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.

Spy Video: 2012 New Beetle Caught Testing on the Road

We've shown you the spy shots and told you about the Oprah gig where the famous TV host gave away 275 examples of the yet-to-be-revealed New Beetle to her audience. Now, the 2012 model was caught on video towing a pretty big trailer during a series of tests carried out in Europe. VW has promised that the new generation of the retro-styled hatch, which will arrive in May next year, will be a “driving machine" but did not elaborate further. Video after the jump.

VIDEO: 2010 VW Scirocco R 265HP Presentation at the Nurburgring

Parallel to the start of the 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring at the end of May, Volkswagen staged the world debut of its hottest Scirocco model ever that comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot cranking out 265HP and 350Nm of torque. This video that was shot during the presentation event includes the first driving footage of the new Scirocco R on the 'Ring as well as interviews with VW officials. Bear in mind though that the interviews are in German - and yes, those of you out there 'sprechen die Deutsche', feel free to enlighten us with your bilingual skills.

Mini-me Volkswagen Gol for Little People [with Video]

Being a little person in a big world is daily challenge for some of our fellow citizens. And even though technological advancements have it made it possible for little people to drive any car available today, Volkswagen's Brazilian division has taken one step further with the creation of a prototype, miniaturized version of its local market Gol hatchback.

The little people's car is called the Mini-Gol and it has been scaled down by approximately 30 percent over the standard car. It measures around 2.25 meters (88.5") in length and can accommodate drivers and passengers under 5ft tall (1.53 meters).

As you can see in the video clip after the jump, it is an exact replica of the original model with power coming from 5.5-horsepower engine that offers the car a top speed of 27km/h (17mph). According to the reports, VW Brazil has built only two examples of the Mini-Gol, with one being used at various events and shows, and the other finding a home at Parque de Ocio in Santa Catarina, Brazil.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

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Mental Breakdown: A 1,700HP Volkswagen Bus Dragster

Here's one Volkswagen Bus you wouldn't want to mess around with. It's called the Mental Breakdown and it's the creation of Wayne Allman from the British county of Warwickshire. Of the original 1965 VW model upon which it is based, only the driver's cabin was left intact. Power comes from an 8.4-liter supercharhed Keith Black V8 Hemi unit that runs on methanol and delivers 1,700bhp.

"I have always loved installing powerful engines in the wrong cars", says Allman who will show off the VW dragster model at this week's Essen Motor Show in Germany. Until the show goes live, check out at the photo gallery and a video from this year's test runs on the drag strip.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

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VIDEO: New VW Golf VI GTD, the GTI's Diesel Alter-Ego

For those looking to combine the driving pleasures of the Golf GTI with the fuel savings of a diesel engine, VW has launched the new Golf GTD in Europe. The diesel alter-ego of the GTI is powered by a 2.0-liter TDi producing 170HP and 350Nm or 258lbs of torque, launching the hatch from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.1 sec and on to a top speed of 222km/h or 138mph. And what the GTD lacks in terms of performance compared to the GTI, it compensates with its lower fuel consumption (5.3lt /100km or 44.3mpg US). Hit the jump to watch the first promo video of the new GTD.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

Paris Show Debut for Redesigned 2011 Volkswagen Passat Confirmed

The Paris Motor Show organizers have confirmed the world premiere of the facelifted Volkswagen Passat in both sedan and Estate body styles. Expect the first photos and intel on the revamped Passat to go up just before the grand opening of the show on September 30.

From what we've seen in the spy photos and videos, VW's offering in the mid-size segment will receive significant styling changes to the front and rear ends, including a new hood and grille, plus redesigned bumpers and head lamps / tail lights, for a crisper and more dynamic look.

A plusher cockpit with higher quality materials and a refreshed design is also in the cards. Other changes inside will include new audio and navigation systems as well as the introduction of new extras.

It is believed that for the most part, the current lineup of engines, including the four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline and diesel units, will be carried over to the facelifted model.

(Video via: Youtube/AMS)