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Volkswagen is pumping up the badass for the racing version of its new Scirocco sport-hatch. As we reported a couple of weeks ago, VW will be campaigning a race-prepped version of its latest release at the Nurburgring 24 hour race in the 2-liter turbo category in which a GTI took victory last year. The Scirocco racer will use the same 300-hp TFSI mated to Volkswagen's paddle-shifted DSG, a set-up which, in preliminary testing, Hans-Joachim Stuck called "one of the most uncomplicated racing cars" he's ever piloted. (We'll take that as a good thing.) Stuck, a two-time Le Mans champion, will be among the drivers campaigning the pack of three Sciroccos at the race, alongside double world rally champ Carlos Sainz, VW board member Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, three of the four driver's from last year's winning GTI team and a couple of automotive journalists (once again, nobody asked us).
[Source: Volkswagen]
PRESS RELEASE
SCIROCCO BLOWS IN FOR NURBURGRING CLASSIC
The new Volkswagen Scirocco will later this month face the toughest track test in the world, even before it has gone on sale – an assault on the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours. Three factory developed racing versions of the new coupe, each powered by a 2-litre TFSI petrol engine developing 300 PS, will be in action on Germany's daunting 25 km 'Nordschleife' in the 24/25 May event.
The Scirocco, which is not due to start its production life until the autumn, has already passed its first endurance test, at the Oschersleben motorsport arena, with flying colours. Among the car's many features is a direct-shift transmission system utilising Volkswagen's DSG technology.
Double Le Mans winner Hans Stuck was at the wheel and is relishing his chance to race the Scirocco: 'I felt immediately comfortable in the car,' he said. 'The Scirocco is one of the most uncomplicated racing cars I have ever driven. It's really fun, and I am looking forward to the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife with even greater anticipation.'
Other legends on the driving strength include double World Rally Champion – and victor for Volkswagen of the recent Central Europe Rally – Carlos Sainz, as well as Sainz's Race Touareg team-mates Giniel de Villiers and Dieter Depping. The Volkswagen board member for technical development, Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, will drive also.
The Scirocco has a tough act to follow: last year a Golf GTI clinched its class and finished eighth overall at the Nürburgring.
'The racing version of the Scirocco was developed and prepared by our technical staff in record time,' said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen, 'and we are well on schedule now that we have successfully completed this first endurance test. The Nürburgring 24 Hours is the ideal platform to showcase the performance capabilities of this exciting coupe.'
The Nürburgring 24 Hours has established itself as the world's toughest car race since its launch in 1970. A grid of 220 cars is allowed to take the start, with more than 700 drivers scheduled to compete in front of in excess of 200,000 trackside spectators. German TV is planning 12 hours of live coverage of the event.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
yacoub @ May 1st 2008 10:36AM
Don't care until they offer the new Scirocco in the US market. (They've stated they won't (for now), blaming the dollar.)
Allan @ May 1st 2008 10:41AM
Or possibly they would use a new US factory they were talking about and just build it here... Then again, I don't know how much would have to be imported to assemble and if that would still kill it based on the value of the dollar.
tcc3 @ May 1st 2008 3:14PM
The last time that happened it didnt go so well. Pennsylvania made Rabbits were not equal to their German counterparts.
Artemiy Pavlov @ May 1st 2008 10:43AM
Oh damn, the racing version looks damn hot!
Adam @ May 1st 2008 10:58AM
WANT.
Will @ May 1st 2008 11:09AM
Nobody asked you because you guy's misplace so many apostrophe's. It dent's your credibility as journalist's.
Chase @ May 1st 2008 11:12AM
Finally a look at a scirocco in a darker color. Veeeerrry nice.
geo.stewart @ May 1st 2008 11:15AM
Imagine Hans lost at Mud Island...
Hello AAA?
Yes.
I'm stuck in the mud.
And who am I speaking with?
I'm Stuck.
I understand but I need your name?
I'm Stuck.
All right funny guy, where are you?
Mud
I heard that, but where is the mud?
Tennessee.
Can you be more specific?
Yeah, Mud.
Goodbye
BluePariah @ May 1st 2008 11:24AM
Idea:
1. Keep 3-5 Door GTI. Tune to 230HP
2. Kill R32.
3. Replace with Scirocco with 300hp TFSI, AWD.
4. ?????
5. Profit.
rouse42 @ May 1st 2008 11:38AM
Scirocco Base 230hp 2.0tfsi $23,xxx
Scirocco R36 300hp AWD! $29,999
YES PLEASE.
rav3 @ May 1st 2008 1:46PM
Better idea:
1) Keep the Wabbit as a Wabbit, nothing more: drop the GTI and R32. I'm sure the GTI and R32 are fine cars, but they're still Wabbits (at least they're not Jettas, though). They all seem completely indistinguishable from each other.
2) Bring several sporty VW 'roccs to the states. Also a convertible.
3) Redesign the Beetle, already. Make stylings similar to the Audi TT.
4) Phase out the Jetta ASAP.
tcc3 @ May 1st 2008 3:17PM
What do you expect? they gradually update the beetle. The last two designs lasted 50 years. How far can you get from the Beetles squat, rounded looks before its not a Bug anymore?
bn @ May 1st 2008 11:36AM
Are they sending all 300hp to the front wheels, or AWD?
nagmashot @ May 1st 2008 12:16PM
300hp FWD... which is no real problem with a proper FWD setup race car using slicks
Franz @ May 1st 2008 11:53AM
Sweet looking car.
Torrent @ May 1st 2008 11:55AM
Really, like Americans need this? Just tune a GTI.
bn @ May 1st 2008 12:35PM
The more choices we have, the better. Though the US market doesn't like hatchbacks.
Send it up here to Canada though. We have a strong dollar!
Richard @ May 1st 2008 12:03PM
We all need this!
I thought it was a race version of the STi - for just a sec. (must have been the color).
It will be nice to have a choice between the STi and the new Alfa here in the USA. This fast little breeze would be a worthy addition to that list.
J M C 3 @ May 1st 2008 12:11PM
I'd rather see a 2 door coupe as a 1 series competitor for USA.This Scirocco is more of a step up from the GTI in hatch freindly europe.
speedball3 @ May 1st 2008 12:20PM
The normal Scirocco does nothing for me.... this race Scirocco is another story. Gorgeous car! It went from boring GTI variant to awesome GTI halo car!