btm
27th September 2007, 08:54 AM
http://www.drive.com.au/Editorial/ArticleDetail.aspx?ArticleID=43823&s_rid=smh:ClassiePuff
VW Scirocco: Golf coupe exposed
Volkswagen’s first dedicated coupe for more than a decade has been caught testing at the famous Nurburgring track in Germany.
Drive’s spy pictures confirm the Golf-based Volkswagen Scirocco coupe will be near identical to the daring Iroc concept that previewed the new VW at the 2006 Paris motor show.
The front and rear camouflage can’t disguise a body shape that in 2008 will become the lowest, sportiest-looking car in Volkswagen’s line-up.
The third-generation Volkswagen Scirroco - the original version debuted in 1974 - will have similar dimensions to the Iroc concept, making it slightly longer than a Golf. A longer wheelbase and wider tracks aim to give the coupe sportier handling than a Golf GTI.
Engines are expected to include the GTI’s 147kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol as well as a 125kW 2.0-litre diesel and 125kW and 103kW versions of the company’s clever 1.4-litre ‘twin-charger’ four-cylinder. The Iroc concept was powered by a 155kW 1.4-litre version of this petrol engine that employs both a supercharger and turbocharger for improved performance throughout the rev range.
It’s possible Volkswagen will also slot a V6 into the Scirocco, choosing from either the Golf R32’s 184kW 3.2-litre or forthcoming Passat R36’s 220kW 3.6-litre unit. A six-cylinder would certainly be teamed with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
Transmissions will include a six-speed manual and the new, seven-speed version of VW’s highly regarded dual-clutch DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) system.
The Volkswagen Iroc concept’s distinctive, hexagonal grille - comprising honeycombe-style mesh like the Golf GTI - is visible through the Scirocco prototype’s front-end camouflage, and our pictures also suggest the headlights will follow the slanted angle of those on the Iroc. Foglights replace the concept car’s brake-cooling air intakes.
While the new grille is a departure from current VWs, the German company has said in future it wants to use "different Volkswagen faces for specific models and segments".
The new Volkswagen Scirocco’s interior will also differ from the Golf hatchback and other related vehicles such as the Eos coupe-convertible. One of our spy pictures reveals a silver-rimmed air vent shaped to tie-in with the hexagonal grille and also seen in the Iroc’s cabin.
As with the original Scirocco and Iroc concept, the production car will be a four-seater. The rear seats will fold down to create a cargo capacity of about 300 litres.
Volkswagen will launch the Scirocco in late 2008, when it will become the first VW coupe since the 1995 Corrado, which along with the first- and second-generation Sciroccos was never sold in Australia. Another preview car might be shown at next March’s Geneva motor show.
Australia is unlikely to see the Volkswagen Scirocco coupe until early 2009, when prices can be expected to be pitched above identically powered Golfs.
VW Scirocco: Golf coupe exposed
Volkswagen’s first dedicated coupe for more than a decade has been caught testing at the famous Nurburgring track in Germany.
Drive’s spy pictures confirm the Golf-based Volkswagen Scirocco coupe will be near identical to the daring Iroc concept that previewed the new VW at the 2006 Paris motor show.
The front and rear camouflage can’t disguise a body shape that in 2008 will become the lowest, sportiest-looking car in Volkswagen’s line-up.
The third-generation Volkswagen Scirroco - the original version debuted in 1974 - will have similar dimensions to the Iroc concept, making it slightly longer than a Golf. A longer wheelbase and wider tracks aim to give the coupe sportier handling than a Golf GTI.
Engines are expected to include the GTI’s 147kW 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol as well as a 125kW 2.0-litre diesel and 125kW and 103kW versions of the company’s clever 1.4-litre ‘twin-charger’ four-cylinder. The Iroc concept was powered by a 155kW 1.4-litre version of this petrol engine that employs both a supercharger and turbocharger for improved performance throughout the rev range.
It’s possible Volkswagen will also slot a V6 into the Scirocco, choosing from either the Golf R32’s 184kW 3.2-litre or forthcoming Passat R36’s 220kW 3.6-litre unit. A six-cylinder would certainly be teamed with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system.
Transmissions will include a six-speed manual and the new, seven-speed version of VW’s highly regarded dual-clutch DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) system.
The Volkswagen Iroc concept’s distinctive, hexagonal grille - comprising honeycombe-style mesh like the Golf GTI - is visible through the Scirocco prototype’s front-end camouflage, and our pictures also suggest the headlights will follow the slanted angle of those on the Iroc. Foglights replace the concept car’s brake-cooling air intakes.
While the new grille is a departure from current VWs, the German company has said in future it wants to use "different Volkswagen faces for specific models and segments".
The new Volkswagen Scirocco’s interior will also differ from the Golf hatchback and other related vehicles such as the Eos coupe-convertible. One of our spy pictures reveals a silver-rimmed air vent shaped to tie-in with the hexagonal grille and also seen in the Iroc’s cabin.
As with the original Scirocco and Iroc concept, the production car will be a four-seater. The rear seats will fold down to create a cargo capacity of about 300 litres.
Volkswagen will launch the Scirocco in late 2008, when it will become the first VW coupe since the 1995 Corrado, which along with the first- and second-generation Sciroccos was never sold in Australia. Another preview car might be shown at next March’s Geneva motor show.
Australia is unlikely to see the Volkswagen Scirocco coupe until early 2009, when prices can be expected to be pitched above identically powered Golfs.