Volkswagen to Decide Whether to Offer Clean-Diesel Roadster in 'Next Few Months'

Volkswagen to Decide Whether to Offer Clean-Diesel Roadster in 'Next Few Months'

Volkswagen's head of R&D, Ulrich Hackenberg, says he will find out in the next few months if the VW Bluesport Roadster Concept that debuted at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show last January will be given the production go-ahead.

"It's a personal favorite car of mine," he told a British publication at the ongoing Los Angeles Auto Show, "and I would expect a final commitment to its future to be made by the VW Group within the next few months."

If it is given the go-ahead, the VW Bluesport roadster would go on sale within the next three years.

The vehicle is powered by a transversely mounted 2.0-liter, four-cylinder diesel engine. It has a curb weight of 2,640 pounds, a reported 0-62 miles per hour time of 6.6 seconds, top speed of 140 mph and a touring range of 700 miles on a single tank of gas.

VW claims it is capable of achieving 50 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, and the exhaust emissions are such that it could be available in all 50 American states.

The roadster is fitted with a six-speed DSG gearbox and auto stop-start and brake energy regeneration for improved mileage. It's fitted with a cloth roof that stows behind the back seats.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.