Autoblog

Porsche's Elise-fighter to get 1.9-liter four?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Europe, Porsche, Rumormill

Porsche is apparently still working on a new small sports car designed to give the Lotus Elise something to chew on, at least if the reports coming from CAR Magazine are to be believed. Code-named Project Mimo, the vehicle is slated to be positioned below the Boxster and be built on the bones of the rumored Audi R5 and Volkswagen BlueSport convertibles.

CAR reports that all three machines are currently mired in the engineering feasibility stage of production, which means the whole lot could be binned at any moment. Even so, the Mimo is rumored to come with a 1.9-liter flat-four-cylinder engine under its hood.

The Audi, meanwhile, will likely pack a version of the company's stout inline five-cylinder, leaving the BlueSport to work with whatever green-tilted powerplant Volkswagen can come up with. The small-displacement flat-four in the Mimo will likely be paired with a turbo for something around 210 horsepower, according to CAR. That sounds fun and all, but we like the notion of a Porsche with a price tag of less than the $48,100 the German automaker asks for the Boxster.

Porsche's Elise-fighter to get 1.9-liter four? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Group's roadster program coming into focus

Noah Joseph — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Volkswagen BlueSport roadster concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

These days, an auto giant like the Volkswagen Group can hardly justify a new platform unless it can amortize the cost across numerous variants. Fortunately, VW has enough brands in its portfolio to do exactly that.

Just as the same platform underpins the Volkswagen Polo, Audi A1, Skoda Fabia and Seat Ibiza (none of which, of course, are available in North America), and another underpins the Volkswagen Touareg, Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne, so will the company's next mid-engine roadster platform be distributed into numerous models across the corporate tree. The project has been several years in the making, but as development speeds towards production, Autocar has some details on what to expect.

The platform is expected to breed a production version of the above-pictured Volkswagen BlueSport that started it all a couple of years ago, as well as an Audi R4 and Porsche 550 revival. While both the Audi and Porsche are expected to offer 2.0-liter turbo fours, the engines are tipped to be entirely different: an inline for the Audi and a flat-four boxer for the Porsche. The R4 is rumored to get a diesel powerplant as well, while the VW is expected to start with a 1.4-liter turbo four. Output for the different versions is expected to range from 170 to 380 horsepower.

Power isn't all that will separate one model from the other, however. The styling, for one, is expected to take different directions, the Volkswagen fitting into that brands straight-edge styling language, the R4 taking its sharp cues from the e-tron concept and the Porsche taking a more rounded, retro approach reminiscent of the 550 Spyder of yore.

Pricing and market position will also define one model as distinct from another, the Volkswagen targeting the Mazda MX-5, the Audi taking the place that BMW's Z3 once held (and could once again), with the Porsche taking top position just under the next-generation Boxster. In other words, no lack of choices, and all of them with the wind auf dein kopf.

Volkswagen Group's roadster program coming into focus originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Speculated: Volkswagen's mid-engine future

Zach Bowman — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Fortitude has gone through the trouble of cutting through all of the rumors surrounding the future of mid-engined sports cars in the Volkswagen family. The site points to two different mid-engine platforms currently in development within the expansive Volkswagen ranks - one with a longitudinally-mounted engine layout and another with a transverse engine design. A number of models could make use of the side-saddle architecture, including the much-salivated-over Volkswagen BlueSport, though Fortitude says the chassis could also provide the bones for vehicles like a Porsche 914 or 356 successor as well as a new Audi racer that could sail under the R3 banner.

And what of that longitudinal design, you ask? This is where things get really fun. Fortitude says that the high-ups at Audi AG showed off a platform called the MSS on the hush-hush, and that the chassis could underpin everything from the next R8 to the Lamborghini Gallardo successor and the Porsche 918. It could even form the mold for whatever steps into the void left by the Murcielago.

Head over to Fortitude to get a closer look at the whole shebang, complete with excellent sketches of future models.

