Volkswagen Concept R

Has anyone found any information on what the production vehicle will be for VW's new car?
I find that this car has exactly what I am looking for - a midengine and two seats. I have a few concerns however. I can't tell if Edmunds means there will be both a six-speed manual and the DSG with paddles - it would have to have the six-speed for me to buy it. Also, is it probable that cars like this will have the option of a hardtop, or perhaps a coupe variant? The last of my worries is the chrome interior. I can't see something so reflective going into a convertible, it seems as though the distractions it would create would be safety hazards.
I find that this car has exactly what I am looking for - a midengine and two seats. I have a few concerns however. I can't tell if Edmunds means there will be both a six-speed manual and the DSG with paddles - it would have to have the six-speed for me to buy it. Also, is it probable that cars like this will have the option of a hardtop, or perhaps a coupe variant? The last of my worries is the chrome interior. I can't see something so reflective going into a convertible, it seems as though the distractions it would create would be safety hazards.
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Autoweek's September 27th article states the the roadster will go into production in late 2007 - the option of both 4 cylinder and 6 cylinder engines.
"Three different gasoline engines could be used: a 2.0-liter, 148-hp four, the 2.0-liter, 197-hp turbocharged four-cylinder FSI from the soon-to-be-launched GTI, and a 3.6-liter, 280-hp V6"
Apparently there will be the six speed manual, with the option of the Direct-Selection Gearbox. (Assuming this having read the plans for other VW cars).
The link is here: http://www.autoweek.com/article.cms?articleId=100876
Motortrend seems to be ridiculously optomistic, claiming the roadster will be available in 2006. The information they offer includes a 3.2L V6 (260hp) and a six-speed manual.
Link: http://motortrend.com/future/spied/112_2006fvf/index14.html
In my infinite curiosity of the small, 2-seater market I've been looking at the roadster's claimed competition. It seems that everything from the Miata to the Boxster offers a hardtop as an option - with the except of the MR2, which has 1 year left on its lifespan. So I am becoming more and more convinced that the roadster will offer a manual and a hardtop -- how could they not? It would leave those of us who live where snow falls highly uncomfortable.
The VW Vortex members seem to be highly skeptical that the roadster will even come in under 35k. I sure hope it makes the 25k neighborhood - I'm positive it would make the difference of at least one buyer.
If you find anything else, I'd love to hear it!
Thanks,
SHill
"2006 Volkswagen W12 Coupe : The name gives away the potent heart of this sophisticated beast, a compact 6.0-liter 12-cylinder that produces 600 horsepower. Matched to a six-speed transmission, VW claims the coupe can rocket 0-60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and top 217 mph. Such performance is achieved due to a low 2650-pound curb weight. With a track-tuned double-wishbone front and rear suspension, 50/50 weight distribution, various electronic assists, and massive 19-inch tires, equally impressive handling is ensured. Penned by Giugiaro, this latest gull-winged challenger to supercar supremacy appears to be in the staging lane for production."
Not that leaving expensive things to Audi is the thing to do, these days.
The W12 sounds alot more like the Audi Le Mans than the VW Roadster. I don't think I've never heard of a 12 cylinder going for under 100k, but then again I typically don't look for super-cars.
I would really like to see the VW roadster come in with their new 2.0 FSI Turbo engine - it has been loved in the early reviews of the new GTI and is said to get up to 30 mpg. I could care less about a low 5 second 0-60 time, the quarter mile, or its top speed (although I am sure the 2.0 FSI would be respectable in all categories. I think they would sell far more with a price of 25k and few options than 35k with ground-breaking technology.
Off topic: Any suggetions for preformance modifications for my 1.8t jetta?
wagon1.8t:
Coil-overs don't really have any inherent disadvantages other than cost. If you get drop springs, you'll have to get shocks that match them sooner or later. Still cheaper overall than coilovers, but not adjustable.
But people give warnings about both types of aftermarket suspensions on daily drivers based on comfort. Some of them (coilovers or springs+shocks) will be too stiff for daily use. If you see a suspension system that's popular on track cars, avoid it. Find a Jetta forum and read what they're using... there should be plenty of good options.
As for other mods, turbo'd cars respond well to new intake/exhausts, and to new ECU chips as well - but if you do that one you should upgrade your cooling, fuel delivery, and engine internals at some point.
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I thought the original talk on the concept was for a retractable hardtop. Although this would be wonderful, I'm sure it would add too much to the price (and weight).
Being 6'4" tall I hope it has enough headroom and legroom.
The other potential roadsters that I'm excited about are the similarly priced & powered Toyota Project 395 as revealed by Edmund's:
and the possibility of an under $40K BMW M2 convertible (based on this concept of the coupe):
Should be a great time for lovers of roadsters by 2007.
- >230hp
- <2600lbs
- A real six speed manual, (We don't need no stinkin' DSG. We're the real drivers)
- Priced between $28-42k.
Signed,
A 50 yo, Engineer & Test Pilot
UK Video (Warning - It loops, don't be fooled and watch it for hours like me...just kidding)
Volkswagen UK - Concept R - click 'Video' at bottom of picture.
International Gallery and Video (Almost excessively long)
Volkswagen International - Concept R - click 'Gallery' at the top right of the frame with the car, then click the movie clip icon (farthest to right).
It seems like $40,000 isn't anywhere close to what the car should cost - could someone provide a link to an article or something that shows this number? In this article from VWVortex, the price target (mentioned in the fourth paragraph) is the Mazda Miata ($23,000 - $28,000).
I agree with the 50 yo Engineer & Test Pilot - anyone can drive a DSG, a car like this should require atleast some skill.
I also thought that $35k would encroach on the Audi line, but I threw any logic like this out the window with the arrival of the Phaeton.
I'd love to see the car change from concept - no chrome at all.
The plate in front of it says C26, does that mean anything?