VW EcoRacer: Test drive

Here's a very interesting test drive report of the VW EcoRacer.

Here's a car that takes some of the doom out of one doomsday scenario. If oil prices rise to heretofore unseen heights, the Volkswagen EcoRacer shows that sports cars can still be fun-even if they're powered by a diesel engine that gets 80 mpg.

The EcoRacer uses a carbon-fiber monocoque worthy of a Formula 1 machine. The engine, mounted amidships, is an early version of a new common rail diesel due in 2007. The result is a two-seater that pushes the sports-car envelope one full step beyond the likes of Lotus, Westfield, Caterham, and Ariel. Not only does it accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and top out at 143 mph, according to VW, it also averages a miserly 80 mpg. The only reason to sniff at the EcoRacer is the scent of diesel exhaust, which adds pungence to the open-air driving experience.

Although the EcoRacer is a handmade prototype, it drives as well as a preproduction car. The steering is light and eager and full of feedback. The brakes have bite and balance. The chassis bypasses the typical understeer intro and dives straight into a long, neutral dialogue with the road. Even with the stability control system switched on, there is never any doubt about which end of the car will come unstuck first. Like the Lotus Elise, this VW can play the games of turn-in and lift-off or power-on and unwind with as many variations as the driver wishes to induce. Like the Porsche Boxster, it squats and hugs the tarmac with rare tenacity when you accelerate out of a third-gear bend. And like the Renault Sport Spider, it pushes dimples into your cheeks above 60 mph. Responsive and balanced, firmly planted and light-footed, intuitive and totally pragmatic, this VW leaves a lasting impression.