As anticipated, German carmaker Volkswagen presented the second iteration of the “up!” concept that was introduced at the Frankfurt Show in September (click here). The rear-engined “Space-up!” is basically a 4door version of the “up!” with an extended wheelbase (2.56 meter). Accordingly, at 3.68 meters the “Space-up!” is exactly 23 cm longer than its 2-door spouse while at 1.54 meter, the van also gains an extra four centimetres in height. Inside, the “Space-Up!” can seat four passengers with cargo space varying between 220 to 1,005 litres (depending on the positioning and use of the rear seats). As Volkswagen points out in its press release, the development of the production models of both the “up!” and “Space-up!” have already begun.-Press release and high-res image gallery after the jump
The third installment of Volkswagen’s up! concept goes by the name space-up! blue. Concisely, the space-up! Blue is a fuel-cell powered version of the 5door space-up! prototype that appeared at the 2007 Tokyo Show in October. The LA Show car uses an electric motor which delivers 61 PS, turns at up to 10,000 times per minute and generates a maximum torque of 120 Nm.
The zero-emissions space-up! blue draws its power from an array of twelve lithium-ion batteries with a total energy capacity of twelve kilowatt-hours (kWh). These batteries have a 65 mile (105 km) range before needing recharging. According to VW, the space up! blue can go up to a top speed of 75 mph (120 km/h) while it sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h in 13.7 seconds.
The cars batteries can be replenished either via an electrical outlet or by the Volkswagen high-temperature fuel cell. In the latter case, the prototype’s range is extended an additional 155 miles or 250 km, making it possible to drive up to 220 miles or 355 km in total on a single charge. Interestingly, VW’s microvan also utilizes solar panels on the roof which help supply up to 150 Watt of energy to the battery.
Sporty, good looking and extremely frugal; what else could one ask from a two-seater roadster? VW's long-awaited Concept BlueSport made its debut at the 2009 Detroit Show. Even though the German automaker makes no word of a production version, we're all crossing our fingers that the roadster study will get the green light. Behind the two bucket seats of the 3.99 meter long Concept BlueSport, there's 180HP strong 2.0-liter turbocharged Clean Diesel (TDI) engine that transfers power to the rear-wheels via 6-speed DSG dual clutch transmission.
With this unit that produces 350Nm of torque, the Concept BlueSport can sprint from zero to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds (0-100 km/h: 6,6 seconds) while its top speed is 140 mph (226 km/h). Even more impressive is the car's excellent fuel economy rating of 55 mpg U.S. (4,3 l/100 km) that is combined with an ultralow CO2 level of 113 g/km CO2. Two features that help the mid-engined, soft-top roadster achieve these figures is the automatic start-stop system and the brake energy regeneration system.
Technical data of the Volkswagen concept car Concept BlueSport
Volkswagen surprised us today with the unveiling of its latest design study, the Scirocco Studie R at the Bologna Motorshow in Italy. Inspired by the Scirocco GT24 which raced to success in its class at the Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race earlier this year, the Studie R essentially previews the forthcoming "R" version of the three-door coupe. Power comes from an uprated 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged engine that develops an output of 270HP and is closely related to the Audi S3's engine. This power is channeled to the front wheels through a 6-speed dual clutch transmission.
Finished in white, the Scirocco Studie R has contrasting high-gloss black detailing and styling accents in red and green to the wing mirrors and on the 'Bologna '08' badging, paying homage to the Show's host nation. Unique features include the new front bumper with the three large air intakes and a splitter, a distinct rear bumper which incorporates a diffuser and twin oval exhausts, new side skirts, a rear wing and polished 19-inch alloy wheels with five sets of triple spokes.
Inside the cabin, the most potent Scirocco continues the "white and black" theme which is complemented with low- and high-gloss carbonfibre trim. The Italian-inspired red and green design accents continue on the seams of the Recaro bucket seats, steering wheel, armrest, gearknob and floor mats.
If you want any more proof that Volkswagen's BlueSport roadster concept is heading towards production, just consider the fact that the German firm has not only given the car an internal development code name but it also invited a number of journalists to take the one-off concept for a quick test drive. Furthermore, VW has published a brand new photo album of the car on the road, that you can check out in all its high-res glory after the jump.
Even though VW officials may not publicly admit it, the mid-engined, rear-wheel drive BlueSport roadster that was revealed for the first time at this year's Detroit Show, is essentially a low-cost alternative to the Porsche Boxster.
"The two-seater is still a concept, but as a production car it would have the best talents for turning the segment of compact, genuine sports cars upside down," said VW in a statement. "That is because this roadster is sporty, sustainable and affordable all at once – a people's car and a sports car for a new era."
Developed with a 'back to basics' approach, the concept version of the 3.99 meter long BlueSport roadster is powered by a 2.0-liter TDI turbocharged diesel engine that cranks out 180HP and 350Nm or 258.2-lbs/ft of torque which is transferred to the rear axle through a 6-speed dual clutch transmission with shift paddles on the steering wheel.
With the 180HP 2.0 TDI, the soft-top roadster that weighs in at less than 1,200kg (2,645-lbs), can sprint from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in about 6.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 226km/h or 141mph. Volkswagen claims that the two-seater roadster can deliver an average fuel consumption of just 4.3 liters per 100km (54.7mpg US). In combination with the 50-liter tank, the car's theoretical range is greater than 1,150 kilometers or 715-miles.
If, or rather when the Roadster enters production, expect to see an array of turbocharged gasoline (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines that will most likely include the 160HP 2.0 TDI, the 1.4 TSI with 122HP as well as the Scirocco R's 265HP 2.0 TSI.
The German firm promises that in spite of the car's sporty credentials, the roadster still offers a respectable level of everyday utility. In the cargo area under the front hood, the Concept BlueSport can stow 112 liters of luggage while the rear trunk handle an additional 70 liters of cargo. Altogether that makes 182 liters or 20% more space than what the Mazda MX-5 / Miata offers (150 liters).
If all goes well and the BlueSport Roadster receives the final green light for production, the first cars could arrive at VW showrooms around late 2012