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VW's Diesel Roadster Gets 54 MPG, Offers Eco-Mode

January 24, 2009 by 77 Comments
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At the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volkswagen showed off its latest roadster — the BlueSport Concept. The BlueSport features a 177 hp diesel engine with rail injection and a downstream NOx storage catalytic converter, all in a 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.

With a top speed of 140 mph, the 2.0-liter turbodiesel (TDI) delivers 258 lb-ft of torque. The Euro 6 compliant version gets 54.7 mpg where as the US version will get around 42 mpg. I am happy for the Tier II emission standards we have here in the US, and T2B5 standards are close to California’s stricter Level II standards, but do we really lose 12 mpg by those standards?

It’s VW’s eco mode that accounts for the boost in fuel economy: an automatic start-stop system and energy regeneration. Together they propel the Concept BlueSport to an additional fuel savings of up to 0.2 liter per 100 kilometers in city driving.

The roadster is barely over a ton. It’s lightweight construction includes a soft top that is the lightest in its class. It paid off. It will take less than 6-seconds to hit 60 mph. Of course, its weight also pays off in fuel consumption.

Editor’s note: this post was updated 1/24/2009 at 4:12 PST to change a reference to the vehicle hitting “top speed” in under 6 seconds. It should have said it will hit 60 mph in under 6 seconds.

Photos: VWvortex.com

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About Jerry James Stone

Jerry is a web developer, part-time blogger and a full-time environmentalist. His crusade for all things eco started twenty years ago when he ditched his meat-and-potatoes upbringing for something more vegetarian-shaped.

He currently works at Care2 and also blogs over at Treehugger. His passions include green tech, eco politics and smart green design. And while he doesn't own a car anymore, he loves to write about those too.

Jerry studied at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, CA. During his time there he was a DJ at the campus station KCPR and he also wrote for the campus paper.

Jerry currently resides in San Francisco, CA with his cat Lola.

You can stalk him on Twitter @jerryjamesstone.

  • gedster314

    Heck Yeah, I’ll get in line for that. I’ve been waiting for something like that for a while. How I dreamed of an A4 Jetta convertible with a TDI.

  • gedster314

    Heck Yeah, I’ll get in line for that. I’ve been waiting for something like that for a while. How I dreamed of an A4 Jetta convertible with a TDI.

  • gedster314

    Heck Yeah, I’ll get in line for that. I’ve been waiting for something like that for a while. How I dreamed of an A4 Jetta convertible with a TDI.

  • http://www.arcadegems.com Fun Online Games

    cool, VDUB

  • http://www.arcadegems.com Fun Online Games

    cool, VDUB

  • David

    “It will take less than 6-seconds to hit it’s top speed.”

    0-140 in under 6-seconds. Ummm, no.

  • David

    “It will take less than 6-seconds to hit it’s top speed.”

    0-140 in under 6-seconds. Ummm, no.

  • Paul

    6 seconds to reach top speed???

  • David

    “It will take less than 6-seconds to hit it’s top speed.”

    0-140 in under 6-seconds. Ummm, no.

  • Paul

    6 seconds to reach top speed???

  • Flexnes

    No, it will NOT go from 0 to 140mph in 6 seconds.

    Maybe 0 to 60, but not top speed.

  • Flexnes

    No, it will NOT go from 0 to 140mph in 6 seconds.

    Maybe 0 to 60, but not top speed.

  • Flexnes

    No, it will NOT go from 0 to 140mph in 6 seconds.

    Maybe 0 to 60, but not top speed.

  • Nick Chambers

    Folks,

    Thanks for the catch. I just edited it to change the 0 to top speed in under 6 seconds. It’s 0-60 in under 6 seconds.

  • John

    And when it costs $30,000+ not many people will be buying it.

  • John

    And when it costs $30,000+ not many people will be buying it.

  • O

    The European Ford Focus has a 134hp Peugeot direct-injection 2.0L turbodiesel, a 6-speed Getrag DSG transmission, and goes for a bit over $20,000.

  • O

    The European Ford Focus has a 134hp Peugeot direct-injection 2.0L turbodiesel, a 6-speed Getrag DSG transmission, and goes for a bit over $20,000.

  • O

    The European Ford Focus has a 134hp Peugeot direct-injection 2.0L turbodiesel, a 6-speed Getrag DSG transmission, and goes for a bit over $20,000.

