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Volkswagen has postponed the launch of the VW Roadster, its mid-engined sports car concept.
The two-seater was expected at the Los Angeles motor show next week. Now VW has put back the launch of the sports car until the Detroit show in January 2009 at the earliest.
There’s speculation that the delay could be due to the difficult economic conditions, but VW sources suggested it’s because the company believes the Roadster will attract more interest at Detroit.
The VW Roadster will use an economical four-cylinder engine – probably the 2.0-litre TFSI – and will need to have a relatively low kerbweight, if it is to rival the likes of the Lotus Elise, as some Wolfsburg insiders have suggested.
VW is believed to be using a high proportion of aluminium in the Roadster’s construction in an effort to keep weight down.
It would be normal to expect the production VW Roadster two years after the concept has been revealed, but the turbulent new car market means plans for this lower-volume model could yet be revised.
Will Powell
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