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(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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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ABT Scirocco heads to Essen

Alex Nunez — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the ABT Scirocco

So, the Essen Motor Show is coming up. For those of you unaware, it's basically a Euro SEMA. All the tuners will be there, showing off stuff that's both decent and dreadful, proving that yes, Europeans can do bad taste as well as anyone this side of the Atlantic. ABT is entirely capable of serving up either dish, but in the case of their Scirocco, they manage to stay on the better side of decent. You know the drill: body kit, wheels, suspension, brakes. They have power upgrades, too -- bumping the wee 1.4 TSI to 200 horses, and the 2.0 TSI to 240. Unfortunately, a look 'round back indicates that this whole stacked-tailpipes thing recently adopted by Lexus and Ferrari is on its way to becoming a fad. We love this shade of green, which looks to be the same as that used on the original VW IROC concept, but ABT's car wins because it doesn't have a face that looks like it was inspired by something on a Pokemon card. Still interested in reading more? The PR's pasted after the jump.

Gallery: ABT Scirocco

[Source: ABT Sportsline]

Continue reading ABT Scirocco heads to Essen

ABT Scirocco heads to Essen originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen dropping Scirocco R32 in favor of Scirocco R20T

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

It's just a matter of time before Volkswagen begins offering a hotter, harder version of the new Scirocco, and according to CAR, the range-topping three-door will be packing the same 265-hp, 2.0-liter turbo as the Audi S3. The VW Scirocco R20T will be heavily influenced by the Scirocco GT24 racer that campaigned at the Nurburgring earlier this year, but without the vented hood, massive rear wing and aggressive front splitter. The sprint to 60 should be easily dispatched in under six seconds and a top speed of 155 mph is almost assured. Grippier seats and a stiffer ride that makes use of V-Dub's active suspension system are likely part of the package, and sales are expected to begin abroad in January for around £25,000. An R32 variant packing the VR6 is likely off the drawing board due to emissions and fuel economy, and if VW is actually considering bringing the Scirocco to the U.S., the R20T would be the perfect variant to distance itself from the equally competent GTI.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco

Gallery: Volkswagen Scirocco GT24

[Source: CAR]

Volkswagen dropping Scirocco R32 in favor of Scirocco R20T originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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Volkswagen Scirocco R32? Teaser image surfaces

Noah Joseph — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:55:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen

With the Volkswagen Scirocco now out in the public domain, Volkswagen appears to be on a campaign to keep our attention piquied with this teaser shot that has been floating around cyberspace. The image shows a darkened glimpse at the front end of a potentially beefier Scirocco, with the R in the reflection colored the bold blue that has become the trademark color of Volkswagen's performance badge.

If the R-type Scirocco got the same 247-hp 3.2-liter VR6 and 4Motion all-wheel-dive from its Golf/Rabbit R32 stable-mate, and some of the styling cues from the Scirocco GT24, we could have quite the stormer on our hands.

[Source: Autoblog.nl]

Volkswagen Scirocco R32? Teaser image surfaces originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 debuts at W�rthersee

Noah Joseph — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Motorsports, Hatchback

Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Scirocco GT24

If you've ever lingered behind after a professional sports event, you've probably seen some of the athletes graciously staying behind to shake hands and sign autographs while others make a B-line through the fans to the locker room. If the Volkswagen group were an athlete, it would be the former. Every year the German automaker comes to Wörthersee to meet its most die-hard enthusiasts, and never comes empty-handed. You'll recall that last year Volkswagen unveiled the shockingly exotic Golf GTI W12 650 while Audi showed up with the TT clubsport quattro. This year, not only is Audi bringing both the A3 TDI clubsport quattro concept and the pre-production TT clubsport quattro roadster, but Volkswagen has rolled in to town with the Scirocco GT24, the competition version of its new sport-hatch that the German automaker will be campaigning at this weekend's 2008 Nurburgring 24-hour endurance race.

