Autoblog

Head 2 Head pits new VW Scirocco pitted against last model sold in U.S.

George Kennedy — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EST

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

The new Volkswagen Scirocco is a highly sought-after sport coupe, made even more desirable by the fact that we don't get it here. But is that exclusivity enough to make it more tempting Volkswagen than an original 1987 Scirocco? To help find out, Jason Cammisa of Automobile magazine went to Germany to pit the original Scirocco against the current model that we don't get to play with.

Its interesting to look at the way the two cars stack up on paper. The '87 Scirocco that belongs to Cammisa makes 175 horsepower and 150 pound feet of torque from a 2.0-liter 16-valve inline-four engine. Cammisa's 2.0-liter engine is larger and more powerful than the 1.8-liter found in the original car, but it sure makes this comparison interesting. The 2012 Scirocco utilizes a 1.4-liter turbocharged four pot to make only 160 horsepower but 177 lb-ft. Meanwhile, the wheelbase of the new car is exactly seven inches longer than the OG Scirocco. Oh, and the 2012 model is more than 700 pounds heavier.

Scroll below to see how the two cars stack up - it may be a lot closer than you think. Extra points for anyone who can pick up on the Inglorious Basterds reference. After watching, hit up the comments section and tell us which car you would rather have.

Continue reading Head 2 Head pits new VW Scirocco pitted against last model sold in U.S.

Head 2 Head pits new VW Scirocco pitted against last model sold in U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen Scirocco GTS commemorates 30-year anniversary of original

Zach Bowman — Wed, 30 May 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Design/Style

It's been 30 years since the very first Volkswagen Scirocco GTS rolled off the assembly line. Featuring little more than a slightly reworked front valance and some trippy decal work, the original Scirocco GTS was likely most notable for the fact that it was the first in the family to rock a blacked-out B-pillar. Now Volkswagen is paying homage to the machine with a new Scirocco GTS.

Unveiled at the Auto Mobil International, the modern hatch rocks the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, complete with 210 horsepower, as the rest of the Scirocco range. A set of racing stripes spread from hood to lift gate lend the car a bit of sportiness, but the biggest changes can be found on the front and rear fascias.

Volkswagen tweaked both bumper covers with a unique design, and a new set of flared side skirts are part of the package as well. GTS trim also comes with those flashy five-spoke 18-inch wheels, and the keen-eyed among you may have spotted the familiar roof spoiler and rear diffuser. Both are lifted from the Scirocco R. Maybe GTS stands for GoT Stripes?

Volkswagen Scirocco GTS commemorates 30-year anniversary of original originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen weighs next Scirocco, diesel Alltrack for U.S.

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Crossover, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

Do you miss the opportunity to buy a Volkswagen Scirocco? You're not alone. Of all the Volkswagen Group products offered overseas but not in these United States, the Scirocco tops our list. (Though we understand there are plenty out there pining for a Transporter van.) Discontinued in its previous iteration in 1988, the Scirocco made its triumphant return to the market in 2008, but with the global financial crisis setting in around the sometime, Volkswagen wasn't up to spreading itself thin enough to bring it here.

That could change with the next-generation model, however. According to Automotive News, Volkswagen is working on a next-generation Scirocco, and this one could very well make it Stateside. This according to Volkswagen of America CEO Jonathan Browning, who admitted as much while speaking with journalists at the New York Auto Show this past week. While it's unclear if he's referring to a facelifted version of the current model (expected to launch next year) or an all-new model, the prospect of finding a Scirocco - any Scirocco - in U.S. showrooms is tantalizing.

While he was at it, Browning reportedly also suggested the Passat Alltrack - which was shown in "concept" form in New York - could be sold here in diesel form, which strikes us as tantalizing (if expensive). Further, Browning reiterated that the company is looking into a mid-size crossover to slot in between the Tiguan and the Touareg, something we've heard before and fully expect to happen.

Volkswagen weighs next Scirocco, diesel Alltrack for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW Scirocco Cup driver learns victory champagne is slippery

Zach Bowman — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Etc., Europe, Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Humor

Ola Nilsson slips in victory champagne - Click above to watch video after the jump

There are innumerable perils associated with driving a race car. From the bloodthirsty competitors nipping at your back bumper to breakneck speeds to notoriously unforgiving crash barriers, death and bodily harm loom at every apex. One might think that after successfully vanquishing the competition and taking a checkered flag for your very own that you'd get the chance to relax for half a second without having to worry about your relatives cashing in on your substantial life insurance policy. Not so for Ola Nilsson, a Swedish driver in the 2011 Volkswagen Scirocco R Cup.

