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Volkswagen is taking the North
American International Auto Show
in Detroit by storm this year
with the world debut of an
all-new mid-engined, rear-wheel
drive roadster concept.
Named Concept BlueSport to
define its environmental and
sporting aspirations, the
two-seat roadster, combines a
highly efficient, mid-mounted
common rail diesel engine with a
lightweight chassis structure to
put the emphasis on simplicity
and sharp dynamics.
The Concept BlueSport is fitted
with a four-cylinder 2.0-litre
TDI engine which produces 180 PS
and 258 lbs ft of torque from
1,750 rpm. Power is transferred
to the rear wheels through a
six-speed dual clutch DSG
gearbox and sees the Concept
BlueSport accelerate from
standstill to 62 mph in 6.6
seconds and go on to a top speed
of 140 mph.
Despite its sporting focus the
adoption of lightweight
materials, coupled with a 45:55
weight distribution and
multi-link rear suspension
allows Concept BlueSport to
strike a balance between agility
and economy – the Concept emits
just 113 g/km of CO2,
while returning 65 mpg on the
combined cycle. To improve fuel
economy and emissions further
the ‘Eco’ mode function can be
engaged to activate an automatic
Stop-Start system and braking
energy regeneration.
Styled by a team led by Director
of Design for Volkswagen, Klaus
Bischoff and Director of the
Design Centre in Potsdam, Thomas
Ingenlath, Concept BlueSport
combines an elegant profile with
a purposeful stance, clean
surfaces and innovative design
details.
Finished in metallic ‘Flex
Silver’ with a contrasting
orange retractable fabric roof,
Concept BlueSport marks an
evolution of Volkswagen design
with short front and rear
overhangs complemented by a set
of unique multi-spoke 19-inch
alloy wheels. The rear features
distinctive high-intensity LED
light clusters above an
aerodynamic diffuser which
incorporates twin tailpipes.
Measuring 3,990 mm in length,
1,260 mm high and 1,745 mm wide
the Concept BlueSport is shorter
than a Golf yet almost as wide.
Despite the modest proportions
the Concept BlueSport retains
practical features such as a
112-litre loadspace under the
bonnet and an additional
70-litres in the rear boot.
The colour of the Concept
BlueSport’s orange roof
continues inside, with subtle
styling and cabin lighting
accents. The stylish
lightweight sports seats are
upholstered in black leather,
while the dash-mounted
touchscreen gives access to all
information and entertainment
functions.
The Concept BlueSport is a
design study with no immediate
plans for production. While it
draws inspiration from the past
it serves to reinterpret the
concept of a mid-engined
Volkswagen sports car.
News provided by
www.scirocconet.co.uk
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