It’s been a while since we last heard about the trio of new roadster models being developed at Volkswagen Group brands Audi, Porsche and Volkswagen, though at one point last month there were claims that Audi’s version of the lightweight sports car had been canceled.
Now, just a few weeks after that grim report, Autocar is claiming that all three versions of the roadster are still on the table, and that each will have its own unique exterior styling, cabin design and powertrains.
All three will ride on a brand new mid-engine platform first previewed in 2009’s Volkswagen Bluesport concept car. The Porsche is said to be taking styling cues from the classic Porsche 550 Spyder first unveiled in 1953 and famously wrecked by James Dean, while the Audi should take inspiration from last year’s e-tron Spyder concept and the Volkswagen from its own Bluesport.
In the cabin, everything from panel architectures to gauges and switchgear will be unique, and the same will happen in the engine department as well.
Audi will rely on its current 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter line of gasoline engines, with the latter unit developing upwards of 503 horsepower in the recently revealed A1 clubsport quattro concept.
Porsche, on the other hand, will get a brand new 2.0-liter horizontally opposed boxer engine coming in naturally aspirated and turbocharged guises, with the latter claimed to be capable of delivering up to 380 horsepower.
Volkswagen, meanwhile, is thought to be going the eco-route, sticking with small 1.4-liter units and peak outputs of around 170 horsepower. A diesel variant like the original Bluesport concept car is also expected.
All three will also differ in price, with the Volkswagen being the most affordable of the lot, followed by the Audi and then the Porsche. Importantly, the Porsche version will be cheaper than the Boxster, which currently lists for $48,100.
First sales aren’t expected until the end of 2014.
[Autocar]
