Volkswagen was originally scheduled to debut its new mid-engined roadster concept in LA later this month, but AutoWeek is reporting that the automaker has shifted its release to the Detroit show in January. The concept will foreshadow a 2011-model production car that VW plans to use as a halo vehicle.

A company spokesman told Automotive News Europe that VW expects the roadster will attract more interest at the Detroit show. The report said that the car will be based on an advanced version of the platform that underpins the Audi R8 supercar. The entire idea screams Porsche 914; here's hoping they go through with it, and maybe slot in a four-cylinder TDI Clean Diesel version while they're at it.