Here in the US, Volkswagen's image has certainly dropped over the past two decades. The company just hasn't been able to harness the popularity of the first generation Beetle, building a series of small cars that just don't resonate with consumers who prefer a Civic, Corolla, and even the Focus over anything else that VW has to offer.
However, all of that may soon change as the German automaker lays plans for a new US factory and overhauls its line up to bring newer, more exciting cars stateside. Included in that mix is a mid engine coupe and related roadster, cars that could burnish Volkswagen's lagging image.
Yes, you heard that right -- a mid-engined VW. According to AutoWeek and others who have been following this news, a concept car could be ready in time for November's L.A. Auto Show. Here is what we know about this exciting two seater:
* A pair of four cylinders will power the car. VW's small 1.4L twinturbocharger has been mentioned as has its 1.6L TDI diesel, both working with a seven-speed, double shift gearbox.
* The body style will be reminiscient of the Lotus Elise, with a curb weight slightly above one ton. This will allow the car to achieve segment leading fuel economy and acceleration numbers.
* Volkswagen is raiding its own parts bin to hold down costs and is looking at Audi with help building the aluminum spaceframe.
* Majority VW owner Porsche is interested in the project and could use the new platform for its own purposes, possibly resurrecting the venerable 914 model.
As is common practice, automakers love to leak a certain amount of information about special projects in order to generate publicity which they hope will spread like a virus across the internet. Thus, the recent rumblings could be just that or VW may have something new up its sleeve.
We've seen VW stumble before -- the Phaeton luxury sedan is a prime example -- so don't hold your breath regarding the mid-size roadster/coupe. Still, if all goes according to plan, we could soon see the sportiest of all VWs on our streets in 2011.
Copyright 2008-2012 -- Matthew C. Keegan is the owner of a successful article writing, web design, and marketing business based in North Carolina, USA. He manages several sites and is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sports which sells high quality mufflers and exhausts at discount prices.
However, all of that may soon change as the German automaker lays plans for a new US factory and overhauls its line up to bring newer, more exciting cars stateside. Included in that mix is a mid engine coupe and related roadster, cars that could burnish Volkswagen's lagging image.
Yes, you heard that right -- a mid-engined VW. According to AutoWeek and others who have been following this news, a concept car could be ready in time for November's L.A. Auto Show. Here is what we know about this exciting two seater:
* A pair of four cylinders will power the car. VW's small 1.4L twinturbocharger has been mentioned as has its 1.6L TDI diesel, both working with a seven-speed, double shift gearbox.
* The body style will be reminiscient of the Lotus Elise, with a curb weight slightly above one ton. This will allow the car to achieve segment leading fuel economy and acceleration numbers.
* Volkswagen is raiding its own parts bin to hold down costs and is looking at Audi with help building the aluminum spaceframe.
* Majority VW owner Porsche is interested in the project and could use the new platform for its own purposes, possibly resurrecting the venerable 914 model.
As is common practice, automakers love to leak a certain amount of information about special projects in order to generate publicity which they hope will spread like a virus across the internet. Thus, the recent rumblings could be just that or VW may have something new up its sleeve.
We've seen VW stumble before -- the Phaeton luxury sedan is a prime example -- so don't hold your breath regarding the mid-size roadster/coupe. Still, if all goes according to plan, we could soon see the sportiest of all VWs on our streets in 2011.
Copyright 2008-2012 -- Matthew C. Keegan is the owner of a successful article writing, web design, and marketing business based in North Carolina, USA. He manages several sites and is also a contributing writer for Andy's Auto Sports which sells high quality mufflers and exhausts at discount prices.
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