http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...5/TOC01ARCHIVE



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After months of internal struggles and arguments over its design, Volkswagen officials have finally given the low-slung Scirocco coupe the green light. Arguments over the car were heated: On one side were the pfennig-pinchers aiming to save cash; on the other, VW boss Wolfgang Bernhard and his plan to resurrect one of the most evocative models in the company’s history. The score thus far: Car Guys, 1; Bean Counters, 0.

Depicted in this series of computer-generated images, the new Scirocco goes into production in early 2008 and on sale in North America by the end of that year as a 2009 model. Information for the illustration was pried from VW’s Wolfsburg-based design studio. AutoWeek sources suggest prices for a base four-cylinder front-drive edition will start at E22,000, or nearly $28,000 and rise accordingly. The top model will have a 3.6-liter V6 and all-wheel drive.

While it would have been easy to tap into Scirocco’s design heritage to launch this renaissance, Volkswagen instead chose a contemporary look. Though it boasts a family resemblance to the Golf (Rabbit), this Scirocco’s shallow side glass and wide stance are similar to the Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed original launched in 1974.

Detailing, though, is borrowed from the low-slung EcoRacer concept unveiled at last year’s Tokyo show, with tautly drawn surfaces, a steep windshield rake and short overhangs. Sources say the three-door hatchback stretches to around 167.3 inches—or 1.8 inches longer than today’s Golf—with width and height at 70.5 inches and 54.7 inches, respectively.

Taking a page from Audi’s book, design boss Murat Gunak created a distinctive grille (maw?) that replaces the V-shaped one on current VWs. Other features include prominent shoulder- and beltlines to avoid a slab-sided look. Scirocco will be offered only as a coupe, though VW toyed with the idea of a convertible; buyers will have the option of a full-length sunroof.

AutoWeek illustration by Radovan Varicak
Scirocco’s cabin strives for a sportier look while borrowing switchgear, seats and other bits from other VWs. One option: advanced 3D navigation with software from Internet giant Google.

More an image booster than a volume seller, the Scirocco’s business case calls for sales of no more than 150,000 cars over a six-year life—or just 25,000 per year. Insiders admit that figure is conservative and say it could sell in much higher numbers, particularly if it takes off in the United States.

The new Scirocco is built on the PQ35 platform that is underneath the Golf, with much of the hardware altered to appeal to the ride-and-handling expectations of coupe buyers. The Scirocco gets wider tracks and a MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension with specific settings.

Word in Wolfsburg says Scirocco may adopt some lightweight aluminum parts from the second-generation Audi TT. Steering assist is electrohydraulic, though drivers can expect sharper responses than those found in existing Volkswagens.

The entry-level model will likely get the just-introduced supercharged and turbocharged 1.4-liter Twincharger four from the Golf GT. It pumps out 140 hp to 170 hp, depending on tuning. Above that, a turbocharged 2.0-liter like that in the GTI can be massaged to deliver in the region of 230 hp, as hinted at on Volkswagen’s Edition 30 concept. A 2.0-liter diesel four will also slide into the engine bay, but that oil burner probably won’t come to the United States.

Volkswagen also plans a Scirocco 4Motion flagship, probably later rather than at the initial launch of the model. Expect it to use the new 3.6-liter 15-degree V6 with 280 hp. Transmission choices will include a standard six-speed manual, with the popular double-clutch DSG unit an option.

Volkswagen will build the Scirocco in Portugal on the same line as the coming Eos. The two cars share a basic mechanical package, and with key suppliers having established satellite operations on site, sources claim the new coupe can be produced more cheaply and with the same quality as in Germany.

Before the car goes into production, Volkswagen intends to streamline processes to ensure profits. Call that a nod to the accountants. If reports in Germany are believed, VW now loses money on every Golf it produces at home. That’s something product boss Bernhard intends to reverse—and soon.

 

um. no. it's a 2 year old article.

 

It exists, not coming to the USA though-competes too much with the GTi

Scirocco 24gt just won 24 hrs of lemans in it's class

 

that things but @$S ugly anyway lol

 

It exists, not coming to the USA though-competes too much with the GTi

Scirocco 24gt just won 24 hrs of lemans in it's class

 

bummer, I Think its hot. The states always get the crappy models, Man i wish i lived in London Still

 

actually i heard that the corrado was gonna come out for the US and the scirocco was gonna stay in europe im a big Vdub guy or was atleast

 

I Really wanted it! I like VW, But There styling is so boring for such great performance. I just cant see myself sitting in a jetta or a GTI. They look outdated to me. : (

Massive bummer!

 

I am a huge VW fan-was even looking at trading my xB in last weekend again for a GTi but I guess there are reliability issues with the wiring according to consumer reports (I don't need that headache again-my cabrio had those)

Check out the w-12 GTi they built (mostly a show car even though there are test drives in youtube)-that car is crazy!!!

 

^ yes almost EVERY volkswagen has wiring and electrical issues i had a 98 neuspeed swapped everything jetta gt2.0 and almost everything on that car got royally Fk'd electrically dont get me wrong i love volkswagens but when it comes to electrical stuff almost alot of german cars have that problem.

 

Not to threadjack but my Dad has a 2002( I think) BMW 3 series with some sport package (springs, shocks, wheel, tires, shift enhancing kit, etc) and the more I hear about it the more I am glad I didn't drop that much coin on a car with that many problems

1) the HVAC controls go out, BMW dealers keep them in stock due to the frequency
2) the heater core went out, another common problem
3) winhshield washer pump and something to do with the wipers themselves got all funky
4) rear tires wear out in less than 12000 mile due to the extreme camber used to make them corner well
5) It takes a very specific battery as far as size, shape, power, etc (he drove all over the other day in a borrowed Miata trying to find one anywhere)
6) his wife has bashed the front air dam a few times (it is the sport model-not an M though) because it won't clear the parking stops even when they are low-actually ripped it off because one had the metal rods poking up an extra 1/2 inch over the top ($$$$ for that but the store covered it)

I love VWs but no other german cars for me-

PS, the minis have transmission issues at 60,000 miles or less-this is popping up all over the web these days

PS I just heard that Boxsters are being found with porous engine and transmission castings so they are sweating fluids-warranty covered but still

 

just about EVERY german car has electrical issues i have no clue why? i would of assumed with the kinda money ur spending to own one they would be alittle more reliable

 

IDK< both my parents have had Multiple BMW's and they all seemed "ehh", My Dads latest BMW< i Think
it was an 06-05 M5 Seemed to be the worse. His car was in the shop more days then he drove it. Allot went wrong with it the first 4 months of driving it off the lot. He got rid of it Eventually, and now he drives a shinny sick Lexus, with no problems AT ALL!

IDK< now all BMW's and VW hav issues, but i am hearing more and more about them.

but come on, German cars do rock!