Thought you guys might like to see this...I was blown away. Best part...target price is $24,000 US (british pound converted).

1500 lbs, 150 hp, and 55 mpg!!!
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=858397

It’s a wonderful design and a beautiful car, but I guess it won't be sold in the U.S. since we don't have an Elise or a VX here and most Americans are import hating muscle car fanatics. Its simply won’t sell due to the idea of low hp low weight not being popular here.

Originally posted by PoLaK
Its simply won’t sell due to the idea of low hp

i don't completely agree with most of your statement, but that there, by itself is true.

even when the Elise comes over (and PwNz), i'm still not sure that it'll get the respect it deserves.

Its simply won?t sell due to the idea of low hp low weight not being popular here.

He's right...Joe Sixpack only looks at the horsepower rating to determine "how fast" a car will go. Doesn't matter how much it weighs or how well it handles.
:(

It sounds fantastic. I concur with the american super-size mentality when it comes to cars ("just give me a lot of torque and power"), but I could see VW bring it over in very limited quantities (like 3,000 or less a year) as a move to spice up their image. However, with the R32 Golf, they probobly have the car to do that for them, but you never know. I figure it'd add about 200 lbs. to comply with US safety standards, but it'd still be an amazing car at 1,700 lbs.

VW will never make this thing at 1500llbs.

Never, mebee at 1500kgs.

As for the Elise I expect the federal(?) Elise to be announced before the end of the year. And I dont expect many americans to 'get it' either. It'll prolly have ~200bhp Toyota 4 pot in it, prolly Airbags, hope it dont have ABS etc

Oh and it doesnt look like UK will get same deal, think we'll be stuck with k seties 1.8 120bhp standard.

First off I just want to say what an amazing car that could be.

There is a chance the car might be accepted in America. Look at the Miata. Sure there are a lot of haters, but in many smaller crowds the Miata commands much respect. If the Miata can be successful than there is a chance the VW could.

Wow! A VW I'd actually consider driving!

I think VW could pull it off. It is a recognized brand name. It might convert some miata lovers. I think I will need a 4 car garage.