VW BlueSport Roadster: 30 New High Res Photos of Mid-Engined, RWD Sportscar

If you want any more proof that Volkswagen's BlueSport roadster concept is heading towards production, just consider the fact that the German firm has not only given the car an internal development code name but it also invited a number of journalists to take the one-off concept for a quick test drive. Furthermore, VW has published a brand new photo album of the car on the road, that you can check out in all its high-res glory after the jump.

Even though VW officials may not publicly admit it, the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive BlueSport roadster that was revealed for the first time at this year's Detroit Show, is essentially a low-cost alternative to the Porsche Boxster.

"The two-seater is still a concept, but as a production car it would have the best talents for turning the segment of compact, genuine sports cars upside down," said VW in a statement. "That is because this roadster is sporty, sustainable and affordable all at once – a people's car and a sports car for a new era."

Developed with a 'back to basics' approach, the concept version of the 3.99 meter long BlueSport roadster is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI turbocharged diesel engine that cranks out 180HP and 350Nm or 258.2-lbs/ft of torque which is transferred to the rear axle through a 6-speed dual clutch transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.

With the 180HP 2.0 TDI, the soft-top roadster that weighs in at less than 1,200kg (2,645-lbs), can sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in about 6.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 226km/h or 141mph. Volkswagen claims that the two-seater roadster can deliver an average fuel consumption of just 4.3 liters per 100km (54.7mpg US). In combination with the 50-liter tank, the car's theoretical range is greater than 1,150 kilometers or 715-miles.

If, or rather when the Roadster enters production, expect to see an array of turbocharged gasoline (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines that will most likely include the 160HP 2.0 TDI, the 1.4 TSI with 122HP as well as the Scirocco R's 265HP 2.0 TSI.

The German firm promises that in spite of the car's sporty credentials, the roadster still offers a respectable level of everyday utility. In the cargo area under the front hood, the Concept BlueSport can stow 112 liters of luggage while the rear trunk handle an additional 70 liters of cargo. Altogether that makes 182 liters or 20% more space than what the Mazda MX-5 / Miata offers (150 liters).

If all goes well and the BlueSport Roadster receives the final green light for production, the first cars could arrive at VW showrooms around late 2012.

VW Group to Display Up to Seven Concepts at the Geneva Show

It seems that the VW Group will do just about anything to become the world’s biggest automaker by 2018. After announcing a €51.6 billion (US $70.3 billion) investment plan last November, the Germans also want to showcase their future intentions at the Geneva Motor Show in March, by displaying up to seven concepts.

Walter de Silva, head of the group’s design department, told ANE that the concept lineup will include Seat, Skoda and Volkswagen models, plus “one – if not two” Audis.

Furthermore, the Italdesign Giugiaro design studio, acquired by the automaker last spring, will also present two Volkswagen concept cars.

Seeing this kind of commitment, one has to wonder what exactly has Volkswagen is store for us. With the Golf Mk7 said debut in late 2012 or early 2013, we're inclined to say that it’s too early for a design study and the same goes for the next generation Audi A3, due for a release in the summer of 2012. While the manufacturer did say that it wants to expand its North American SUV lineup, information on the subject is scarce, so we wouldn’t bet on an SUV concept either.

In any case, if you have an opinion on the matter, now is the time to share it with us in the comments section below.

*Note: Volkswagen Up! Lite Concept featured in the gallery

VW Golf GTI VI Street: Volkswagen Apprentices Build 301HP Study with Unique Mods

And the news just keeps on coming from the Worthersee GTI meeting in Austria. This time it's the new Golf GTI VI study that is the result of the collaborative work of five Volkswagen apprentices: Stefan Becker, 22, Mehmet Cosgun, 20, Saskia Müller, 20 and Michael Riefenberg, 19. Dubbed Golf GTI Street, the modified hot hatch features numerous mechanical and styling upgrades including a more powerful version of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that has been tweaked to deliver an output of 301 horsepower, up from the standard 2.0 TSI's 210 horsepower. The four-pot is hooked up to a six-speed manual transmission.

The young apprentices sharpened the Golf GTI's handling by tuning the suspension that now comes with a hydraulic height adjustment feature while they also added a beefier brake system borrowed from the last Golf R32. The hatch now rides on a set of 19-inch BBS alloy wheels shod in 225/35 R19 Pirelli rubber.

Beyond the extra power and chassis tweaks, the Golf GTI Street features a two-tone black and white color theme with twin white rally stripes that extend over the bonnet, the roof and back to the rear, a modified front bumper, rear spoiler, tinted rear windows and a new exhaust system with twin tail pipes.

We don't have any photographs of the interior, but according to the German automaker, the GTI Street's interior has been enhanced with a full leather treatment while the apprentices also equipped the car with a new audio system plus an X-Box gaming console.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

VW Golf GTI Special Edition Concept Premieres at Worthersee

Joining the Golf GTI Street 301HP and Polo sport concepts at the GTI meet in Austria, is the Golf GTI 'Worthersee 09' study. Like the Polo, the hot Golf GTI is more about 'show' than 'go' as it relies on the same 2.0-liter TSI with 210HP as the standard production car. The only mechanical updates concern the lowered sport chassis and the more sonorous sport exhaust system. On the outside, the special edition Golf GTI sports a unique "Firespark Metallic" paint finish along with the new smoked LED taillights and a set of 19-inch high-gloss black alloy wheels with contrasting red color 'rings'.

The hot GTI's interior has been treated with high-end aluminum tread plates with "GTI Wörthersee 09" signature, brushed aluminum trim and glossy black painted frames around the air vents.

Furthermore there's a pair of newly designed front sport seats in contrasting black and red nappa leather with "Berry White" leather piping for the outer surfaces and seat center panels made out of a special material called 'Hexagon'.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com