In 2017, amidst the Dieselgate scandal, Volkswagen was unveiling a series of ID. concepts to shift focus from the emissions-cheating TDI cars. While the ID. showcar and the I.D. Crozz were grabbing headlines, a secret project was brewing in the design studio – a fully electric sports car.
Recently, Å tÄ›pán Řehák, Spokesperson for Design & Concept Cars, shared never-before-seen sketches of this exciting performance EV on LinkedIn. Designed by Tibor Juhasz, the sports car was inspired by Volkswagen’s own SP2 sports coupe from the 1970s.
The original SP2, developed in Brazil, had a rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout based on the Type 3 platform. The modern-day SP2 successor envisioned by Juhasz swapped the traditional engine for an electric motor, aligning with the MEB platform’s rear- or all-wheel-drive configuration.
While the ID. sports car never made it to production, it drew design cues from Giorgetto Giugiaro, the legendary designer behind iconic Volkswagen models. Tibor shared his vision for the concept, emphasizing the blend of classic values with futuristic progress.
Unfortunately, VW’s focus shifted towards high-volume EVs like the ID.3, ID.4, and others, leaving the sports car concept on hold. However, the possibility of a dedicated performance model in the future remains tantalizing.
Volkswagen has a history of exciting concepts like the BlueSport, EcoRacer, and XL Sport, but a standalone sports car could redefine the brand’s image in the electric era. With Audi planning a new sports car lineup, VW might follow suit with a performance-oriented model.
As Europe moves towards banning combustion engine cars, a VW sports car could be a bold statement of innovation and performance. While hatchbacks and crossovers dominate sales, a dedicated sports car could capture the essence of Volkswagen’s heritage and pave the way for an electrifying future.
Explore the iconic VW SP2 (1974) – a classic sports coupe
Sources:
Stepan Rehak / LinkedIn,
Tibor Juhasz / LinkedIn
