Successful in combining the words ‘diesel’ and ‘performance’, the six-speed dual-clutch transmission support the fuel efficiency engine in powering the car’s rear wheels while a brake energy regeneration system and the automatic start-stop method effectively reduce the engine’s pull, making the car more fuel efficient without compromising performance. The BlueSport Concept has a combined EPA rating of 42 mpg.

Similar to the Scirocco and Golf, the BlueSport Concept is characterized by a new Volkswagen design language—the ‘design DNA’, developed by Walter de Silva, Flavio Manzoni, and Klaus Bischoff for the Volkswagen Group. The BlueSport Concept has the dual-cross slats, Xenon headlamps, and high-intensity LEDs for taillight aesthetics. Lightweight materials with a 45:55 weight distribution allow the BlueSport Concept to balance agility and economy—emitting only 113g/km of CO2.

The BlueSport Concept is shorter that the Golf, measuring at 3,990 mm in length, 1,745 mm wide, and 1,260 mm high. A 112-litre load area under the hood and another 70-liters in the rear area are retained.

With a ‘Flex Silver’ metallic finish, orange retractable fabric roof, and as set of multi-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels, the BlueSport Concept portrays the evolution of the Volkswagen design. The lightweight, black leather sports seats and a touch screen mounted on the dashboard provide a luxurious finish to the fuel efficient car.

The track is located at the Michigan Hall at the lower level of the Cobo Center. Around 12 vehicles are available for journalists during the press preview and the public during regular exhibition day.

According to organizers the annual car show is the perfect venue to display the future and developments in the auto industry. Aside from consumers about 6000 journalists from all over the globe attend the event.

A lot of electric, hybrid, and concept cars will be in the block with the new releases of the major car makers. Displaying the next generation mode of transportation, that is being more conscious about the environment and efficient, is the focus of most players of the auto industry. According to organizers, this just shows that the auto industry is heading the right direction amid the global financial crisis.

The vehicles on display are proof that the car makers are exerting effort and money with their research and development programs.

The EcoExperience will allow the press and public ride the vehicles from Mitsubishi, Ford Motor Co., and General Motors Corporation.

The test drive is strictly limited to speeds of 10 miles per hour. Crash barriers are also in place around the forest like track.

The space available for the green car experience may also be due to the withdrawal of major car industry players like Mitsubish, Ferrari, Nissan, and several others who intend to cost cut or allocate the budget for other essential company expenditures.

Apparently Shell launched an advertising campaign whereby they claimed “the challenge of the 21st century is to meet the growing need for energy in ways that are not only profitable but sustainable”. The full page ad was promoting Shell’s exploration in Canada’s tar sands and production of synthetic oil as well as their plans to build the US’ largest oil refinery in Texas.

The World Wildlife Federation felt that the statement was a misuse of the word sustainable and deemed that Shell was misleading the public with the ad, obviously to protect the potential profits from the projects. Britain’s Advertising Standards Authority agreed noting that Canada’s National Energy Board had previously indicated some concern over the use of tar sand oil. The Authority further disbelieved Shell’s contention that the refinery in the US would lower emissions.

Shell countered by saying that sustainable meant long-term jobs and stability to the economy but the Authority opinion was that the public does not refer to the word sustainable energy in regards to helping economic woes. As a result, Shell was forced to pull the ad campaign much to the delight of green organizations. Not so much interested in winning the complaint per se, but rather feeling that the government backed the underdog against bad business practices.