DETROIT MOTOR SHOW 2009:VW builds a 'green Elise'

Lotus-rivalling Bluesport uses lightweight parts - and a turbodiesel engine.


VOLKSWAGEN IS ON verge of entering the sports car business, unveiling this midengined two-seat roadster concept at this week's Detroit show. It is the latest step in the firm's long-running flirtation with a Lotus Elise rival.

Power by a transversely mounted 2.0-litre, four cylinder diesel engine, the Concept Bluesport is a sports car designed with current emissions and budget-sensitive times firmly in mind.

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport

With a kerb weight of less than 1200kg, the roadster has been conceived to appeal to keen drivers. It's capable of cracking 100km/h from rest in 6.6sec and hitting 225km/h flat out.

And yet, thanks to its advanced diesel powertrain and modest weight, the car should also be capable of around 17.7km/l on the combined cycle and better than 21km/l while touring.

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport

Exhaust emission should be modest and clean too, with VM's Blue TDI technology bringing CO2 emissions down to just 113g/km. It should keep NOx and particulates emissions low too.

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport

At just under 4 meters in length, the BlueSport is a little longer than Lotus's Elise, But within centimetres of the British roadster's width and height. Its diesel engine provides 178bhp and 350Nm of torque. It's fitted with a 6 speed DSG gearbox and both auto-start and brake energy regeneration, which will also be fitted to the BlueMotion version of the latest GOLF. Lightweight Construction and aluminum panels contribute to the Bluesport's low kerb weight.

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport

As is still norm for roadster at the affordable end of the market, the Bluesport has manually operated cloth roof that stows behind the seats.

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport

VM claims that, with 112 litres of storage space in its nose and another 70 in the rear, the car can swallow a weekend's worth of luggage. Boosting its touring credentials is a 50-litres fuel tank, which gives the car a range of more than 1120km.

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport

The Bluesport is VM's third roadster concept since 2003. Insiders suggest that the car has "a very strong chance" of appearing in VM showrooms within 3 years, as it is a more mainstream proposal than its predecessors, "The feeling within the company towards this car is very good," one source said," and the platform and materials are production feasible too."

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport

Expect VM's Elise rival to have price tag of less than �25k, powered by a choice of 2.0 TDI diesel or 1.4 litre TSI petrol power. And don't be surprised if other VM Group brands spin off their own version.