VW Concept BlueSport World Premiere at NAIAS

Volkswagen is now aiming to underline its efforts to concentrate on fuel-efficient yet high-performance models with a brand new concept, namely the Concept BlueSport, unveiled today at the 2009 NAIAS. The key feature of the car is a maximum speed of 140 mph (that's approximately 226 km/h), with fuel consumption of 42 mpg (4.3 liters per 100 km) in combined mode. This is less than any other sports car, the German automaker proudly said in a press statement.

There are two engine configurations available, TDI or TSI, both of them capable of providing high power while remaining focused on fuel economy and CO2 emissions. The United States models come with a 2.0-liter unit that produces as much as 132 kW (180 PS) and 350 Nm of torque. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration is done in 6.6 seconds, with a top speed of 140 mph (226 km/h).

“These are the key parameters of a new and at the same time classic European sports car philosophy. The Concept BlueSport is evolving into a car that is a lot of fun to drive and at the same time makes an unmistakable statement in terms of sustainability. The fact is: if the Concept BlueSport were to go into production it could herald in a renaissance of the compact roadster. Another fact: this car handles just as well in the urban environment of metropolises as it does on very curvy country roads and long expressway routes,” Volkswagen said in a press statement.

The first thing you'll notice inside the car is the large touchscreen display that provides access to the most important information and entertainment functions of the car. Then, there are the three large control dials for the dual-zone automatic climate control system plus the round instruments and the multifunctional steering wheel.