Ahhh man … OK, at this stage it’s just a rumors filtering through the British press (and other sources), but if this proves true, it could be good news for people like me (i.e. car guys that are cheapskates).
VW has teased us with various sportscar concepts over the past decade or so (that’s a picture of 2003’s Concept R above), but this time they seem to be very serious about bringing this one to fruition.
Targeted squarely at the the near-perfect Elise, VW’s latest sportscar concept aims to balance performance and fuel economy in a low-cost package. There will allegedly be two engine packages: a 168 hp, 1.4-liter TSI gasoline engine or a 125 hp, 1.6-liter TDi diesel. Yes, VW is putting the mill in the right place (i.e. it’s mid engined), and even better, power gets to the rear wheels via a seven speed DSG gearbox with paddle shifters (shades of Kimi Räikkönen). It gets even better (assuming this thing hits the road in 2011 as alleged): the curb weight should be just over 2,200 pounds (i.e. about what a Miata weighs), allowing for 0 - 60 sprints in under seven seconds and, using the TDi it will get over 55 mpg.
Sa-WEET!
Source: AutoCar
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