Autoblog

Volkswagen's U.S. boss wants Scirocco in the States

Zach Bowman — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Scirocco R - Click above for high-res image gallery

Whenever anyone brings up the Scirocco, we still can't help but wince a bit at the fact that the United States was snubbed from the car's second coming. Apparently we're not alone. According to USA Today, Volkswagen America head honcho Jonathan Browning wouldn't mind seeing the low-slung three-door on our shores, either. Browning said that while Volkswagen was unable to make a solid business case for bringing the Scirocco to the U.S. market the last time around, he still wants to see the car in our neck of the woods. Unfortunately, we may have to wait a few years before that happens.

Browning said that there were a few other more pressing items on his plate at the moment, including improving his company's quality and making the dealer experience more tolerable. Those seem like plenty noble goals, but we still wouldn't mind seeing the 'Rocco on American soil sooner rather than later. While we love the Golf GTI as much as the next lead-footed American, there's just something about a Scirocco that flips all the right switches.

We're waiting, VW.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R

[Source: USA Today]

Volkswagen's U.S. boss wants Scirocco in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Video: Hyundai Veloster hits the road with VW Scirocco

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Budget, Videos, Hyundai

Hyundai Veloster out testing - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Hyundai's new Veloster sports coupe (or is that Tiburon or something else?) aims to write another chapter in the book of Hyundai's relentless pursuit of market share when it launches next year, and in this latest video, we see a still heavily camouflaged prototype running around with the likes of the Volkswagen Scirocco - a similarly sized sportster. Thanks for the Euro-spec comparison test idea, Hyundai.

The Veloster aims to best Stateside competitors like the Honda CR-Z in terms of fuel economy, and Hyundai is on record as saying that the new coupe should achieve more than 40 miles per gallon without any sort of hybrid powertrain. It's expected that Hyundai will have its new 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, and we hope that the end result is a car that's not only efficient, but truly fun to drive.

Hit the jump to see Hyundai's sporty prototype out on the street.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 Hyundai Veloster

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via YouTube]

Continue reading Spy Video: Hyundai Veloster hits the road with VW Scirocco

Spy Video: Hyundai Veloster hits the road with VW Scirocco originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: Digital Fahrvergnügen - VW Scirocco used as video game controller

Zach Bowman — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Technology, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Toys/Games

Volkswagen Scirocco by day, video game controller by night - Click above to watch video after the jump

We've always envied those awesome home-stitched arcade racing consoles. It's not that we aren't handy enough to screw a few pieces of plywood together, it's just that there isn't enough space in either the living room or the garage for that kind of craft project, and our significant others don't generally go for that sort of thing anyhow. The kids from Karjak CarLab have us officially reconsidering that stance, though.

Instead of raiding the local home-supply store for materials, the crew managed to talk a brand-new 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco into pretending that it's a video game controller by hooking up the OBD port to a computer. As the nut in the driver's seat wrenches on the steering wheel and operates the pedals, the system translates the maneuvers into ones and zeros. Throw in a projector good enough to cover your garage door, add a decent sound system, and you've officially got the most awesome driving simulator on the block - no shaking or baking required. We would suggest this would be the only way to play Gran Turismo 5 when it hits the shelves, but honestly, we're increasingly feeling that we're more likely we'll get our AARP cards in the mail first. Hop the jump to see a video of the set up in action.

[Source: Hack A Day]

Continue reading Video: Digital Fahrvergnügen - VW Scirocco used as video game controller

Video: Digital Fahrvergnügen - VW Scirocco used as video game controller originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Grounds for Celebration: TV scientists convert VW Scirocco to run on coffee

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Technology, Volkswagen, UK

This is what we mean when we say that the future of alternative fuels isn't anywhere close to being decided. A team from the BBC program Bang Goes the Theory has rigged an older Volkswagen Scirocco to run on coffee pellets. It's a bit complex, with the coffee grounds needing to be heated to 1,292 degrees Fahrenheit, and the resulting concoction cooled, separated and filtered before it's run to the engine. Because coffee contains carbon, however, it works.

It's expensive, though. The trial run the Starbucks Scirocco will make from London to Manchester and back will cost more than 25 times what the same trip on gasoline would because the car goes just three miles on a kilo of coffee. The 209-mile trip is also take ten hours, due to the number of stops required to refill the fuel canister and regularly clean out the system.

So, on second thought, this is not what we mean when we talk about the future of alternative fuels. But it is really neat, and it's for the kids, and those sorts of things count for a lot in our book. Hat tip to Joviocoe!

