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World Premiere of VW EcoRacer at Tokyo Motor Show
VW's EcoRacer concept car will debut in Tokyo as a fully functional prototype for a variety of advanced and eco-friendly technologies. Powered by a 1.5 liter TDI direct-injection turbo-diesel that puts out about 136 hp through a DSG double-clutch transmission. The result is both high performance and fuel efficiency - the EcoRacer will post 0-60 times below 6.3 seconds, a top speed of 143 mph, and an average mpg of 69.2. More after the jump.
The mid-engine car features all carbon-fiber bodywork, which contributes to its low weight of 1874 lbs. The bodywork
is reconfigurable, allowing the EcoRacer to run as a coupe, a roadster, or a speedster. All LED head- and tail-lights
save space and weight.
The chassis has all the right stuff: double wishbone front suspension and a four link rear suspension from the Golf.
The lightweight theme shows up in extensive use of aluminum, a carbon-fiber underfloor with integrated diffuser, use of
the electric parking brake from the Passat, and other weight-saving details like tubular antiroll bars. The rear drive,
mid-engined car has a 40/60 front/rear weight distribution. Eleven inch disk brakes and 17 inch wheels complete the
picture, with 175/55 tires up front, and 225/45 in the rear.
Thanks for the tip, Kris! More info is available at
vwvortex.com
[Source: VW Media Services. All photos courtesy Volkswagen AG]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
mark g. davis 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
Why does this remind of the Dodge Razor from recent auto shows?
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Opposite Lock 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
build it and i'll buy it.
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ruggels 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
hrm, lines appear to be the same as the shooting break from audi... i'll take either please. could this be a hint at their anti-boxter?
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G 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
I had no idea gas milage was so important to the type of people who buy cars bodied entirely in carbon fiber. I inderstand that it's a concept car and doesn't have to be reality grounded, but in order for this thing to make it to production it will either need to cost well upwards of $100,000 or be several hundred pounds heavier. This is just masturbatory.
Can you imagine trying to sell this thing? "69 miles per gallon, sports car looks, and it's as fast a Toyota MR2 Spyder! Yours now for only $140,000!"
That "hood" thing behind the roll bar looks like shit, too.
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Joe 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
"The mid-engine car features all carbon-fiber bodywork, which contributes to its low weight of 1874 lbs."
Carbon fiber is also extremely expensive. I wonder how much a car like this costs?
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Mike 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
What is that an S2000 with wings?
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Scott Eaton 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
Just guessing, but as-is, that car can't be produced for less than $60,000USD - and of course would never be on sale in "California" states (boo, hiss).
Barring reality, I'd effing love one right now for my new commuter.
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Motorin' 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
"Why does this remind of the Dodge Razor from recent auto shows?"
Because the Razor was cool and like the Razor, you'll probably never really see this in a showroom.
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santiago 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
Looks like a great new car , but if the service still sucks. who cares about a great concept. VW needs help in service and customer service ,not technology.
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Joseph Willemssen 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
No car is "eco-friendly".
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naggs 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
if someone (anyone) sold a rwd lightweight 2 seater it would sell..
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Dr. Woo 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
VW's already supposedly abandoned its plans to offer a production Concept R because of the mid-engine layout, so don't count on anything like this ever seeing the green light.
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Charles 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
The front is almost exactly like the Audi RSQ's. Anyone else see this?
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Big 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
But damn, its stats are interesting. And it kind of reminds me of a Lotus Elise, very simplistic. Hopefully that crap catches on.
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Rocket Punch 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
Nice! Drop the dual charge engine in and price it under 40K (elise range. This might work.
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Colin 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
Reminds me of the Opel ECO Speedster...
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practical guy 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
This concept pisses me off. I dont understand why they waste their time doing this kind of crap rather than just fixing the products they already have.
Putting a more powerful diesel in the Jetta or Golf. The TDI products have a 0 to 60 of 10.3 seconds. So, stupid people at VW, spend some time on your volume products. Honestly, I really can't fathom why you people waste your time on a car for people with no friends or family, are so concerned about gas-mileage that a 28 MPG Corvette isnt good enough, and think that a motorcycle should have 4 wheels (1874 lbs?!?!). Its completely unsafe, unpractical, and just plain stupid.
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Matt Rathbun 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
#16
1) Weight does not necessarily equal strength.
2) Carbon fiber has better energy absorbtion capabilities than steel.
3) Check out recent Scientific American issues. Light weight cars will be the future. You can achieve substantial fuel economy improvments simply by reducing the weight of the vehicle.
4) Personally, I am concerned about the environment and I enjoy driving a spirited automobile. My current BMW 318ti does a decent jobs of handling both goals. (BMW handling with 30 MPG) But I am torn as to what I will choose for my next car. Part of me thinks I have to get a hybrid because it is the only responsible choice, while the other part of me still wants to enjoy driving. I would jump at the chance to own a fuel efficient rear wheel drive automobile, and I don't understand why you should wnat me to feel otherwise.
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Charles 10:50PM (12/18/2005)
The front is almost exactly like the Audi RSQ's. Anyone else see this?
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