Nilsson apparently managed to beat out the rest of the field at the Norisring in Nuremberg to take the top spot on the podium and was busy showering his competitors with victory champagne when he stepped down, lost his footing in the bubbly and went down. But, hey - if you're going to make a fool of yourself in front of God, the internet and everyone else, you might as well do it soaked in victory bubbly. Hit the jump to see the oops moment for yourself.

Continue reading VW Scirocco Cup driver learns victory champagne is slippery

VW Scirocco Cup driver learns victory champagne is slippery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: How the Swedes make a VW Scirocco (hint: 627 horsepower)

Aaron Richardson — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:31:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Europe, Videos, Volkswagen, Racing

Volkswagen Scirocco Ice Racer - Click above to watch video after the jump

Despite Volvo's rather staid image as a maker of, well, staid cars, not all Swedes are obsessed with safety and practicality. These particular Swedes are into racing 627-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Volkswagen Scirocco hatchbacks. On ice. I'll see your sleepy Volvo and raise you automotive lunacy.

Besides the horsepower figure and the make and model, we don't know much about this car. Obviously, it's faster than scalded cat and that can make for some seriously sketchy moments when combined with ice, but that's about all we know.

Click past the jump for video of the insanity.

[Source: Autoholics via Carscoop]

Continue reading Video: How the Swedes make a VW Scirocco (hint: 627 horsepower)

Video: How the Swedes make a VW Scirocco (hint: 627 horsepower) originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

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

What would a new VW Corrado look like? Patrick Moczarsky thinks he knows...

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Coupe, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Volkswagen, Design/Style

Patrick Moczarsky's take on a new Volkswagen Corrado - Click above for high-res image gallery

Just about every Volkswagen aficionado who knows the Corrado has thoughts about the chunky coupe. Introduced in 1988 to replace the aging-yet-still-cool Scirocco, VW first "full-blooded sports car" went nuts with tech and equally nuts with pricing. The Corrado's VR6 engine and speed-reactive rear spoiler couldn't get people past the steep cost of entry, and the car was dead six years later.

The car still maintains a strong cult following, however, which is why graphic designer Patrick Moczarsky has envisioned what a new Corrado would look like, even though VW itself has released a new version of its predecessor, the Scirocco. The original car isn't a bad looker, which is why we aren't surprised that Moczarsky's concept looks almost exactly like the new VW corporate face on an old Corrado body. Moczarsky's other nod to the original: this one is also described as "expensive." Follow the jump for his thoughts on the car, and have a look at it in serial and tuned form in the gallery of high-res photos below. Just for fun, we've also embedded a bonus video of a VW Corrado G60 ad circa 1988, so be sure to check that out as well.

Gallery: Patrick Moczarsky Volkswagen Corrado Concept

[Source: Miranda Media]

Continue reading What would a new VW Corrado look like? Patrick Moczarsky thinks he knows...

What would a new VW Corrado look like? Patrick Moczarsky thinks he knows... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

(More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Volkswagen, UK

2010 VW Scirocco R -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Volkswagen Scirocco R was recently introduced to the European motoring press, and all of its details have been delivered unto the people. The 2.0-liter, 265-horsepower front-wheel-drive hot hatch comes in two versions: six-speed manual and six-speed DSG, either of which will get you to 60 mph in six seconds or less.

The R is loaded with tech and mods: XDS electronic transverse differential lock to combat understeer, Dynamic Chassis Control for variable damping, Anti-Slip Regulation, and massive 17-inch brakes among other features. If that makes you want to see what one can do in the corners, VW's already found out: two slightly more powerful Sciroccos won the 2.0-liter turbo class at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring earlier this year.

There's an exhaustive press release after the jump that will tell you all about it, and a high-res gallery of photos below if you like your stories in pictures.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading (More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details

(More) Pics Aplenty: VW plays up Scirocco R with new pics, details originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen launches eco-friendly Scirocco Cup

Drew Phillips — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Electric

2010 Volkswagen Scirocco Cup - Click above for high-res image gallery

It seems like an odd juxtaposition, but "going green" and motorsports have been increasingly paired together lately. In the United States, the American Le Mans Series initiated the Green X Challenge this past season with a focus on creating the least amount of negative impact on the environment. Winning teams even get trophies made from recycled Michelin tires.

For the past several years, Volkswagen has had its own version of green racing in Europe with the Polo Cup, but for 2010 they will be making the switch to a natural gas-powered Scirocco as the vehicle of choice for the one-make series. Each of the cars will feature a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine fueled by Bio-CNG, which is produced using renewable sources like grass, corn or biological waste. The Scirocco Cup has also signed on to become a partner with DTM series, and will also pit young talent against motorsports legends at each race.

