Volkswagen Explored a Mid-Engine Sports Car, Verstappen Voices Disdain for Front-Wheel Drive
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Recent revelations indicate Volkswagen internally considered developing a mid-engine sports car in 2017, while Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen publicly criticized front-wheel-drive vehicles, deeming them the “worst thing ever.”
volkswagen’s Secret Sports Car Project
In 2017, Volkswagen designers sketched concepts for a sports car featuring a mid-engine layout, a departure from the company’s conventional front-engine configuration. The project, kept largely under wraps, aimed to create a vehicle positioned to compete with models like the Porsche 718 Cayman and Audi R8. Details regarding the intended engine specifications or production timeline remain scarce, and the project ultimately did not progress to fruition. The sketches reveal a low-slung, aerodynamic design, suggesting a focus on performance and handling. Volkswagen’s decision to explore a mid-engine layout reflects a broader industry trend towards optimizing weight distribution for enhanced driving dynamics.
The Volkswagen Group, which includes brands like Audi, Porsche, and Skoda, has a history of platform sharing and leveraging synergies across its various divisions. A mid-engine sports car could have potentially utilized a modified version of the Porsche Sports Car Platform (MSB), which underpins the 718 Cayman and Boxster. However, internal strategic shifts and resource allocation likely contributed to the project’s cancellation. Volkswagen currently focuses on electric vehicle development, with critically important investments in platforms like the MEB and PPE. As of November 2023, Volkswagen’s sports car ambitions are primarily channeled through the Porsche brand.
Verstappen’s Critique of Front-Wheel Drive
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, a three-time Formula 1 World champion (2021, 2022, 2023), has expressed strong disapproval of front-wheel-drive cars. In a recent interview, the Dutch driver described front-wheel-drive vehicles as “the worst thing ever,” citing their inherent limitations in handling and performance. Verstappen, known for his preference for rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive cars, emphasized the challenges of managing understeer and achieving optimal traction with a front-wheel-drive setup.
Verstappen’s comments align with the general consensus among motorsport professionals and driving enthusiasts, who often favor rear-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive systems for their superior handling characteristics. Front-wheel-drive cars, while offering advantages in terms of packaging and cost, typically suffer from torque steer and reduced cornering ability.The Honda Civic Type R, a high-performance front-wheel-drive hatchback, has been a notable exception, achieving impressive lap times and garnering critical acclaim. However,Verstappen’s remarks suggest he remains unconvinced by the capabilities of front-wheel-drive technology. According to data from Car and Driver,the Honda Civic Type R achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds in 2023. [https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/civic-type-r/review/]