  • JOhn Might

    Wow dude that is one cool looking ride!

    RT

    http://www.privacy-tools.net.tc

  • JOhn Might

    Wow dude that is one cool looking ride!

    RT

    http://www.privacy-tools.net.tc

  • Timothy

    The reason they get higher gas mileage in Europe then US is because they use imperial gallons which is bigger then our gallon.

  • Timothy

    The reason they get higher gas mileage in Europe then US is because they use imperial gallons which is bigger then our gallon.

  • Timothy

    The reason they get higher gas mileage in Europe then US is because they use imperial gallons which is bigger then our gallon.

  • http://www.nerys.com/ Chris Taylor

    I would be even happier if they would make a relevant car. How about cut the power and top speed in half and bring the price in at under $10,000 and make sure the US version can hit 50mpg.

    How about that? ie something I can actually afford.

    at 54mpg it would take close to 30 years to “break even” in fuel savings over keeping my current car and that ignores the higher cost of diesel fuel.

    I love that there doing this kind of stuff. VW has been doing it for a while. but how about a return of the everybody can afford car like the beetle used to be and stuff a 1 liter diesel in it and sell it for $7,000 or something like that.

    REALLY make a change.

  • http://www.nerys.com/ Chris Taylor

    I would be even happier if they would make a relevant car. How about cut the power and top speed in half and bring the price in at under $10,000 and make sure the US version can hit 50mpg.

    How about that? ie something I can actually afford.

    at 54mpg it would take close to 30 years to “break even” in fuel savings over keeping my current car and that ignores the higher cost of diesel fuel.

    I love that there doing this kind of stuff. VW has been doing it for a while. but how about a return of the everybody can afford car like the beetle used to be and stuff a 1 liter diesel in it and sell it for $7,000 or something like that.

    REALLY make a change.

  • http://sethstil.com seth

    100% agree with Chris Taylor – WTF, unfortunately most people who can/will drop 30k on a new car, will not be dropping it on a 2 seater mini coupe, that LOOKS fast – but is slower than most mini-vans these days…

    and 45mpg for US? that is NOT impressive for the year 2009. my dad’s 1996 (yes, 12 years old) VW passat wagon with like 8 massive pieces of glass, and probably weighs almost 2x as much, with 180k miles on it, gets 48mpg – and if he drives hypermile style, he’s pulled 56mpg out of it.

    but hey, if you have crazy cash to drop, and you want to FEEL like you are doing the environment a favor, or saving yourself money somehow, GO FOR IT.

  • http://sethstil.com seth

    100% agree with Chris Taylor – WTF, unfortunately most people who can/will drop 30k on a new car, will not be dropping it on a 2 seater mini coupe, that LOOKS fast – but is slower than most mini-vans these days…

    and 45mpg for US? that is NOT impressive for the year 2009. my dad’s 1996 (yes, 12 years old) VW passat wagon with like 8 massive pieces of glass, and probably weighs almost 2x as much, with 180k miles on it, gets 48mpg – and if he drives hypermile style, he’s pulled 56mpg out of it.

    but hey, if you have crazy cash to drop, and you want to FEEL like you are doing the environment a favor, or saving yourself money somehow, GO FOR IT.

  • http://sethstil.com seth

    100% agree with Chris Taylor – WTF, unfortunately most people who can/will drop 30k on a new car, will not be dropping it on a 2 seater mini coupe, that LOOKS fast – but is slower than most mini-vans these days…

    and 45mpg for US? that is NOT impressive for the year 2009. my dad’s 1996 (yes, 12 years old) VW passat wagon with like 8 massive pieces of glass, and probably weighs almost 2x as much, with 180k miles on it, gets 48mpg – and if he drives hypermile style, he’s pulled 56mpg out of it.

    but hey, if you have crazy cash to drop, and you want to FEEL like you are doing the environment a favor, or saving yourself money somehow, GO FOR IT.

  • Scider

    Chris should look into the Polo that’s supposed to come state side and hope they include their 1.4L 3-cylinder turbo diesel. That sounds like something right up his alley. It won’t cost $7000 though, VW builds their cars with too high a quality for that.

    As for the mileage difference. The 54.7 mpg probably comes from the Imperial gallon (1.25 US gallons). So when you convert the mileage to the US Gallon you only get 43ish mpg. Same mileage, different units of measurement.

