The VW Spyder By 2005

Alongside the Toureg 4 wheel drive and Phaeton luxury salon, VW will be attacking another motoring niche with a small lightweight sportscar.

Set to hit the showrooms by 2005, the new model will take on established rivals in the class like the MG, Lotus Elise and Toyota MR2. But this car is more than just a re-bodied Polo size model. With its styling taken directly from the larger W12 Nardo concept, and aerodynamics from the 1 litre concept (both seen previously in Wheelspin); the car has a lightweight extruded aluminium chassis and an ultra light weight body shell.

Initially powering the entry model will be a surprising choice of engine, the 1.2 litre diesel powerplant from the Lupo and Polo. With such a lean engine you might think the Spyder will end up like the Karmann Ghia, looking good but a little underpowered. You would be wrong, with the modified engine, mid mounted, coupled to the Spyder's ultra light body the car will have true sports car performance for its class.

This smallish engine, coupled to a body weighing a mere 800kg, with state of the art aerodynamics all combine to create a sports car unique to the class, one that can perform like a roadster, but give up to 90 mpg. This is VWs aim, to create the most fuel-efficient model in the class.

Later additions to the range could include the 1.6 litre 120 HP petrol engine, while a planned flagship model will have a 2 litre FSi engine, which could give it a top speed of 160 mph.

The entry-level model comes with few extra, no airbags or electric windows, ESP or ABS. These options may find their way into the 2-litre flagship model which wont be so impaired by the extra weight these extras incur.

Can't wait until 2005? Well VW have sporty versions of its present model closer in the pipeline. A golf R32, Polo GTi as well as performance SEATs are on their way. If you want to stay aircooled, try getting rid of all your excess weight and saving up for that engine rebuild and twin carbs.

Source:  ltv-vwc.org.uk