The hot new 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco, available to Europeans this August, revives a nameplate originally introduced with the 1974 Scirocco designed by Giorgio Giugiaro. The new Scirocco is based on the current GTI, even offering the same 2.0-litre, 200-horsepower turbo four-cylinder motor. A smaller 158-hp gasoline engine will also be offered at launch, with an even smaller 120-hp gasoline unit and a 138-hp common rail turbo-diesel motor to follow. All available powerplants will feature forced induction.
The diesel engine is of particular interest, given its rating of 5.4 L/100km while producing almost 30 more lb-ft of torque than the top-of-the-line gasoline motor; however, all Volkswagens put an emphasis on torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, while available as an option is a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. What's more, the mid-level gasoline engine can be had with a new 7-speed unit, à la Nissan GT-R.
Just like the Nissan GT-R, the 2009 Scirocco has been track-tested at the infamous Nürburgring, where a modified 321-hp Scirocco also competed favourably in a recent 24-hour race. Standard electronic traction and stability control systems help to reign in front-wheel drive wrestling. Even without a limited-slip differential, the Scirocco models are destined to handle better than their already-nimble Golf/Rabbit equivalents while remaining equally capable; Volkswagen is touting the new Scirocco as an 'everyday sports car.'
Making the most of its chassis is Volkswagen's DCC adaptive chassis control system. On top of adjusting damping levels, the system also tunes the electro-mechanical power steering accordingly. There are three driver-selectable modes (comfort, normal, and sport), but the DCC system adapts continually to roadway conditions and reacts to gas, brake, and steering inputs. The Scirocco's more direct suspension also benefits from standard 17-inch wheels, which themselves are sharp.
Outside, smoked headlamps elude to a wedged sideline through to a rear end reminiscent of the Volvo C30. Although the Scirocco has the same wheelbase as the 3-door GTI, the Scirocco is 4.6 cm longer, 8.0 cm shorter, and 5.1 cm wider. With less space inside than the GTI, the Scirocco is designed to carry four passengers. Cargo capacity is also down to 292 litres; however, dropping the split-folding rear seats yields a more healthy 755 litres. The rear hatch and front-passenger deactivating airbag (for a rear-facing child seat) further improve utility. To remedy any claustrophobia, a panorama sunroof is optional, and although it comes with a sunshade, the glass itself cuts out 91.8 percent of UV radiation. Other notable options include automatic distance control (available early 2009) as well as a 300-watt Dynaudio sound system to further tantalize the senses.
The first two generations sold almost 800,000 units worldwide. This third generation Scirocco, built in Palmela, Portugal, has been confirmed for sale on the far sides of both Pacific and Atlantic oceans; unfortunately, we are still unlikely to see the Scirocco on North American streets any time soon.
photo:Volkswagen
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| The 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco revives a nameplate originally introduced with the 1974 Scirocco. |
The diesel engine is of particular interest, given its rating of 5.4 L/100km while producing almost 30 more lb-ft of torque than the top-of-the-line gasoline motor; however, all Volkswagens put an emphasis on torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, while available as an option is a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission. What's more, the mid-level gasoline engine can be had with a new 7-speed unit, à la Nissan GT-R.
Just like the Nissan GT-R, the 2009 Scirocco has been track-tested at the infamous Nürburgring, where a modified 321-hp Scirocco also competed favourably in a recent 24-hour race. Standard electronic traction and stability control systems help to reign in front-wheel drive wrestling. Even without a limited-slip differential, the Scirocco models are destined to handle better than their already-nimble Golf/Rabbit equivalents while remaining equally capable; Volkswagen is touting the new Scirocco as an 'everyday sports car.'
Making the most of its chassis is Volkswagen's DCC adaptive chassis control system. On top of adjusting damping levels, the system also tunes the electro-mechanical power steering accordingly. There are three driver-selectable modes (comfort, normal, and sport), but the DCC system adapts continually to roadway conditions and reacts to gas, brake, and steering inputs. The Scirocco's more direct suspension also benefits from standard 17-inch wheels, which themselves are sharp.
Outside, smoked headlamps elude to a wedged sideline through to a rear end reminiscent of the Volvo C30. Although the Scirocco has the same wheelbase as the 3-door GTI, the Scirocco is 4.6 cm longer, 8.0 cm shorter, and 5.1 cm wider. With less space inside than the GTI, the Scirocco is designed to carry four passengers. Cargo capacity is also down to 292 litres; however, dropping the split-folding rear seats yields a more healthy 755 litres. The rear hatch and front-passenger deactivating airbag (for a rear-facing child seat) further improve utility. To remedy any claustrophobia, a panorama sunroof is optional, and although it comes with a sunshade, the glass itself cuts out 91.8 percent of UV radiation. Other notable options include automatic distance control (available early 2009) as well as a 300-watt Dynaudio sound system to further tantalize the senses.
The first two generations sold almost 800,000 units worldwide. This third generation Scirocco, built in Palmela, Portugal, has been confirmed for sale on the far sides of both Pacific and Atlantic oceans; unfortunately, we are still unlikely to see the Scirocco on North American streets any time soon.
 |
| Volkswagen is touting the new Scirocco as an 'everyday sports car.' |
photo:Volkswagen
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