  • Scider

    Chris should look into the Polo that’s supposed to come state side and hope they include their 1.4L 3-cylinder turbo diesel. That sounds like something right up his alley. It won’t cost $7000 though, VW builds their cars with too high a quality for that.

    As for the mileage difference. The 54.7 mpg probably comes from the Imperial gallon (1.25 US gallons). So when you convert the mileage to the US Gallon you only get 43ish mpg. Same mileage, different units of measurement.

  • Scider

    Chris should look into the Polo that’s supposed to come state side and hope they include their 1.4L 3-cylinder turbo diesel. That sounds like something right up his alley. It won’t cost $7000 though, VW builds their cars with too high a quality for that.

    As for the mileage difference. The 54.7 mpg probably comes from the Imperial gallon (1.25 US gallons). So when you convert the mileage to the US Gallon you only get 43ish mpg. Same mileage, different units of measurement.

  • Jon Williams

    Nothing new, my BMW’s 123d provides 201BHP out of a 2.0 litre diesel. Drive it carefully and you get get 60+mpg, it also has the same “eco-mode” so when you stop it automatically turns the engine off and restarts it when you hit the gas peddle.

    If it goes to production I guess this will be cheaper as you’re not paying for the BMW mark :-)

  • Jon Williams

    Nothing new, my BMW’s 123d provides 201BHP out of a 2.0 litre diesel. Drive it carefully and you get get 60+mpg, it also has the same “eco-mode” so when you stop it automatically turns the engine off and restarts it when you hit the gas peddle.

    If it goes to production I guess this will be cheaper as you’re not paying for the BMW mark :-)

  • Willy Bio

    I want to head-off anyone mentioning Biodiesel. No deal with this car, just like the new 2009 TDIs. VW prohibits ANY percentage BD, and current testing by enthusiasts with the ’09s has unfortunately shown that BD really does cause problems in these engines: engine oil dilution and the intricate DPF exhaust getting clogged.

    So forget any of these cars until the manufacturers invest in the R&D to make them B100 compatible. Anything less is just BS.

  • Willy Bio

    I want to head-off anyone mentioning Biodiesel. No deal with this car, just like the new 2009 TDIs. VW prohibits ANY percentage BD, and current testing by enthusiasts with the ’09s has unfortunately shown that BD really does cause problems in these engines: engine oil dilution and the intricate DPF exhaust getting clogged.

    So forget any of these cars until the manufacturers invest in the R&D to make them B100 compatible. Anything less is just BS.

  • Willy Bio

    I want to head-off anyone mentioning Biodiesel. No deal with this car, just like the new 2009 TDIs. VW prohibits ANY percentage BD, and current testing by enthusiasts with the ’09s has unfortunately shown that BD really does cause problems in these engines: engine oil dilution and the intricate DPF exhaust getting clogged.

    So forget any of these cars until the manufacturers invest in the R&D to make them B100 compatible. Anything less is just BS.

  • jean

    What the heck’s so unusual about 54 mpg? My 2 litre engined diesel Citroen Picasso gets 58mpg on a long run and maybe 40 in town. My last car, a 2 litre petrol Renault Scenic did 56 to 58 mpg motorway driving and 45 in town

  • jean

    What the heck’s so unusual about 54 mpg? My 2 litre engined diesel Citroen Picasso gets 58mpg on a long run and maybe 40 in town. My last car, a 2 litre petrol Renault Scenic did 56 to 58 mpg motorway driving and 45 in town

  • Greg

    Expect real world, highway mileage to top 45 mpg as does the 2009 Jetta TDI which uses the same engine/tranny setup minus the “down stream NOx storage catalytic converter”. I think what the author is trying to state is that the roadster will use SCR-type technology to get NOx down to T2B5, whereas the current 2.0 TDI configurations in the U.S. use LNT-type technology. The difference is whether or not the consumer must periodically refill a reservoir with a urea solution. The former is SCR and the latter–LNT.

    I don’t the exhaust-treatment systems that help this vehicle meet T2B5 will cost 12 mpg but 3 or 4 mpg is not out of the question, especially since other changes may be necessary for the U.S. (i.e. lowering the compression ratio to get lower exhaust-gas temperatures).

