VW is looking to change that perception today with the unveiling of the Bluesport concept at the Detroit Auto Show. The Bluesport bucks the trend of most concept vehicles unveiled at auto shows and is near production ready — in fact, the mid-engine roadster is said to share the same platform with an upcoming “budget” Porsche model which is said to recall back to the 914.

The mid-engine Bluesport roadster is RWD instead of the FWD configuration found in most current VW models available in the U.S. Not surprisingly, VW dug way down into the parts bin to secure the magnificent dual-clutch six-speed transmission which can be had in the aforementioned GTI.