Volkswagen plans mid-engine sports cars

By Simona Alina
Article file under http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/
-volkswagen-plans-mid-engine-sports-cars-ar61368.html

A mid-engined sports car for the price of an everyday sedan? It’s the kind of thing that would make middle managers everywhere try to trade in the company car. These tempters from Volkswagen come in both coupe and roadster version and priced between 25,000 to 35,000 euros. The only one that will have something to object about it (besides the company accountant) might be Porsche. After all, a mid-engine sports car at half of Porsche’s price would give it a reason to not be happy. Hopefully these cars will make it into production, but by the time they are ready, Porsche may have a bigger say at Volkswagen.



Volkswagen’s first attempt at the modern budget sports car was the Concept R (2004) and then the EcoRacer (2005). This year at the Los Angeles Auto Show Volkswagen should bring a first prototype of this future car.


Audi will also go for the same model: a possible TT replacement according to Autobild (could this be the Audi R4?). But how the TT will not see the end of its life until 2013 we can’t be sure of that the company will decide.



Both companies will unveil a coupe and a roadster version— a targa is a possibility. The Audi version will have more powerful engines, more accessories, larger wheels and brakes, additional lightweight parts and more space. The engine range will include a supercharged four-cylinder with 1.2 or 1.4-liter capacity, and output between 105 to 160 hp. Audi might also add the new 1.6-liter TDI with 125 hp. The top versions will be powered by a 180-hp 1.8-liter TFSI and a 2.0-liter TFSI with 220 hp.