[Source: The Daily Mail]

Grounds for Celebration: TV scientists convert VW Scirocco to run on coffee originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Mar 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Want a 550-hp AWD Volkswagen Scirocco? Save up $150k and move to Canada

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Canada

Ask us what Euro-only model we'd import to the States and the Volkswagen Scirocco would be near the top of the list. It combines everything we love about the GTI into a more attractive, racy package and, just like it's boxy brethren, it's packed with tuning potential.

HPA has been at the forefront of VW and Audi modifications for years, and the Canadian tuning firm has worked out a deal with V-Dub to import a handful of Sciroccos into British Colombia each year to finally offer North American gearheads the hot hatch we deserve. But naturally, they're not leaving good-enough alone.

Although the Scirocco tops out in R trim with a 265-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder, HPA will swap in a fully-built 3.2-liter V6 complete with a pair of Garrett H25 turbochargers, along with all-wheel drive. The result is the FT565, good for 550 hp and 500 pound-feet of torque. Bump it up to the Stage 2 package and torque swells to 600 lb-ft and the 0-60 time drops to 3.4 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 11.3 seconds. Top speed? HPA claims 200 mph... in a hatchback.

In addition to the engine mods, the stock brakes have been swapped out in favor of 14-inch, eight-piston units in front and 13-inch rotors out back, with 19-inch aluminum BBS coated in Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires.

As you'd expect, such a conversion and importation doesn't come cheap: HPA only plans to build 10 FT565 Sciroccos each year, at a cost of $150,000 a piece. And no, there's no word on whether the Scirocco will be available here in the U.S. Dammit.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R

[Source: HPA via Automobile]

Want a 550-hp AWD Volkswagen Scirocco? Save up $150k and move to Canada originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO]

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, UK

VW Golf R and Scirocco R - Click above for high-res image gallery

For those of you in the U.K., the R-line versions of the Golf and Scirocco have been priced and can now be ordered. The Scirocco is the bargain of the two, going for £26,945 ($44,257 U.S.), while the Golf takes you slightly higher up the currency chart, priced at £28,930 ($47,518 U.S. -- nota bene: U.S. prices don't directly translate). They both come standard with a 6-speed manual, but if you want the car to shift for you, the DSG transmission option adds £1,300 ($2,135 U.S.) to either car.

They're the fastest and most powerful versions yet in their respective models: the 261-hp, front-wheel-drive Scirocco runs to 62 in 6 seconds; the 266-hp, 4MOTION-equipped Golf in 5.7. If you get the manual you can add 0.2 seconds to those times. The cars will make it to U.K. showrooms in February of next year, but in the meantime follow the jump to read all the specs and watch the video, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Volkswagen UK Golf R and Scirocco R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO]

Volkswagen prices UK Scirocco R and Golf R, debuts new ad [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

New VW Beetle coming in two years, Scirocco still not in cards for U.S.

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Design/Style

Malibu Barbie VW New Beetle Convertible - click above for high-res gallery

We're in Wolfsburg, Germany right now for the launch drive of the 2010 Volkswagen Golf and we've just returned from a presentation at the company's design center with Walter de Silva. We'll have more on de Silva's comments a little later, but first, we did have a chance to chat with VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby about future products.

First up, despite de Silva's promise that VW wont do retro designs, there is a new New Beetle coming. When the NB debuted a decade ago, we lamented the fact that it officially carried the "New" prefix (unfortunately, Autoblog was not yet born so no one at VW heard our complaints). This time around it will just be called "Beetle." Contrary to some speculation that it might move to the NSF platform of the forthcoming Up! model, the Beetle will still ride on the Golf's chassis when it appears in two years. Jacoby didn't say how the next Beetle might change to meet de Silva's "no retro" statement, but it will continue to fill VW's niche quotient.

Speaking of niches, the Scirocco remains dead to us, despite the fact that Lower Saxony seems to be crawling with them. The problem, Jacoby explains, is that the Scirroco appeals to almost exactly the same buyers who opt for the GTI. Company research indicates that there would be almost no incremental sales increase with the Scirroco, instead it would just cannibalize the GTI. Why not just replace the GTI? Adding the coupe would be another niche product that requires more parts inventory, training, marketing dollars and so on. While we as enthusiasts might want another coupe, the numbers just don't add up for VW - especially when every Euro costs $1.47. Sorry.

