The Volkswagen Bluesport concept revealed at the Detroit auto show looks increasingly likely to be bound for full-scale production, and could be on dealer forecourts in 2012.
VW development chief Ulrich Hackenberg sounded positive during an interview with German website and magazine Auto Motor und Sport, indicating that it is highly likely that the Bluesport will make the transition from concept to production car.
Hackenberg revealed that plans for packaging the new car are well-underway, suggesting that a wide range of VW drivetrains and powerplants will be available with the Bluesport, including the company's TSI engines and now-famous DSG dual-clutch transmission.
Hackenberg stated unequivocally that the diesel roadster is to be directly pitched against the Mazda MX-5, albeit bringing very different strengths to the table. He set a price estimate of between £20,000 - £22,000 depending on spec, making a basic Bluesport around the same price as a top-of-the-range MX-5 Roadster Coupe.
Of course, if VW want to tempt drivers away from the more traditional staples of this sector where fun is such an important factor, the Bluesport is going to have to be as good on the road as it sounds on paper.