First look: VW set for sports

VW has revealed a mid-engined roadster prototype to be shown at the Frankfurt motor show, which starts this week.

Named Concept R, the sharply styled two-seater supercar is said to point to the design future of Volkswagen and more than hints at a production sports car already said to be signed off for 2006.

Power for the roadster comes from a 200kW V6 which, when combined with a six-speed direct selection gearbox, is claimed to produce 0-100km/h acceleration in 5.3 seconds and a possible top speed of almost 270km/h.

That's Porsche Boxster territory.

At 4.16 metres long, 1.78m wide and 1.25m high, the rear-wheel drive Concept R is around the same length and width as the Golf hatchback. It also shares componentry with the new generation Golf.

Among Concept R’s unusual features are bucket seats that do not adjust in any way. Instead, to find the correct position, the driver moves the polished metal information block of the instrument panel, including the steering wheel and pedal cluster, back or forth electrically.

For the first time in a sports car, leather-covered active foam is used, which adapts to the body shape of the driver and passenger.