Gallery: Malibu Barbie VW New Beetle Convertible

New VW Beetle coming in two years, Scirocco still not in cards for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen to debut four new models in Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Mon, 11 May 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Truck, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Germany only gets its own top-tier international auto show every other year, with the Frankfurt Motor Show alternating with the Paris salon. So when the circus rolls into town, you can bet Germany's giant auto industry will embrace the opportunity to reveal their latest. Audi's tipped to unveil its A5 Sportback and revised A8, Mercedes is expected to unveil its new E-Class Cabrio, BMW the new X1 and 5-Series GT/Progressive Activity Sedan... even Opel is anticipated to unveil its new Astra in Frankfurt. But according to the latest reports, Volkswagen is preparing to upstage them all with four new models.

First up is the Robust pick-up truck recently spied undergoing testing at the Nurburgring. A more versatile version of VW's midsize hatchback called the Golf Variant is tipped to join the show stage, too. But the real excitement is in the pair of hot hatches set to make their debuts in Frankfurt. The Golf R is anticipated to pack a 265-hp 2.0-liter TFSI with all the trimmings, while a mini-Scirocco based on the Polo could also be in the cards, packing a 180-hp 1.4-liter four. Of course, it's entirely possible that one or more of these could drop off the card for the upcoming show in September, but either way, Volkswagen looks set to make a big splash in Frankfurt this year, and of course we'll be on hand to catch it all for you.

[Source: AutoWeek.nl]

Volkswagen to debut four new models in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 May 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen Scirocco GT TDI stokes our oil-burning lust

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Green, Hatchback, Volkswagen, UK

Volkswagen Scirocco - Click above for high-res image gallery

Europeans just got another turbocharged diesel engine option for the Volkswagen Scirocco, leaving us even more jealous than before that the sporty hatchback won't be making its way to America. The new powerplant is the same unit that VW recently introduced in the Golf GTD, and it offers up the same 168 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque in this application.

The torque-rich oil-burner can be mated to either a six-speed manual or VW's excellent six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. Either way, the TDI is capable of pushing the Scirocco to 60 mph in about eight seconds and on to a top speed of 138 mph. According to Volkswagen, the new powerplant manages to score 53.3 mpg (44 in U.S. gallons) on the EU combined cycle.

VW is only putting the new diesel in vehicles equipped with the up-level GT trim. As such, standard features include a six-disc CD changer, dual-zone climate control, electronic stability control and VW's Adaptive Chassis Control, which offers three separate suspension settings. Also newly available are 19-inch "Lugano" alloy rims. Check the complete press release after the break for all the details.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco UK

Continue reading Volkswagen Scirocco GT TDI stokes our oil-burning lust

Volkswagen Scirocco GT TDI stokes our oil-burning lust originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 May 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

JE Design throws its Scirocco into the mix

Drew Phillips — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the JE Design Scirocco

Volkswagen's new Scirocco seems to be the hottest new platform for Euro tuners, with Abt and MTM already coming out with tuning packages. JE Design has developed their own line of parts and accessories, starting with a subtle three piece aero kit that includes a new front spoiler, side skirts, and a rear spoiler extension. A performance kit boosts the turbocharged 2.0L inline-four to 244 bhp and 258 lb-ft torque, while an upgraded exhaust system adds another 11 more horsepower. Also available are lowering springs and multispoke wheels in a variety of finishes. Now if we could only get Volkswagen to once again reconsider its decision to not bring the Scirocco stateside. Hit the jump to read the press release.

Gallery: JE Design Scirocco

[Source: JE Design]

Continue reading JE Design throws its Scirocco into the mix

JE Design throws its Scirocco into the mix originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW shows off Scirocco Study R in Bologna

Dan Roth — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for high-res image gallery of the VW Scirocco Study R

Volkswagen's new Scirocco is rapidly becoming a popular canvas for customizing, and Wolfsburg itself is getting into the act. The Bologna Motor Show has been graced with the Scirocco Study R, which could be a preview of a production version called the Scirocco R20T. The Study R is a derivation of the ideas laid down by the GT24 race concept, with a sneery front end and a wing out back. The Study R is more understated in white with subdued striping, red mirrors and a nostriled hood. Power is provided by a 2.0 liter TFSI engine that twirls the cogs in a six-speed DSG gearbox. Suspension and braking systems have also been tweaked to deliver on the image's sporty promise, and a less restrictive exhaust offers some bark to underscore the bite. With the death of the R32, Volkswagen might bring the R20T to the North American market, and if it's anything like the Study R, we'll be saying R-thirty-who?

