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VW’s Elise-rivalling sports car scooped (2013)
By
Tim Pollard (artist's impression by Larson)
Spyshots
10 October 2008 11:34
What else do we know about Volkswagen’s MSC sports car?
The modular chassis is said to use clever new kinematics in the new strut-based suspension system that does away with the need for pricey, Golf-style multi-link axles. Money pinching is crucial here, but not at the expense of delivering a fun-to-drive, pointy sports car.
To this end, R&D boss Ulrich Hackenberg has disclosed to CAR that the new affordable sports car will use parts-bin steering, brakes, electronics and DSG twin-clutch transmissions. Bearing in mind some of the expertise out there on Planet VW, that’s no bad thing…
This car rings bells. Will there be an Audi and Porsche version too?
You bet. CAR Online has already revealed the new sub-Boxster Porsche sports car and Ingolstadt is developing its own budget mid-engined sportster in the shape of the Audi R3.
The VW version is tipped to use a variety of different powertrains. Bearing in mind its projected 2013 on-sale date, Volkswagen is making sure it can take petrol, diesel, hybrid or full electric power supplies to cope with a remapped global economy.
In the short term, the Volkswagen MSC is likely to be powered by turbocharged 1.2 and 1.4-litre four-cylinder engines offering a mix of power outputs between 105 and 160bhp. Naturally in this cuddly, CO2-obsessed zeitgeist, there is a Bluemotion version planned too, running a 75bhp 1.2 three-pot TDI.
Come back to CAR Online in November 2008 to see the VW sports car concept in full
Should VW build an Elise rival? Or is this icing on the cake that’s distracting from more urgent new models? Click ‘Add your comment’ and let us know
