are very motivated around green issues and they still want a cool car. A hot 2 seater diesel would go some of the way to answering this and might lead other makers to better understand the market.
Reply
jeffzekas 4:22PM (6/05/2009)
Hey VW: Do what you did back in the 70's with the 914-- put a Porsche badge on the front, and sell it as an "affordable" Porsche!!!
Currently, the only "affordable" Porsche is a used Porsche!
Matt 10:47AM (6/05/2009)
IT'S ALIVE!!!
VW, listen to roz. We need this car. YOU need this car. Even if it doesn't define a new class of cars it would be a hit for sure. The people want a hot roadster that burns diesel and gets great mileage without sacrificing fun!
Reply
Chris 10:54AM (6/05/2009)
The diesel fan boys have spoken. Unfortunately this is where real world economics comes into play. Americans aren't ready for diesel. I'm a huge fan myself but Americans have gone decades of hating diesel. It will take time but soon Americans will be ready for diesel.
Mirko 11:08AM (6/05/2009)
Just put a gasser in for all the Americans and gasser lovers? I don't see why they wouldn't offer it with everything the Scirocco gets in Europe too.
(1.4 TSI 122hp, 1.4 TSI 160hp, 2.0TSI 200hp and 265hp, 2.0TDI 140hp and 170hp)
Matt 11:35AM (6/05/2009)
I guess you haven't seen the sales figures of the Jetta TDI recently huh...
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2009/06/02/464097.html
Selling like hot cakes. They are bringing more diesel models this year, and they will bring even more in the next few. It's not like American's "hate diesel," we just usually associate it with trucks and soot. VW has changed all that, and it is clearly a superior fuel.
Mirko 11:06AM (6/05/2009)
I'm confused: Where does the 42 mpg number come from? The official Volkswagen press release mentioned 4.2 L/100km fuel economy (about 56 MPG US)
Reply
Jeremy Korzeniewski 11:38AM (6/05/2009)
Mirko, that appears to be the difference between rated mpg on the EU cycle and actual real-world mileage.
JK
Mirko 1:23PM (6/05/2009)
Actually that ratio sounds about right from my experience.
required 11:49AM (6/05/2009)
Correct me if I'm wrong but you can not use biodiesel in any of the new VWs therefor they are nothing but your run-of-the-mill fossil foolers.
Reply
Sam 12:12PM (6/05/2009)
So far all Vw diesels are rated for B5 Biodiesel use.
required 12:23PM (6/05/2009)
cool, thanks sam
DP 1:16PM (6/05/2009)
Awesome! It will be perfect timing for my mid-life crisis car, and I can trade in my Prius!
Reply
contact 4:48PM (6/05/2009)
very excited to see if this comes out. It fits in line with the wife's plan to buy a new VW TDi and she LOVES the look of this one. I do as well. We've been SO impressed with our Beetle TDi that I wouldn't hesitate to buy this one sight-unseen.
Reply
tomstaple 6:25PM (6/06/2009)
It's being reported in the UK motoring press that VAG will be offering both SEAT and Audi versions in addition to the VW in order to make it a viable model. I'll take a SEAT Cupra version with a >200hp twin turbo TDI diesel please. Nice!
Reply
Sean 1:27PM (7/06/2009)
Please build this VW! I'll be ready to trade-in my S2000 by 2013 and this would be a perfect replacement. Please!
Reply