Volkswagen may enter the mid engined roadster/coupe market with its new concept car if reactions are positive at the Los Angeles Autoshow. This new car will be designed with a philosophy similar to cars such as the Lotus Elise, Mazda Miata, and Honda S2000; keep the weight low and throw in a small but high revving engine.

There are two engines being considered for this car, a 1.4 Liter Twincharged TSI gasoline engine producing 170 horsepower and a 1.6 Liter TDI diesel engine producing 125 horsepower. Regardless of the motor, a seven speed DSG transmission will be putting power to the wheels. Weight has been estimated at a svelte 2200 pounds, significantly lighter than other modern “lightweight” cars which frequently weigh in at 3000 pounds or more. Using these stats, this car has been estimated to reach sixty miles per hour in just under seven seconds.

This concept appears to be popular with VW’s sister companies - Audi and Porsche may both be on board for making their own versions of this VW. Audi may produce a R4 - which is exactly what it sounds like, a less powerful version of the R8 and Porsche is considering a remake of their popular 914 line.