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The Volkswagen BlueSport Concept: for a responsible roadster.
Does Karmann-Ghia ring a bell? During the 1950s, at a time the Beetle was enjoying tremendous popularity, VW created multiple versions – van, truck, sedan – of this sporty little car. It was named Karmann, for the subcontractor who made the chassis, and Ghia, for the Italian design firm that created its iconic shape. The elegant sports car had a long career between 1955 and 1974, and during all this time it was equipped with a Beetle engine.
Using the same chassis and engine for a variety of vehicles is a technique as old as the automobile industry itself. However, with the BlueSport concept car presented at the 2009 Detroit auto show, the body isn’t the only thing that has changed. The well-known engine has this time been moved back behind the driver and the BlueSport adopts a traditionnal mid-engine configuration.
The engine is an adapted version of the 2009 Jetta’s 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel: power has been increased to 180 hp, 0-100 km/h is now accomplished in 6.2 seconds, and top speed is now 225 km/h. All this with average fuel economy of 4.3L/100 km. Not bad.
How was this done? First, by keeping mass down to 1200 kg, something of an exploit these days, especially given the fact that a convertible requires a reinforced floorpan. This reduced mass is possible thanks to the canvas roof, aluminum doors, hood and trunk, and a compact overall size.
Furthermore, opting for a frugal yet powerful engine that delivers an impressive 260 lb-ft of torque means BlueSport can offer some pretty thrilling performance while reducing fuel consumption. The tank’s 50 litres can in fact offer 1150 km of autonomy. Just to compare, the Karmann-Ghia never delivered more than 60 hp, which is one third the power of this TDI.
New technologies have also been used to reduce the TDI’s thirst for fuel. There’s the famous Start&Stop automatic shut-down system that reduces idling at red lights, as well as a self-disengaging alternator that takes advantage of deceleration to charge the battery by slowing down the engine. Electrical energy required by the car is thus generated by energy that would otherwise be lost rather than by the engine’s fuel.
As far as style goes, there’s nothing much in common with the KG, and that’s perfectly appropriate. The retro-look fashion is now over and it’s now time to look for something new. BlueSport thus offers classically clean yet modern lines that respect typical roadster proportions. Wheels are placed at the extremities, the waistline is low, the body is wide, and the wheel housings are well defined. It’s a very elegant vehicle with the top on or off.
Inside, BlueSport offers the visual simplicity of mostly touch screen controls. Headlights, air and transmission, however, are activated by big, highly visible round metallic controls. Black leather gives a serious tone to the whole interior.
Everything seems so well designed – without the needless embellishments so typical of concept cars – that the BlueSport seems destined for mass production.
So what do you think about a Clean Diesel roadster? I personally think it’s great, especially given that, with 180 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque, you don’t have to sacrifice performance to reduce fuel consumption. Let’s talk!
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