English 
Spanish 
3 min read
9 comments
The Volkswagen SP 2, acclaimed for its design, did not achieve the expected success due to the insufficient power of its engine, a choice that severely limited its performance and appeal in the sports market.
The Volkswagen SP 2, launched in the 70s, is often cited as one of the most beautiful models ever produced by Volkswagen in Brazil. With an attractive and innovative design, the car had everything to be a great success. However, despite its aesthetics, the SP 2 failed to meet expectations of the sports market, mainly for a crucial reason: the lack of power in its engine.
Developed during the heyday of off-the-shelf sports cars, the SP 2 was part of Volkswagen's Project X, which aimed to create a sports vehicle that was more affordable and efficient than the models of the time. The car was built on the Variant station wagon platform and had a sheet steel body. Its launch took place in 1972, and the model was received with enthusiasm, promising to revolutionize the sports vehicle category in Brazil.
The name “SP” on the Volkswagen SP 2 is a tribute to the city of São Paulo
The name “SP” on the Volkswagen SP 2 is a tribute to the city of São Paulo. This model was designed and developed by Volkswagen do Brasil, specifically in the state of São Paulo, during a period in which the Brazilian automobile industry sought to create unique identities for its vehicles. The name served both to celebrate the car's origins and to highlight its innovative and sporting character within Volkswagen's production line at the time.
- Chinese dominance in the auto market! Jeep, Dodge Ram, Fiat and Stellantis Group are in the crosshairs of a historic acquisition that is shaking up the global car industry!
- Hyundai surprises with Brazilian mini SUV that promises to beat Kardian and VW Tera: the launch that will revolutionize the national automotive market in 2024!
- DPVAT is over, but SPVAT 2025 is even worse
- New popular car costing R$60 is a success, surpassing Onix, C3, HB20 and others to become the CHEAPEST new car in Brazil
Volkswagen SP 1, with a 1.6-liter engine that generated just 65 horsepower, and the SP 2, a little more powerful, with a 1.7-liter engine and 75 horsepower
The Volkswagen SP 2 was available in two versions: SP 1, with a 1.6-liter engine that generated just 65 horsepower, and the SP 2, a little more powerful, with a 1.7-liter engine and 75 horsepower. Despite the improvement in the SP 2 version, performance was still considered insufficient for a sports car, with acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h taking 17 seconds and a top speed of just 161 km/h.
This lack of strength was decisive for the decline in the model's sales. While the design attracted consumers, the performance did not meet expectations for a sports car, leading many to opt for alternatives such as the Puma GT, which offered a more dynamic and exciting driving experience.
Production of the Volkswagen SP 2 was discontinued in 1976, after the manufacture of just over 10 thousand units
Production of the Volkswagen SP 2 was discontinued in 1976, after just over 10 thousand units had been manufactured. The attempt to reinvigorate the model with a more powerful version, the SP 3, which would use a front engine from the Passat, never got off the ground, consolidating the fate of the SP 2 as a beautiful car that did not deliver the promised performance.
Today, the Volkswagen SP 2 is considered a classic, with few remaining units on the streets. His legacy, however, serves as a critical reminder to the automotive industry: the balance between aesthetics and performance is crucial, especially in the sports car segment. The case of the SP 2 highlights the importance of meeting consumers' power and performance expectations to ensure a vehicle's success in the competitive market.
Good morning, Bruno,
We haven't met yet. I am the author of the book “VW SP, the story of an icon”, released in 2021.
I just read your article about this car. The article is good, however it contains some incorrect information.
If you will allow me, I would like to suggest that you read my book mentioned above, in which you will find not only the necessary information, but also the entire development of the car, since the end of the 60s.
Best Regards,
Juan Dierckx
Should have put the AP 1.8 engine in it, then it would have been a quality car SP 2 AP 1.8
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 OMG
The same thing happened recently with Hyundai, which didn't learn its lesson and launched the Veloster. The car is beautiful but it's a broken car. A performance that disappointed customers.
Beautiful, but ****. Simple as that.
To sum up the history of the SP2: it was a beautiful, but slow as a turtle, piece of junk. I know what I'm talking about, I tested one in 1974, even a Chevette, the so-called shark, went faster. The end.