VW’s Diesel Roadster Gets 54 MPG, Offers Eco-Mode
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
Correction 1.5964 Km / mi is correct
0.62642 is Miles / Km.
Sorry about that.
It would be nice it it could use ALGI diesel exclusively.
0-6 in 140 I think they meant.
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.
edit: meant to say 0-60 5.4 sec.
that is a definitely a cool ride for an environmentally friendly ride.
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…just for the record, europe has a different standard of mpg, thus the difference…
Amazing looking car, and I love the way the put in 3 wind towers practically beside it