[Source: Fortitude]

Speculated: Volkswagen's mid-engine future originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Manufacturing questions standing in the way of Audi R4 production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 10 May 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, Diesel, Luxury

Audi e-tron Detroit Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to Autocar in the UK, which is citing unknown "high-ranking Audi insiders in Ingolstadt," the future of the Audi R4, Volkswagen BlueSport and possibly an unnamed entry-level model from Porsche (we vote 914) are currently being mulled by the three-headed German automaker. The major stumbling block? Whether or not a stamped steel architecture or Audi's familiar aluminum spaceframe chassis should be used.

Naturally, we'd argue for the light weight of aluminum, which seems more appropriate for a line of sportscars... but at the price point afforded by the much less expensive steel. Decisions, decisions. In any case, the British mag continues to suggest that the R4 would presumably get two turbocharged gasoline engines (1.4-liters and 1.6-liters) along with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel mill in lieu of the all-electric powertrain shown off in concept form.

Volkswagen, parent company of both Audi and Porsche, is said to get the final say in the development of all three machines, but some sort of production seems likely. Says the unnamed insider, "Scale is important to a project like this... But with three different car makers working to a common goal, the chances [of it getting the go-ahead] look good."

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Audi e-tron Detroit Concept

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Manufacturing questions standing in the way of Audi R4 production originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 May 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More details leak out about Porsche's reported plan for entry level model

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Performance, Porsche, Volkswagen

Remember the Porsche 914? Most Porschophiles do, although some choose to forget the mid-engined sportscar built from 1969 through 1976. But the four-cylinder model was something of a sales success for the German automaker, handily outpacing the firm's range-topping 911 series throughout its model run. Might we see a return of the entry-level Porsche, once again with a little help from Volkswagen?

Coinciding with earlier reports, a story from Automobilwoche (via Drive), says the answer may very well be 'yes.' According to the German pub, Wolfgang Duerheimer, head of development at Porsche, has said that a model "significantly cheaper than" the Boxster is a top priority for the automaker. The new car would reportedly be produced in cooperation with Volkswagen, which recently assimilated Porsche into its giant European operations. Anyone else thinking BlueSport?

[Source: Automobilwoche via drive.com.au | Photo: Spurzem CC.2.0]

More details leak out about Porsche's reported plan for entry level model originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Possible Volkswagen BlueSport coupe mule spotted

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Volkswagen

When Volkswagen unveiled its BlueSport concept in Detroit last January, the big question on people's mind was "When can we buy one?" If the most recent spy shots from the Nurburgring are any indication, it could be soon. A development mule based on a three door Golf MK VI has been spotted circulating with what looks like a dislocated rear axle.

It's not uncommon to see test mules using existing bodies with new hardware underneath, and it looks like this example has both a wider track and shorter wheelbase than the Golf, which could correspond to testing chassis bits for the BlueSport. It's not clear from this batch of photos whether this vehicle has the engine mounted up front or behind the front seats, and although there aren't any visible ducts or air intakes feeding an engine mounted amidships, that doesn't necessarily mean anything. Only time will tell if we get this high mileage diesel powered sports car, or more predictably, one using VAG's delectable turbocharged 2.0-liter.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: Possible Volkswagen BlueSport coupe mule spotted originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Volkswagen BlueSport ready for production, estimated cost: $30k. Will it happen?

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Performance, Green, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Volkswagen Bluesport Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

After getting an exclusive first drive of the Volkswagen BlueSport roadster, the lucky scribes from AutoWeek write of the machine as if it's headed for production. This is contrary to earlier reports coming from an unnamed VW insider which indicated that the program had been placed on hold due to the dire state of the global economy.

We hope AW's right about the BlueSport's production possibilities, especially after reading about how close to production-ready the roadster appears to be. If the German automaker does find a way to build the BlueSport, it will reportedly show up in in the States in 2013 starting for somewhere around $30,000, depending on the powerplant that VW decides to place behind the two occupants.

