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42 comments, Jan 11, 2009 7:45 AM

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VW Bluesport Roadster: The Mid-Engined Diesel Sportscar

Wes Siler — Volkswagen will be taking the wraps off their mid-engined, diesel-powered sportscar today. The VW Bluesport Roadster looks impressive, but the early numbers definitely raise a few eyebrows.
While most concept cars do 0-60 “in a unicorn’s fart” and return “infinity MPG” according to the manufacturer, the Bluesport has decidedly unimpressive numbers. How’s 0-60 in 6.2 seconds, 35 MPG in the notoriously optimistic European cycle and a 140 MPH top speed sound? Decent, but hardly the stuff dreams are made of. Which is why we believe the VW Bluesport Roadster stands half a chance at production.
While the Bluesport mounts its oil burner amidships, the six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is up front, resulting in a 45:55 front/rear weight distribution. The wheelbase is 96 inches, the front track is 58.”5, the rear 60 and there’s trunks front and rear. The interior also looks seriously nice. The whole package comes in at a distinctly realistic 2,600 Lbs.
Do we want a Diesel roadster? We’re not sure. Will majority shareholder Porsche let VW build a Boxster rival? Who knows. [Source of Embargo break: Auto Motor Und Sport]