Tag Archives: Roadster

NEW CARS

VW Golf GTI Roadster

Half a century after three simple letters rewired the hot-hatch formula, Volkswagen is throwing itself a birthday party the only way it knows how: by reminding us just how far the GTI idea can be stretched before it snaps.

Fifty years ago, the original Volkswagen Golf GTI turned an ordinary hatchback into a cult object. Since then, the badge has migrated to smaller siblings—the Polo, the Lupo, even the up!—and briefly to the swoopy Volkswagen Scirocco GTI. There was even a whisper of a Passat GTI prototype at one point. But in the public imagination, GTI means Golf. Always has, probably always will.

And yet, to celebrate its golden anniversary, Volkswagen is shining the spotlight not on a tidy special edition or a modest power bump, but on something far more unhinged: the Volkswagen Golf GTI Roadster.

Originally conceived in 2014 as a virtual fever dream for the Gran Turismo 6, the GTI Roadster was the kind of concept that only makes sense when the laws of physics and federal crash standards are optional. Most remember it in red or white, all angles and aggression. For 2026, it returns wearing a deep green finish—likely a nod to the dark moss green metallic reserved for the anniversary Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50.

If the standard Golf GTI has always been evolution over revolution, the Roadster is a full-blown rebellion.

Yes, it started life as a Mk7 underneath. But Volkswagen lopped off the roof, ditched the rear seats, and wrapped the remaining structure in an entirely new body. The C-pillars were repurposed into dramatic roll hoops. The doors? They swing skyward in full supercar cosplay. From the vented hood to the towering rear wing, there’s barely a trace of sensible hatchback left. This isn’t a GTI turned up to 11; it’s a GTI that ran off and joined a touring-car championship on another planet.

Because it was never destined for production, Volkswagen’s designers were free to ignore the usual buzzkills—pedestrian impact regulations, cost targets, the concept of practicality. The result looked far more outrageous than the stillborn Volkswagen BlueSport, a mid-engined roadster that once seemed like a plausible halo car before quietly fading into history.

Under the hood louvers sat something no production GTI has ever dared to house: a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 good for 510 horsepower and 560 Nm of torque. It drove through a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox, but instead of spinning just the front wheels—as every GTI had done before—the Roadster sent power to all four corners via 4Motion. In that sense, it was closer in philosophy to the all-paw Volkswagen Golf R than to its front-drive siblings.

Performance claims were appropriately supercar-baiting. Volkswagen said the Roadster would rocket from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and top out at 309 km/h. That made it a tenth quicker to 100 than the wild Volkswagen Golf GTI W12-650—though the Bentley-powered W12 ultimately held the higher terminal velocity at 325 km/h. Yes, there was a time when Volkswagen stuffed a W12 behind the seats of a Golf. The Roadster feels almost restrained by comparison.

Almost.

Despite losing its roof, the GTI Roadster wasn’t a featherweight. At 1,421 kilograms, it was actually a touch heavier than the three-door Mk7 GTI, the last of the simpler, purer body styles. Blame the all-wheel-drive hardware, the larger V6, the massive brakes, and those center-lock 20-inch wheels wrapped in rubber measuring 235/35 ZR20 up front and a steamroller-like 275/30 ZR20 out back.

In other words, this was no stripped-out track toy. It was a rolling what-if—a glimpse at what happens when you take a democratic performance icon and let the engineers fantasize without accountants hovering nearby.

The genius of the GTI has always been its balance: usable performance, everyday livability, attainable price. The Roadster flips that formula on its head. It is impractical, excessive, and gloriously unnecessary. And that’s precisely why it works as a 50th-anniversary celebration.

Because sometimes, the best way to honor a legend isn’t to polish it—it’s to imagine what it would look like with the volume knob snapped clean off.

Source: Volkswagen

News

Smart Hints at Roadster Revival Amid EV Expansion

Smart, the German electric carmaker known for its compact city vehicles, could be preparing an unexpected twist in its future product lineup. According to recent statements and industry speculation, the brand is exploring the possibility of reviving the beloved Smart Roadster as a fully electric convertible. Though nothing is officially confirmed, the timing may align with the upcoming launch of a new-generation Smart ForTwo.

Originally produced between 2002 and 2005, the Smart Roadster gained a cult following thanks to its quirky design and agile handling. The sporty two-seater was powered by a small 0.7-liter three-cylinder engine, with power outputs ranging from 61 to 101 horsepower, depending on the variant. A coupe version and a high-performance Brabus model added further flair to the short-lived series.

Now, as Smart transitions fully into the electric era, the idea of bringing back the Roadster with a zero-emissions powertrain has begun to circulate. The modernized Roadster would target rivals like the Mazda MX-5 — a popular benchmark in the small convertible segment — but with a unique electric twist.

Jason Albutt, head of Smart’s UK division, shared his enthusiasm in an interview with Auto Express, recalling his personal experience with the original model: “We had one in the family and it was a lot of fun. For a country that gets more rain than any other European market, we’re big fans of coupes and convertibles. So yes, I see the potential for a car like that in the UK.”

However, even Albutt remains cautious. While he acknowledges the appeal of a compact electric roadster, he also expressed uncertainty about how it would be received in a market traditionally drawn to the visceral experience of internal combustion engines.

“I think a lot of people who drive these cars have always been passionate about traditional cars. Part of the joy of the open top is hearing the sound of the engine,” he said. “There may be a new audience that might be interested in a different way. I’m not sure what kind of buyers they are. It’s too early to say, but we’ll see.”

Indeed, the potential revival of the Smart Roadster would mark a bold move for a brand that has rebranded itself as a premium EV specialist in partnership with Chinese giant Geely. With the new ForTwo expected soon, the company has an opportunity to expand its portfolio — and potentially reignite passion among enthusiasts who long for compact, driver-focused electric cars.

For now, there’s no official green light. But in the ever-evolving EV landscape, Smart’s flirtation with the Roadster’s return is a story worth watching. As the old saying goes: where there’s smoke, there’s fire.

Source: Auto Express

News

Tesla is taking orders for the Roadster even though its future is uncertain

In 2017, Tesla presented a new generation of Roadster, which was supposed to hit the market three years later, but it didn’t happen. The American company is still taking deposits for the electric car, whose future is uncertain.

At the launch, Elon Musk promised that the Roadster would have miniature rocket engines and extraordinary performance. However, a lot of time has passed since then, and there is no sign of the car.

The new Roadster was supposed to have a range of 1,000 kilometers on a single battery charge, and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in about two seconds. The plan was to produce a standard version that would cost $200,000, and 1,000 Founder Series examples that would cost $250,000 each.

The company opened orders after the car was unveiled, and each customer was required to pay a $5,000 deposit, followed by an additional $45,000 to secure a slot in line.

Whether or not Tesla will ever start production of this car remains to be seen.

Source: Reuters