Tokyo show: VW EcoRacer

Newswheel staff :: 19 October 2005 :: Filed under Mid / rear engine sportscar, Volkswagen, Volkswagen EcoRacer, Europe & UK, Trade shows, US,

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The most efficient sports car ever?

VW has revealed a diesel-powered sports car concept at the Tokyo show. The EcoRacer combines excellent 69mpg fuel economy with a 0-62mph sprint of 6.3 seconds and a top end of 143mph.

Klaus loves the smell of diesel in the morning

Powered by a mid-mounted 1.5-litre, 134bhp next-gen diesel engine with a peak torque output of 184 lb/ft, the concept is capable of fully 625 miles on a single tank. However, most impressive is the all-in kerb weight of just 850kg, which includes a new variant of VW’s complex dual-clutch DSG gearbox. Both body and chassis are constructed from carbon-fibre reinforced plastic (CFP).

The front double wishbone suspension is a new design, formed from aluminium and boasting pivot bearings. However, the four-control-shaft rear axle is taken from the good old Golf, but upgraded with aluminium wishbones. Needless to say, VW is claiming dynamics suitable for the hairy Nurburgring racing circuit.

The sophisticated carbon-fibre chassis is a three-piece design

Apparently, VW is particularly proud that the design doesn’t whore itself out to aerodynamics. Instead, the EcoRacer proves you can combine distinctive styling with aero efficiency. Well, maybe. Whatever, VW says the EcoRacer is more than just a showcar, it’s a technological testbed and a full runner that can be driven without restrictions. Indeed, the sophisticated three-piece chassis design which incorporates a forward section with a CFP crash absorber, central passenger safety cell and final module carrying the engine and rear axle speaks volumes about the effort VW has put into this concept.

The EcoRacer sports a complex modular roof

What’s more, the EcoRacer also has a novel modular roof arrangement, which we’ll allow VW’s PR bunnies to describe in its full glory:

“As soon as a door is opened, the roof wing above it swings up, giving optimal access. The entire T-bar roof is removable. The rear hatch can be removed. And, last but not least, the frame of the windscreen can be exchanged for a module with a short, upright pane. This makes the EcoRacer, firstly, a coupé, secondly, a roadster and, thirdly, a speedster.”

Of course, we’d prefer the concept was powered by VW’s intriguing 1.4-litre Twincharger petrol engine. But that undoubtedly would have compromised the car’s outstanding fuel economy.