As we've reported previously, power comes from the same 2-liter turbo four that drove the race-prepped GTI to victory at the Ring last year. 321 horsepower and 251 pound-feet of torque are channeled to the front wheels (not all four) via Volkswagen's trademark six-speed DSG, only with beefed-up clutch plates, revised gearing and a lightweight flywheel. Dimensions for the racing version have grown slightly, with an extra 227mm in length for aero stability and 61mm in width to cover the 18-inch racing rims on a wide track, dropping ride height by 75mm. The interior is stripped and race-prepped with a full roll cage, Recaro seats with five-point harnesses, competition steering wheel, electronic instrumentation and fire extinguisher, all in all stripping 178kg from the interior.

While the Scirocco GT24 wows the crowds at Wörthersee and takes on all comers at the Nurburgring, Volkswagen has given us a mouthwatering, knee-buckling preview of what a road-going Scirocco R version could look like. Check out the images in the gallery below and the press release after the jump.

Gallery: Volkswagen Scirocco GT24

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 debuts at W�rthersee

Volkswagen Scirocco GT24 debuts at W�rthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 May 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW releases second pic of Scirocco racer

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 05 May 2008 17:57:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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

Volkswagen is taunting us again with another shot of its 'Ring-bound Scirocco, and this time, we get to see the race-ready hatch in profile. VW has been testing the Scirocco in the run up to the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race that's set to begin on May 24, and according to VW Motorsport Director, Kris Nissen, the Scirocco is living up to expectations. With 300 hp provided by its 2.0-liter TFSI engine, Nissen says that, "the new Scirocco was in its element from its very first lap around the Nordschleife." It's a grueling test and we're looking forward to how the Scirocco fairs later this month.

Gallery: Volkswagen Scirocco Racer

[Source: VW via Carscoop]

VW releases second pic of Scirocco racer originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What will Volkswagen build at a new US factory? The Scirocco?

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:03:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

With Volkswagen due to make a decision about the location of its first US factory in more than two decades, the next obvious question is what to build there? We had a chance to pose that very question to Steve Keyes, GM of Public Relations for VW of America. According to Steve, the driving force for the factory is two-fold. First and most obvious is the exchange rate issue. With dollar being worth less almost daily against the Euro, it's increasingly difficult for VW to price cars competitively, especially in the mainstream segments where it primarily competes. The second reason is capacity constraints at the Peubla, Mexico factory that builds VW's highest volume US product, the Jetta. VW of America has set a target tripling combined sales of Audi and VW within the next decade.

Meeting those sales goals will require a lot more vehicles to sell at a competitive cost. So the first products out of the plant will likely be the highest volume products, the Passat and Jetta. If the plant is set up to build Jettas, then it could relatively easily be adapted to build any other model that shares the Golf/Jetta platform. That could potentially mean products like the Scirocco and even the Audi TT. Will we see these? Probably not at first, but if demand warrants, it could happen. So if you are all really serious about wanting the Scirocco on US shores, you should start pestering the head office (which just moved to Virginia last week).

[Source: Volkswagen]

What will Volkswagen build at a new US factory? The Scirocco? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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VW unveils official Olympic torch relay vehicles

Michael Harley — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: China, Volkswagen

Volkswagen recently rolled out its own Olympic team for the big Beijing 2008 event. They go by the names Touran, Lingyu, Crafter, Sagitar, and Magotan. While they'll never make the synchronized swimming squad, these official participants will be responsible for accompanying the Olympic torch throughout its nearly 25,000-mile journey.

You say you aren't familiar with these entrants? These are all models that Volkswagen sells outside of the United States in continents such as Europe and Asia. More specifically, the Touran (above) is a Golf-based 5-door MPV, the Lingyu is a sedan based on a previous-generation Passat, and the Crafter is a large commercial van. The Sagitar is a re-badged Jetta, and the Magotan is a flagship long-wheelbase Passat.

This eclectic team of Volkswagen vehicles numbering 1,000 strong will represent the German automaker, which has been selected as, "The Official Vehicle for the Olympic Torch Relay." (You may recall Audi being named "The Official Premium Car of the Beijing Olympics" last year.) Cutting through the hype, it means VW will supply a substantial fleet of 1,000 cars to ensure the torch arrives in Beijing still ablaze. According to the VW press release, it will take 346 vehicles for the core convoy, 583 for administration and support, and 30 for security and media. We have no idea where the other 41 cars are going, but can tell you that we'd get the torch there intact with just a few cases of Red Bull and a hot new 2009 Scirocco.

[Source: VW]

VW unveils official Olympic torch relay vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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