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The EcoRacer is a high-performance, low-consumption mid-engined sports car concept, capable of 230kph and 0-60mph in 6.3 seconds yet returning 83.1mpg. This is thanks to its economical 134bhp next-generation diesel engine and lightweight carbon fibre body, weighing 850kg overall.
Volkswagen describes it as a coupe, roadster and speedster all in one and as "anything but a showroom mock-up. It can be driven without restrictions and is intended to serve as a technology testbed."
The coupe/roadster/speedster character comes courtesy of a fully-removable T-bar roof and removable rear hatch, plus doors that swing open electro-mechanically in combination with the pop-up roof wing panels, on gas-pressure dampers. This works via the keyless entry remote locking system and makes getting in and out of such a low-slung car easy - as well as looking quite spectacular.
Its windscreen can also be swapped for a low racing-style deflector, for the full speedster feel. All removable panels can be stored behind the seats and the side elements of the front wings between the front wheels and the door hinge can also be removed, to give an "open-wheel" effect.
Compact at 3.77m long, 1.74m wide and just 1.21m tall, the EcoRacer has very short front and rear overhangs and so a long 2.48m wheelbase, ensuring decent cabin space. It sits on 17-inch alloy wheels, and a Golf-derived rear axle; its front axle and suspension are all-new and it is capable of running in front- , rear- and four-wheel drive modes. Its weight distribution is 40:60 to the front:rear axles.
Most importantly, though, the EcoRacer showcases an all-new 1.5 TDI unit which, says Volkswagen, "reflects the future of the diesel engine." It develops 136bhp at 4000rpm and torque of over 184lb ft between 1900-3750rpm, outputs similar to that of today's 2.0-litre diesels. It works with the DSG double-clutch sequential-shift gearbox, as in the Golf GTi, Audi TT and other production models, and conforms to the future Euro V emissions legislation. It also has the potential to use VW's CCS (Combined Combustion System) technology, claimed to combine the advantages of diesel and petrol engines.
