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Volkswagen BlueSport Roadster concept was seen first time in January this year… and caused some turmoil on the car market. The project is hot, especially while all the “fun cars” are being postponed due to the “crisis” going on. And it looks like that VW is working fast as after only 5 months more concrete and optimistic details are being unveiled. What is worth mentioning: the car doesn’t even look like most of the boring VW design’s.

Here’s what Carscoop recently wrote about the car:

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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.

Looking good…. Rear wheel drive – sounds like a real roadster. I always liked Miata, although never bought it, due to it’s “girly badge”. Loved the S20oo: Since it was released… there was no real competition for the car in it’s class. Affordable 2.0 l engine, great looks and perfect balance.

What catches focus in the new VW description is the “mid – engine” concept. It means that VW is taking this one seriously. We don’t need another average car from them, especially when it’s a niche vehicle – roadster. I have some concerns about what was written about the engine, but maybe the rest will reveal something more…

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.

And here is the problem I see. They dropped the front engine – rear wheel drive idea. VW goes all the way through the trouble of constructing a mid-engine chassis. Trouble meaning: engine access and cooling efficiency reductions. Also extra barrier needed to lower the noise, heat and vibration from the passenger compartment. So it’s a little problematic. Of course the advantages are worth it: center of gravity is can be lowered as the engine is in the middle of the vehicle, what improves the balance = handling and steering. And since the engine is not under the hood, it can be lowered for aerodynamic benefits. Weight is lowered due to lack of driveshaft.

The solution is used in performance cars. So it doesn’t make much sense – why did they announce it with the TDI (diesel) engine? Did the project leader heard the sound it makes? And now imagine the engine right behind Your ear! Roadsters are supposed to be fun. And TDI is something that petrolheads may consider to be a little controversial.

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.

I totally agree here! Request to the VW: make this a real performance / affordable / fun car that will shake the market. 265 HP in 1200 kg vehicle with such weight distribution will be a killer on the track (it makes the power-weight ratio lower than 5). Do not ruin this project with some green, eco fafarafa diesel campaign. It can surely be an option… but the “Flag ship” should be the most powerful 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.

And do we really care about this extra 32 liters of cargo space? In a roadster? C’mon…

Some driving footage:

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