Now here's a VW I could learn to like

[altiain]

Volkswagen BlueSport concept from Detroit auto show

The term "diesel performance" is an oxymoron to the majority of the public, but if the Volkswagen Bluesport makes it to production, these two diametrically-opposed words could have new meaning.

Later today at the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen will take the wraps off the Bluesport concept, a two-door roadster packing a mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbodiesel four putting out 180 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. With around 2,600 pounds to motivate the Bluesport, VW estimates a run from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds, a top speed of 140 and, just as importantly, 35 mpg on the European cycle. UPDATE: According to official numbers from VW, we're actually talking an amazing 57 mpg in Eco mode.

The power from the mid-mounted diesel will be sent to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox mounted closer to the front of the car and resulting in a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution. The overall length is just over 13 feet, with a wheelbase of 96 inches, a front track 58.5 inches and a rear track of 60 inches. Two storage areas – one frunk and another mounted behind the engine – result in 182 liters of cargo area.

It's a compelling package that we're looking forward to scooping out in person. Check back this afternoon for more.

180 horsepower
260 lb-ft of torque
2600 pounds
mid-engine, rwd convertible
35-57 () MPG!

I'd love to see this make it to production!

[sammm]

Lot's of Audi influence in that one.

[Sharpie]

I was gonna say, go buy a TT until I saw the turbodiesel part of it.

Looks like a TT and 350Z got together.

[altiain]

I was gonna say, go buy a TT until I saw the turbodiesel part of it.

TT is front-engine, front or all-wheel drive. It is a ridiculously overpriced, hot rod Golf, imho.

This is mid-engine, rear-wheel drive. It may look like a drop-top TT, but the driving dynamics ought to be entirely different. Considering the overall dimensions and the fact that Porsche owns a controlling interest in VW, I'd say chances are pretty good a production version of this car would be based on a Boxster/Cayman chassis.

[Nails]

260 ft. lbs. of torque at 2600 lbs

A Cosworth NC is only about 200 ft. lbs. at about 2500 lbs.

Sounds like fun!

BTW it looked like Saturn Sky meets Porche to me especially the first pic.

[ken o]

After chip
300 horsepower
360 lb-ft of torque

[trickyrix]

Sweet! A diesel 914!

Me likey...

[POS Racing]

Sweet! A diesel 914!

Me likey...

More like a diesel Karmann Ghia!

[Sharpie]

TT is front-engine, front or all-wheel drive. It is a ridiculously overpriced, hot rod Golf, imho.

This is mid-engine, rear-wheel drive. It may look like a drop-top TT, but the driving dynamics ought to be entirely different. Considering the overall dimensions and the fact that Porsche owns a controlling interest in VW, I'd say chances are pretty good a production version of this car would be based on a Boxster/Cayman chassis.

Thank you Captain Obvious.

[Treibenschnell]

Diesel performance? Obviously this writer doesn't get out much. Audi, BMW, and Mercedes have had nice performing diesels.

[Magma]

Meh, you can have it

[creek]

If they would leave off some of the pretty and get the weight down the torque would be sweet. I saw the Jetta series on TV and those diesels were hooking up!

[Kestrel]

A mid-engine, rear-wheel drive Audi TT with some aggressive styling? Uh, yeah... I'll have one! Very nice IMO. I'm not sold on diesel, but I might be convinced to give it a try in a car like this...

[altiain]

Thank you Captain Obvious.

You're welcome!

[CosmosMpower]

Is this actual 2,600 pounds or 370Z rated 2,600 pounds which turns out to be 300 pounds more?

[Miatamaniac92]

A mid-engine, rear-wheel drive Audi TT with some aggressive styling? Uh, yeah... I'll have one! Very nice IMO. I'm not sold on diesel, but I might be convinced to give it a try in a car like this...

If it has the cargo space of a Boxster and that good of MPG, that will make a great touring roadster.

I wouldn't wanna do maintenance on a mid engine car though, from what I've heard of other mid engined cars (NSX chiefly).


Chris

[CosmosMpower]

If it has the cargo space of a Boxster and that good of MPG, that will make a great touring roadster.

I wouldn't wanna do maintenance on a mid engine car though, from what I've heard of other mid engined cars (NSX chiefly).


Chris

It really depends on the design of the car. The Boxster and Cayman don't look like much fun to do major engine work on. The Elise isn't too bad, especially if you take the clam off or have the clam hinge. Not sure what the pain in the butt part is on the NSX, the engine bay does look a little crowded though.

[Miatamaniac92]

It really depends on the design of the car. The Boxster and Cayman don't look like much fun to do major engine work on. The Elise isn't too bad, especially if you take the clam off or have the clam hinge. Not sure what the pain in the butt part is on the NSX, the engine bay does look a little crowded though.

The elise doesn't have a rear trunk like the Boxster though, right?

Chris

[altiain]

The elise doesn't have a rear trunk like the Boxster though, right?

Chris

Actually, that's the only trunk it has (no front trunk). However, you can access the engine from above the car, unlike a Boxster/Cayman.