Volkswagen's EcoRacer sports car has successfully completed its racetrack debut: 34 journalists from nine countries gave the concept car from Wolfsburg a thorough test on the racetrack in Pau in the South of France.

In three days, the motor sport journalists covered over 1,200 kilometres, mainly at high speed, in the yellow two-seater. The EcoRacer proved that it is versatile and dynamic in the guise of a coupé, a roadster and a speedster. The EcoRacer will be on display at the KonzernWelt in the Autostadt in Wolfsburg as of 17th December.

Volkswagen made a static presentation of the EcoRacer at the Tokyo Motor Show in October. The concept car was well received by journalists and trade visitors. The idea of testing the mid-engine sports car on a racetrack was developed in Tokyo.

Volkswagen EcoRacer on the racetrack in Pau (South of France)

Matthias Rabe, head of Group Research at Volkswagen AG: "We took this unusual step to let people see for themselves that fascination, sportiness and excellent handling can be combined with fuel efficiency. The EcoRacer impressively passed this test without any breakdowns at the racetrack in Pau. This concept car proves that fuel economy and sportiness are not mutually exclusive."

The EcoRacer weighs just 850 kilogrammes thanks to its carbon fibre body. It accelerates from zero to 100 km/h  in just 6.3 seconds. The newly developed 1.5-litre turbo diesel with 100 kW/136 PS has a top speed of 230 km/h and an average fuel consumption of just 3.4 litres per 100 kilometres.

However, not only the technology fulfilled the expectations of the Volkswagen engineers. The design of the vehicle was also presented well at the racetrack. Volkswagen designer Cesar Muntada: "It is a wonderful experience to see your new vehicle on the road for the first time and to see the reactions to it. I am particularly pleased about the emotions the EcoRacer stirred up on the racetrack."

The EcoRacer is on display in the Autostadt in Wolfsburg until 9th January 2006.

Volkswagen EcoRacer on the racetrack in Pau (South of France)

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