Volkswagen is to make a bold move into the compact sports car market, with the unveiling of a new model at November’s L.A. Auto Show, ahead of a 2010 production date. It will be a mid-engined, rear-wheel-drive model, based largely on the 2005 Eco Racer concept. VW hope the sports model will provide a blend of performance and economy, that will satisfy the fun loving but environmentally conscious buyer, competing with the likes of the Honda CR-Z and Lotus Elise. It is also rumoured that the platform could also be used for the basis of smaller sports models from Audi and Porsche.