The turbocharged, direct-injected diesel mill currently in the concept, which VW says delivers nearly 42 miles per gallon in everyday driving, could very well be joined by at least one of VW's gasoline-burning units - possibly the 265-horsepower 2.0-liter installed in the Audi S3 and Volkswagen's own Scirocco R and Golf R. As always, we'll keep our eyes and ears open for more details as they become available.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

Gallery: Detroit Preview: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

[Source: Auto Week]

REPORT: Volkswagen BlueSport ready for production, estimated cost: $30k. Will it happen? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW's BlueMotion tech could find its way to sporting models

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Hybrid, Green, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Bluesport Concept - Click above for high-res gallery

Volkswagen has plans to prove that it can "make a connection between fun, performance and low consumption," according to R&D head man Dr. Ulrich Hackenburg. To that end, the German automaker is likely to introduce a BlueSport brand to go along with the BlueMotion moniker already in use for the greenest of its current model range.

The performance-minded eco-friendly name was first introduced on the BlueSport roadster concept that the automaker revealed in Detroit late last year. According to Evo, there's a 90% likelihood that VW will follow through with a production model based on that concept by 2011.

Ahead of that potential model's introduction, VW could test the waters with a BlueSport edition of the Euro-only Scirocco, as well as a diesel-powered version of the GTI hatchback. Considering VW's recent small-scale success with diesel engines in the U.S., it seems possible the automaker could continue testing the waters with an American BlueSport line.

Gallery: Detroit Preview: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

[Source: evo]

VW's BlueMotion tech could find its way to sporting models originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Audi version of Volkswagen Bluesport in the works

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen

Above - Our lame attempt at photoshopping the Bluesport and Audi Clubsport Quattro Concept together

It should come as no surprise that Audi is working on its own version of the Volkswagen Concept Bluesport, and according to Automotive News, the design has already been completed.

In the lead-up to the Bluesport's unveiling, rumors (and simple logic) said that in order for Volkswagen to make the mid-engine roadster financial viable, the platform and all its associated underpinnings would have to be distributed across several models. A senior VW group exec told AN, "To make a strong business case for the new roadster, we need to share the investment with at least three brands." In addition to VW, one of those brands is Audi and the other is almost assuredly Porsche.

While Skoda and Seat's budget-oriented image couldn't include a variant of the roadster - estimated to cost around €30,000 - Porsche might be interested in an entry-level model to slot in below the Boxster and help to reduce the automaker's overall CO2 emissions.

Volkswagen is expected to announce a production decision on the Concept Bluesport in the next two months, and we're hoping that the completed version will bow in Geneva.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

Gallery: Detroit Preview: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

REPORT: Audi version of Volkswagen Bluesport in the works originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport concept, turbodiesel done right

Damon Lavrinc — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:44:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Volkswagen

Click above for a gallery of the Volkswagen Bluesport

The term "diesel performance" is an oxymoron to the majority of the public, but if the Volkswagen Bluesport makes it to production, these two diametrically-opposed words could have new meaning.

Later today at the Detroit Auto Show, Volkswagen will take the wraps off the Bluesport concept, a two-door roadster packing a mid-mounted 2.0-liter turbodiesel four putting out 180 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. With around 2,600 pounds to motivate the Bluesport, VW estimates a run from 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds, a top speed of 140 and, just as importantly, 35 mpg on the European cycle. UPDATE: According to official numbers from VW, we're actually talking an amazing 57 mpg in Eco mode.

The power from the mid-mounted diesel will be sent to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox mounted closer to the front of the car and resulting in a 45:55 front-to-rear weight distribution. The overall length is just over 13 feet, with a wheelbase of 96 inches, a front track 58.5 inches and a rear track of 60 inches. Two storage areas - one frunk and another mounted behind the engine - result in 182 liters of cargo area.

It's a compelling package that we're looking forward to scooping out in person. Check back this afternoon for more.

Gallery: Detroit Preview: Volkswagen BlueSport Concept

[Sources: Auto Motor und Sport, MotorAuthority]

Detroit 2009: Volkswagen BlueSport concept, turbodiesel done right originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 11 Jan 2009 02:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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