UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Here's another article I found on Auto Express:
According to industry sources in Germany, Volkswagen is planning a sporty roadster to take on the class leaders.

Using technology gleaned from its experience with Lamborghini and Audi, VW is preparing an assault on the best sellers in a bid to have a car available in every sector. The newcomer, which takes its frontal styling from the dramatic Nardo concept, is expected to be called the Spyder. It will be sold alongside the Touareg and Phaeton as part of the German company's new line-up of niche market products

But that's not the only surprise VW has up its sleeve - it's also aiming to create the most fuel-friendly sports car ever. As Auto Express exclusively revealed in issue 700, the ultra-economical roadster will be powered by a mid-mounted 1.2-litre diesel engine, also due to go into the Lupo, Polo, SEAT Ibiza and Skoda Fabia. Thanks to an ultra-light bonded bodyshell, VW engineers reckon it will return more than 90mpg.

With fibreglass panels, no dashboard and an extruded aluminium chassis similar to that of the Elise, the VW roadster will weigh less than 800kg when it reaches showrooms in late 2005. But the featherweight body won't be the only reason for the car's excellent fuel economy. Aerodynamics based on those of the firm's experimental 1-litre model, unveiled last year, will ensure wind resistance is kept to a minimum.

The diesel will also be stripped to the bones, with no electric windows, airbags, ESP, ABS or brake servo. Low-resistance tyres and magnesium alloy wheels will further add to the car's frugality. In addition to the lean and clean oil-burning model, enthusiastic drivers will be able to choose from two petrol engines. The FSI units will be plucked from other Volkswagen/Audi products, and will include a 120bhp 1.6-litre and a flagship 2.0-litre producing 150bhp. Despite the modest power output, the range-topper is expected to accelerate from 0-60mph in around five seconds thanks to its ultra-light weight, while the maximum speed is anticipated to be around the 140mph mark.

Larger-engined models will come with additional safety features, as well as a luxurious interior. Leather trim and a proper dashboard will grace the flagship, while ABS and airbags will also be offered. All versions will come with a choice of six-speed manual or DSG sequential gearboxes. The latter will be identical to the unit found in the Audi TT V6, while the manuals will be close-ratio developments of the six-speeders already found in the Golf and Passat.

As well as the new roadster, VW is planning a raft of sporty variants of existing models. The long-awaited 150bhp 1.8-litre turbocharged Polo GTI joins the range later this year, along with a 150bhp diesel, while early in 2004 the German company will reveal its answer to the Vauxhall Zafira GSi in the form of a 210bhp Touran. An R32 version of the new Golf, due next year, is expected to be available from launch.

In addition, in principle a reorientation is demanded - the back meditation on traditional mark values, particularly with VOLKSWAGEN after the high positioning with phaeton and Touareg, forced through with all power of Pieech , now needs VOLKSWAGEN guideline assistance for the future adjustment in the markets. And those is to bring above all more fun cars to reasonable prices. As for example - one hears and is astonished - a compact VOLKSWAGEN roadster.