  • Greg

    Expect real world, highway mileage to top 45 mpg as does the 2009 Jetta TDI which uses the same engine/tranny setup minus the “down stream NOx storage catalytic converter”. I think what the author is trying to state is that the roadster will use SCR-type technology to get NOx down to T2B5, whereas the current 2.0 TDI configurations in the U.S. use LNT-type technology. The difference is whether or not the consumer must periodically refill a reservoir with a urea solution. The former is SCR and the latter–LNT.

    I don’t the exhaust-treatment systems that help this vehicle meet T2B5 will cost 12 mpg but 3 or 4 mpg is not out of the question, especially since other changes may be necessary for the U.S. (i.e. lowering the compression ratio to get lower exhaust-gas temperatures).

  • Greg

    Expect real world, highway mileage to top 45 mpg as does the 2009 Jetta TDI which uses the same engine/tranny setup minus the “down stream NOx storage catalytic converter”. I think what the author is trying to state is that the roadster will use SCR-type technology to get NOx down to T2B5, whereas the current 2.0 TDI configurations in the U.S. use LNT-type technology. The difference is whether or not the consumer must periodically refill a reservoir with a urea solution. The former is SCR and the latter–LNT.

    I don’t the exhaust-treatment systems that help this vehicle meet T2B5 will cost 12 mpg but 3 or 4 mpg is not out of the question, especially since other changes may be necessary for the U.S. (i.e. lowering the compression ratio to get lower exhaust-gas temperatures).

  • ChuckL

    1 Imperial Gallon = 1.2009 U.S. Gallons, so 54.7 Imp MPG = 45.56 U.S. MPG

    The question is however, since this is a report on a German car, are they reporting Imperial or U. S. MPG measurements?

    If they are reporting Imperial measurements, then our “Green” initiative is only costing us a few MPG. On the other hand, if they are reporting on U. S. measurements the question of just how much pollution is caused by burning 25% more fuel arises.

  • ChuckL

    1 Imperial Gallon = 1.2009 U.S. Gallons, so 54.7 Imp MPG = 45.56 U.S. MPG

    The question is however, since this is a report on a German car, are they reporting Imperial or U. S. MPG measurements?

    If they are reporting Imperial measurements, then our “Green” initiative is only costing us a few MPG. On the other hand, if they are reporting on U. S. measurements the question of just how much pollution is caused by burning 25% more fuel arises.

  • ChuckL

    1 Imperial Gallon = 1.2009 U.S. Gallons, so 54.7 Imp MPG = 45.56 U.S. MPG

    The question is however, since this is a report on a German car, are they reporting Imperial or U. S. MPG measurements?

    If they are reporting Imperial measurements, then our “Green” initiative is only costing us a few MPG. On the other hand, if they are reporting on U. S. measurements the question of just how much pollution is caused by burning 25% more fuel arises.

  • ChuckL

    Since it is typical in Europe to report fuel consumption as liters per 100 Kilometers, perhaps that would be a better way to report on foreign vehicle mileage.

  • ChuckL

    Since it is typical in Europe to report fuel consumption as liters per 100 Kilometers, perhaps that would be a better way to report on foreign vehicle mileage.

  • ChuckL

    Since it is typical in Europe to report fuel consumption as liters per 100 Kilometers, perhaps that would be a better way to report on foreign vehicle mileage.

  • ChuckL

    Conversion factors are:

    0.62642 Km / Mile or 1.5964 Km / mi

    1 Imp gal = 1.2009 U. S. gal.

    1 U.S. gal = 0.8326 Imp. gal.

    1 liter = 61 cu.in.

    1 U. S. gal. = 231 cu. in.

  • ChuckL

    Conversion factors are:

    0.62642 Km / Mile or 1.5964 Km / mi

    1 Imp gal = 1.2009 U. S. gal.

    1 U.S. gal = 0.8326 Imp. gal.

    1 liter = 61 cu.in.

    1 U. S. gal. = 231 cu. in.

  • ChuckL

    Conversion factors are:

    0.62642 Km / Mile or 1.5964 Km / mi

    1 Imp gal = 1.2009 U. S. gal.

    1 U.S. gal = 0.8326 Imp. gal.

    1 liter = 61 cu.in.

    1 U. S. gal. = 231 cu. in.

  • ChuckL

    Correction 1.5964 Km / mi is correct

    0.62642 is Miles / Km.

    Sorry about that.