So to recap, saving the planet now includes racing the Scirocco in Europe. Where do we sign?

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Scirocco Cup

[Source: Volkswagen via DieselStation.com]

Continue reading Volkswagen launches eco-friendly Scirocco Cup

Volkswagen launches eco-friendly Scirocco Cup originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 09:59:00 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

VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R20 and Scirocco R track-side -- Click above to watch video

In another astronaut-ish commercial, VW has thrown two test drivers in a G-force simulator and on the track in two of its blistering blue R-line cars: the Scirocco R and the Golf R20. It's like the Ferrari video, but with less yellow and red... and less money. We're not quite sure what's happening with the G-Force segments, but we'd like to be driving those track portions ourselves. Follow the jump to check out the video. Hat tip to Mehdi

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track

VIDEO: New VW Scirocco R and Golf R hit the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: Volkswagen Scirocco R

Alex Nunez — Wed, 20 May 2009 11:02:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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

Okay, so we were wrong about the venue. This weekend, against the backdrop of the Nürburgring 24, Volkswagen will unveil the 265-horsepower Scirocco R to the public. The specs are unchanged from what we reported last night. The Scirocco shares its 265-horsepower/350 Nm (258 lb-ft) 2.0L turbo four with the Audi S3, but unlike the latter, the VW is a front-driver. Drivers pick gears via either a 6-speed stick or DSG, and the VW Scirocco R gets the XDS electronic differential featured in the new GTI. On the tarmac, the Scirocco R makes the run from zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 6.5 seconds with the manual gearbox. (Shave off another tenth with the DSG.) Outside, the bodywork apes that of the Scirocco GT24 racer, five of which will be competing in the 24-hour enduro at the Nordschleife. A meaner face, larger roof spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, 18-inch "Talladega" wheels, and the requisite badging visually separate the Scirocco R from its more sedate-looking siblings. Have a closer look in the hi-res gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen Scirocco R

Officially Official: Volkswagen Scirocco R originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 May 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Forbidden Fruit: 265-horsepower Volkswagen Scirocco R unveiled

Alex Nunez — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Don't get too excited if you're Stateside -- this puppy's a Europe-only treat. iMotor is first on the web with photos of the new Volkswagen Scirocco R. The UK publication had the slick blue hot hatch for an exclusive photo shoot, the embargo for which apparently lifted as the clock struck midnight GMT this evening. So, what do our friends across the pond get? Well, the Scirocco R features the Audi S3's 265-horsepower variant of the near-ubiquitous 2.0 TFSI engine, which sends power to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual or DSG. In a bid to keep some semblance of control over all that front-drive juice, the Scirocco R gets the new XDS differential we'll be seeing in the redesigned 2010 GTI. Naturally, there are more aggressive fascias decorated with "R" badges fore and aft. The Scirocco R also benefits from a lowered suspension and upgraded brakes over the standard car. iMotor says that the VW Scirocco R will hit showrooms sometime this September priced from £26,000. VW hasn't made its official announcement as of yet, but we expect that info and additional photos to hit the wires by tomorrow morning. If we had to guess, the Scirocco R will be Veedub's headliner at the Wörthersee, along with Audi's Q5 Custom Concept. Stay tuned.

UPDATE: Official info, photos from VW here.

[Source and Photo: iMotor]

Forbidden Fruit: 265-horsepower Volkswagen Scirocco R unveiled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 May 2009 20:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | 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

It's official: Volkswagen not bringing Scirocco to U.S.

Chris Paukert — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco - Click above for high-res gallery

Word leaked late last week via an official-looking dealer communiqué that Volkswagen had finally decided to pass on bringing the Scirocco to the U.S., but to the best of our knowledge, nobody has gotten first-hand confirmation that the sporty hatchback will not make it across The Pond - until now.

We just got off the phone with Tom Wegehaupt, Volkswagen' of America's public relations coordinator, and he has given us an on-the-record confirmation that the car will not be coming to the U.S. Apparently, the business case just couldn't be made for the car, what with fears of the model cannibalizing sales of the forthcoming GTI and the health of the auto market.

We imagine that other factors were at work too, including the sour economy at large, America's historic aversion to hatchbacks, the short shelf-life of most sports-car models, and so on. Either way, if you want a sporting hatch from Wolfsburg, it looks like you're going to have to slake your performance joneses with something badged G-T-I.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

It's official: Volkswagen not bringing Scirocco to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Apr 2009 15:28:00 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