Gallery: Volkswagen Scirocco Study R

Gallery: Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 Race Concept

[Source: Motor Authority]

VW shows off Scirocco Study R in Bologna originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Dec 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen reconsiders bringing Scirocco to the States

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Scirocco

Volkswagen has heard our cries and is reconsidering its previous decision not to offer the Scirocco in the States.

Back when the low-slung hatch was launched in March, VW was insistent that the Scirocco would never find its way to U.S. shores, fearing that it would cannibalize sales of the GTI and that the strong euro would make it far too expensive.

Automotive News spoke with V-Dub spokesperson, Steve Keyes, who said the outcry from enthusiasts and the apparent popularity of the Scirocco in Europe has VW execs rethinking their initial decision. According to Keyes, "There's no real decision yet," and that if the Scirocco would be made available in the U.S., it would be positioned "a little bit differently." Two words: do it.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Volkswagen reconsiders bringing Scirocco to the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

OETTINGER tuned Scirocco one mean hot hatch

Dan Roth — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Volkswagen

Click above for a gallery of the Oettinger Volkswagen Scirocco

Today on Cars We Can't Have, Oettinger turns its eye toward Volkswagen's ~~C30~~ Scirocco. There's history between the tuning firm and VW's windy coupe, so this could be viewed as an addendum to past work. What does a tuner do, if not enhance performance? Indeed, Oettinger has fiddled about underhood to wring 240PS from the 2.0-liter engine, and the smaller 1.4-liter TSI mill is good for an even 200PS at the hands of the tuner. Anticipating that more is always better, the future holds a further enhanced 2.0 liter TSI engine frothing out 350PS.

It's not just engine tweaks. The hotted-up Scirocco is low enough to scrape roadkill from the tarmac, thanks to an adjustable suspension. Holding the increased go power from the engine room in check are larger brakes, and it wouldn't be a tuner car without a body kit. Oettinger's bodywork changes are more classy than garish, and overall the look is successful at ratcheting our desire for the Scirocco up another notch.

Gallery: Oettinger Scirocco

[Source: World Car Fans]

OETTINGER tuned Scirocco one mean hot hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen launches base model Scirocco with two new engines

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Europe, Volkswagen, UK

Click above for new high-res gallery of the 2009 VW Scirocco

Volkswagen has made getting behind the wheel of a Scirocco just a little bit easier... in the UK. When the low-slung three-door was launched it was only available in up-level GT trim, but now it's available in base form, starting at £18,790. For what it's worth (not much, sadly), that converts to $32,600 at current rates, but the Scirocco still isn't offered in the States anyway. The new standard engine is VW's 1.4-liter TSI engine rated at 160-horsepower and nearly 43 miles per gallons in the combined EU cycle. The Base trim still includes a six-disc CD changer, air conditioning and exclusive 17-inch alloys.

A second engine is now offered in both Base and GT trims, and it's a diesel. Displacing 2.0-liters and offering 140-horsepower, the common rail oil-burner gets over 55 European miles per gallon, with a choice of either a six-speed manual or DSG gearbox.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco UK

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen launches base model Scirocco with two new engines

Volkswagen launches base model Scirocco with two new engines originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

More details on VW's design renaissance

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Volkswagen

It seems Volkswagen has breathed a collective "Oops!", and is now working to turn its design ship around. VW was known for neat, differentiated designs with great interior details. While this stayed true in some parts of the world, in the U.S., Volkswagen design turned into chrome shield grilles fronting identical bodies in various sizes.

When Martin Winterkorn was lured back from academia, "he looked at Volkswagen's upcoming designs and binned the lot." Audi's design chief was brought in. VW started over on the Golf, which will be coming out later this year. The Polo redesign was taken up again from scratch. The Up! "was not fully thought through as a concept," and is getting a workover.

VW's new language is said to be about "simplicity," "a confident identity," "crisply-detailed functionality," and cars that aren't "over-designed." The chrome shield is gone (thank goodness) and headlights that wrap around to the front wheel arches have also been sent packing, "because that's not what a headlight is for." Stay tuned for more horizontals, as seen on the Scirocco -- and here (so much for no more chrome) -- and hopefully a slew of compelling shapes.