  • ChuckL

    Correction 1.5964 Km / mi is correct

    0.62642 is Miles / Km.

    Sorry about that.

  • Justwatching

    It would be nice it it could use ALGI diesel exclusively.

  • Justwatching

    It would be nice it it could use ALGI diesel exclusively.

  • Justwatching

    It would be nice it it could use ALGI diesel exclusively.

  • TheGrinch

    0-6 in 140 I think they meant.

  • TheGrinch

    0-6 in 140 I think they meant.

  • TheGrinch

    0-6 in 140 I think they meant.

  • Bob

    it’s a nice looking car, but if you want a roadster, get the Sky Redline 0-6 5.4sec. 260hp 260fpt, avail. turbo upgrade to 290hp 340fpt. You definately won’t get the gas mileage the VW will produce, but you don’t buy a roadster for gas mileage….defeats the concept.

  • Bob

    it’s a nice looking car, but if you want a roadster, get the Sky Redline 0-6 5.4sec. 260hp 260fpt, avail. turbo upgrade to 290hp 340fpt. You definately won’t get the gas mileage the VW will produce, but you don’t buy a roadster for gas mileage….defeats the concept.

  • Bob

    it’s a nice looking car, but if you want a roadster, get the Sky Redline 0-6 5.4sec. 260hp 260fpt, avail. turbo upgrade to 290hp 340fpt. You definately won’t get the gas mileage the VW will produce, but you don’t buy a roadster for gas mileage….defeats the concept.

  • Bob

    edit: meant to say 0-60 5.4 sec.

  • Bob

    edit: meant to say 0-60 5.4 sec.

  • Bob

    edit: meant to say 0-60 5.4 sec.

  • http://www.cyclechaos.com/4um/forumdisplay.php?f=41 Goldwing Guy

    that is a definitely a cool ride for an environmentally friendly ride.

  • http://www.cyclechaos.com/4um/forumdisplay.php?f=41 Goldwing Guy

    that is a definitely a cool ride for an environmentally friendly ride.

  • http://www.cyclechaos.com/4um/forumdisplay.php?f=41 Goldwing Guy

    that is a definitely a cool ride for an environmentally friendly ride.

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  • Ace

    …just for the record, europe has a different standard of mpg, thus the difference…

  • Ace

    …just for the record, europe has a different standard of mpg, thus the difference…

  • http://www.cloghrancarsales.com/dieselorpetrol.php cloghrancarsales

    Amazing looking car, and I love the way the put in 3 wind towers practically beside it ;)

  • http://www.cloghrancarsales.com/dieselorpetrol.php cloghrancarsales

    Amazing looking car, and I love the way the put in 3 wind towers practically beside it ;)

  • Thomas

    They do not use Imperial Gallons in Continental Europe, England yes.

    Many of Europe’s Diesal Cars now get 60+ miles per Gallon(US Gallons).

    And with the Bluetech Filtration system they also are cleaner then most Gasoline Engines here in the states.

    Also Germany is implementing a Hydrogen Infrustructure througout the country along with many Recharging Centers for Electric Cars. The ydrogen Highway and electric Car system will be up and running by 2015.

    Germany uses about 50% of the energy per Unit of GDP compared to the USA. The Transportation Vehicles are more Efficient along with the fact they have a very extensive Transit system including high speed rail.

    Also the Factories, homes and buildings are much more energy efficient.

    The use of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Systems is much more extensive then in the USA.

    Part of the reason Germany has been the largest Creditor Nation over the past 9 years or so.

  • Thomas

    They do not use Imperial Gallons in Continental Europe, England yes.

    Many of Europe’s Diesal Cars now get 60+ miles per Gallon(US Gallons).

    And with the Bluetech Filtration system they also are cleaner then most Gasoline Engines here in the states.

    Also Germany is implementing a Hydrogen Infrustructure througout the country along with many Recharging Centers for Electric Cars. The ydrogen Highway and electric Car system will be up and running by 2015.

    Germany uses about 50% of the energy per Unit of GDP compared to the USA. The Transportation Vehicles are more Efficient along with the fact they have a very extensive Transit system including high speed rail.

    Also the Factories, homes and buildings are much more energy efficient.

    The use of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Systems is much more extensive then in the USA.

    Part of the reason Germany has been the largest Creditor Nation over the past 9 years or so.

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