[Source: Evo]

More details on VW's design renaissance originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Germany's Next Top Models make calender with VW Scirocco

John Neff — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

I admit it, I watch America's Next Top Model. It's not as good as Project Runway or So You Think You Can Dance, but seems to go through three seasons every year so there's always a new episode to watch. As with any reality show, ANTM is also produced in a number of foreign countries, including Germany, which has a good record of producing runway gals. One of its most successful, Heidi Klum, is the host of Germany's Next Top Model and she's also a spokeswoman for Volkswagen in one of the automaker's recent commercials. Thus, it's not surprising to learn that VW awarded the most recent season's winner in Germany, Jennifer Hof (no relation to The Hof) one of the first production Sciroccos made, while 2nd and 3rd place winners got CrossPolos. In return, Volkswagen got a few of the models to appear in a calendar shoot beside their new sport hatch. Being the stuck up star it is, the Scirocco didn't actually show up for the shoot, and the models instead posed with cardboard cutouts of the car. With an attitude like that, the Scirocco will never reach its goal of becoming Germany's Next Top Model. Check out all twelve months in our gallery below.

Gallery: VW Scirocco / Next Top Model Calendar

[Source: World Car Fans]

Germany's Next Top Models make calender with VW Scirocco originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW Scirocco racer: first image surfaces

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:27:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen

Click image for high-res version

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).

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW Scirocco racer: first image surfaces

VW Scirocco racer: first image surfaces originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 May 2008 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW to campaign Scirocco in 24-hour 'Ring race

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Scirocco.

Volkswagen will use the 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring in Germany to showcase the new Scirocco's sporting credentials when the event gets underway the weekend of May 24 and 25. The race-prepped version of the low-slung, Golf-based coupe will be spitting out 300 hp from its tuned 2.0-liter TFSI engine. Volkswagen didn't reveal a lot of details about the Scirocco racer in its press release (after the jump), but you can be assured that serious suspension and brake tweaks will be accompanied by all the prerequisite safety equipment to make the Scirocco competitive in the 2.0-liter turbo class. And VW isn't skimping on drivers, either. The Scirocco will be piloted by two-time WRC champ Carlos Sainz and two-time Le Mans winner and 'Ring legend, Hans-Joachim Stuck.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

[Source: VW via WCF]

Continue reading VW to campaign Scirocco in 24-hour 'Ring race

VW to campaign Scirocco in 24-hour 'Ring race originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Blame the dollar for no VW Scirocco in the States

John Neff — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 VW Scirocco

Volkswagen has made it categorically clear that the only reason it will not sell the recently unveiled Scirocco in the United States is because of the weak dollar. Bloomberg quotes VW's sales and marketing chief Detlef Wittig as saying, "The exchange rate is the only reason for not selling it in the U.S." Wittig goes on to say that the Scirocco would fit the U.S. market, which is arguable considering that VW already sells the Rabbit hatchback here in multiple forms, including GTI and R32 variants for the performance-minded enthusiast. But because of the weak buck, the point is moot since VW would make no money importing the Scirocco from the factory in Palmela, Portugal where it will be built alongside the Eos convertible.

Is all hope lost for those in the U.S. hoping to relive thier youths in a reborn Scirocco? Not quite, as the dollar will likely make a comeback against the euro at some point. Since no one is saying that it's likely to happen in the near future, VW also announced that it has begun scouting locations for a U.S. plant where it can build some of its cars free of the profit-sapping exchange rates. Perhaps then when we're building our own VWs in Alabama, Germany's largest automaker will decide to start selling the Scirocco in the U.S. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: Bloomberg]

Blame the dollar for no VW Scirocco in the States originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Geneva Leakage: Remaining 2009 VW Scirocco pics surface

John Neff — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:28:00 EST

Filed under: Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above image to view all new high-res shots of the VW Scirocco

As we say in the biz, you can't put the toothpaste back in the tube, so you might as well squeeze out what's left. After two official images of the yet-to-debut 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco hit the web the other day, a couple of sites have decided just to publish the whole lot of pre-release images. There are seven in total now (VW will likely release dozens more after the car debuts in Geneva next week), including a pair of interior pics that show, surprise, surprise, a cockpit that appears remarkably similar to the one in the Golf and Jetta. Despite that, the deeply bolstered tan leather seats are stitched with a nifty retro pattern that makes us want to crank the cassette player to 11. There's more info about the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco that we'd like to tell you, but it's embargoed until Monday. It's highly unlikely, however, that this tube of toothpaste won't be squeezed dry by then.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

[Source: Carscoop, The Car Connection]

Geneva Leakage: Remaining 2009 VW Scirocco pics surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Feb 2008 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments