In this two-part video released by Volkswagen, the 2009 Scirocco’s head designer March Lichte attempts to fascinate us with his detailed description of the sporty hatchback that was unveiled at last month’s Geneva Motor Show. The Scirocco will arrive in European dealerships this summer where it will be available with three different turbocharged gasoline engines delivering from 122hp to 200hp plus a 140hp turbo diesel. –Videos after the jump
Just as it did with the Tiguan last year, Volkswagen has launched an online video campaign for the all-new Scirocco (click here for pics) that made its official debut at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show in March. The first video clips to break cover are called “3D” and “Pursuit”.As their names suggests, the first film is a computer generated video that shows off VW’s sporty hatchback (about time we started calling it what it really is…) while the second one is a light-action film that includes a 180-degree turn on the highway. Hopefully, VW’s next series of promo videos will be a tad more entertaining… -Both videos after the jump
3D FilmPursuit Video
Making its worldwide premiere in 
Volkswagen has released the first official video of the Golf based Scirocco coupe that’s set to be launched Europe-wide in late summer with prices in Germany starting at € 21,750 or $33,050 (exchange rates on March 4, 2008); other countries will follow over the course of the next year. The four-seater Scirocco will initially be offered with a selection of four TDI and TSI engines with outputs ranging between 122 Hp and 200 Hp (see details and images here). –Video after the jump
Today, Volkswagen officially took the wraps off its all-new Scirocco that will make its public premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with sales starting in 
Volkswagen will be offering the Scirocco with the three turbocharged, direct-injection gasoline engines delivering 122 Hp (1.4-liter), 160 Hp (1.8-liter) and 200 Hp (2.0-liter) and a 2.0-liter common rail turbodiesel unit with 140 Hp. All of the engines are matted to a six-speed gearbox. Optionally, apart from the basic 122 Hp TSI engine, all the other units can be combined with VW’s dual-clutch transmission.
The basic 122 Hp Scirocco can go from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 9.7 sec and on to a top speed of 200 km/h or 124 mph; the 160 Hp version needs 8.0 sec while its top speed is 217 km/h or 135 mph; the 200 Hp Scirocco handles the sprint in 7.2 sec and reaches 235 km/h or 146 mph; as for the 140 Hp diesel version, it can go up to 207 km/h or 128 mph with a 0-100 km/h time of 9.3 seconds. –Details and images after the jump
PRESS RELEASE:
Design with wagon-coupé roof offers surprising amount of interior space
All-round characteristics of the Scirocco enable multivariable use
Scirocco is the first sports car with transverse mounted 7-speed DSG
The designers of the third generation of the Scirocco unmistakably designed it to be a pure sports car. Different than the original Scirocco of the 1970s, and the second generation introduced in the 1980s, the new car offers substantially greater interior space. That is because – in contrast to its two predecessors – the Scirocco of the year 2008 does not have a sloping hatchback, but a wagon back with matching long roof and steep tailgate. This offers two distinct advantages. First: the Scirocco exhibits very crisp proportions. Especially when viewed from the rear, it immediately becomes apparent that the 1.80 meter long roof with its lateral arrays of windows stands on very wide and powerful shoulder sections. So the Scirocco gets a waist that is flawlessly cut right from sports car principles. Second: The new model also has space in the rear for two adults plus sufficient luggage. All things considered, the progressively styled Scirocco combines a high level of everyday utility with a classy design.
The crisp dimensions of the new sports car also speak with a clear language. The Scirocco – with its short overhangs – exploits its wheelbase of 2,578 millimeters efficiently for maximum space. The Volkswagen is 1,400 millimeters tall, exactly 4,256 millimeters long and 1,810 millimeters wide.
Front end
The front end of the Scirocco displays a completely new Volkswagen design language. On the one hand, it preserves historical elements, while simultaneously taking a great leap forward. The radiator grille and bumper are characterized by a dynamic that is timeless and impressive. Technically, the front end concept also fulfills Volkswagen’s stringent requirements for pedestrian protection.
Stylistically, the upper area of the Scirocco’s front end is dominated primarily by horizontal lines. Spanning the area between the prominent dual headlamps is a very narrow air inlet in luxurious black. Beneath this is a very clearly designed area in car color. This narrow double band of the black radiator grille and bumper painted in car color, defined by sharp lines, will be used to identify other new models in the future.
In the lower section of the front end, the image is marked by a central air inlet in black with its diamond-shaped pattern, and to its left and right the integrated turn signal and fog lamps. Incidentally, besides the New Beetle, the Scirocco is the only other Volkswagen to sport the VW emblem, not on the radiator grille, but on the engine hood instead.
Side profile
If you run your hand, first over one of the headlamps, then over the fender and a door, you will notice that the profile curves alternate in direction. Depending on the perspective and incident light, these transitions on the sides of the car give it the appearance of a moving muscle. The powerful image is reinforced by the standard 17-inch wheels, which – due to the large track width (front 1,569, rear 1,575 millimeters) – are practically flush with the body.
Furthermore, it is the hidden B-pillar, the line of windows that rises steeply toward the rear, and the conspicuously striking C-pillar that – together with the long roof line that appears to be endless – convey a very unique presence and dynamics. In the rear area, an integrated roof spoiler offers another plus in dynamics and additional downforce at the rear axle. Set in very clear counterpoint are the sculpturally shaped taillights that are also eye-catching and prominent from the side view.
Rear end
The sculptural form of the wide taillights is most apparent when viewed from the rear. Here, the car’s character is defined by the ratio of proportions between the roof and shoulder section and thereby the car’s waist. It is sharply contoured, since the roof runs significantly narrower than the overall body. These stylistic traits produce a design typical of a very powerful and significantly more expensive sports car. In any case, the really wide track actually looks even wider than it is. From the rear, the C pillars cannot be made out, since the rear window extends across the entire vehicle width. The overall design of the rear end – broader, with heftier bumpers plus a wide wheel track, the roof line and roof spoiler, plus wide wrap-around rear window – all lend an exceptionally powerful image to this car.
Four sport seats
The Scirocco is a full-fledged four seater. Here, full-fledged means that two adults can be seated comfortably in the rear. Even when a 1.90 meters tall driver adjusts the seat, there is still plenty of knee room in the back. There is no sense of cramped space here. Also guaranteeing that everything is comfortable in this new sports car are the four sport seats. Similar to the new Passat CC, ideally-contoured ergonomic individual seats are used in the back of the Scirocco. Providing for a high level of safety are the headrests that are permanently mounted to the seatbacks in the rear.
The front sport seats include an Easy Entry feature for easier entry and exit of the rear passengers. Specifically, when the seatback of a front seat is unlatched, the seat moves forward; afterwards, it automatically returns to its preset position. Also standard: height adjustment of the front sport seats. By way of an option for the Scirocco, Volkswagen also offers a “Lifestyle seat upholstery and trim” with Alcantara appointments and the leather upholstery and trim “
Cargo area
The cargo area shows good size too. Laid out like a station wagon, loaded up to the height of the cargo cover it offers a volume of 292 liters. If the seatbacks of the rear individual seats are folded down, a cargo area capacity of 755 liters is available. Even in this case, there is no problem loading the car up to the roofliner, since a cargo net can be integrated behind the front seats.
Cockpit
The driver and front passenger in the Scirocco experience a sporty and well-developed ergonomic environment. Pleasing to the touch and appealing to the eye are the complex designs of the interior door trim. Instruments and gages have also been laid out intuitively and clearly. In particular, the center console with its controls arranged at a high level exhibits a refreshingly clear layout. Arranged directly beneath the two center air vents is the selected audio system. The latest equipment generation is being implemented on the Scirocco (RCD 210 to RCD 510). Always there: a MP3-capable CD player and changer. In parallel, there will be two audio-navigation systems. The top model, designated the RNS 510, delivers refined features such as a 6.5-inch touchscreen and an extremely fast 30 gigabyte hard drive. The Scirocco also features a special instrument cluster with white illumination.
Volkswagen will be offering the Scirocco as the world’s first sports car whose engines are all charged. The three TSIs – gasoline direct-injection engines –output 90 kW / 122 PS, 118 kW / 160 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. The TDI, a highly advanced common rail engine, develops 103 kW / 140 PS. All of the Sciroccos are shifted by a six-speed gearbox.
TSI with 122 PS
Maximum power with minimal consumption – within a very short period of time this property has made the TSI four cylinders synonymous with a new generation of the most fuel-efficient and at the same time sporty Volkswagen engines. Representing the entry level into the world of these multiple award winning engines is a 90 kW / 122 PS strong TSI (at 5,000 rpm). In the Scirocco, the four cylinder engine develops its maximum torque of 200 Newton-meter at a low 1,500 rpm – i.e. just above idling speed. The TSI takes the car to a top speed of 200 km/h. The122 PS Scirocco handles the classic 0-100-km/h sprint in 9.7 seconds. Its average fuel consumption of 6.1 liters Super Unleaded per 100 kilometers makes it one of the most economical sports cars of its class. Important: even this entry-level engine breathes agility into the Scirocco in the lower speed range and turns country highways into a source of great enjoyment.
TSI with 160 PS
This is the latest TSI: a four cylinder, turbo- and supercharged, with 118 kW / 160 PS (at 5,900 rpm). Like all of the TSIs, this engine is exceptionally economical (average fuel consumption: 6.5 l/100 km) and torque-strong (maximum of 240 Newton-meter at just 1,750 rpm) too. This TSI takes the Scirocco from rest to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds; its top speed is 217 km/h. As an option, the 160 PS TSI may be paired with the first 7-speed dual clutch transmission (DSG) in the world that is transverse mounted.
TSI with 200 PS
At the highest power level, the Scirocco comes with a powerful 147 kW / 200 PS (at 6,000 rpm) TSI. It too has a turbocharger, and it also shines with very good torque and fuel economy. Per 100 kilometers this 280 Newton-meter (from 1,700 rpm) strong four cylinder consumes just 7.6 liters of fuel. Yet it can still deliver a top speed of 235 km/h. The highest performing Scirocco of all times completes the sprint to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. As on the Golf GTI with an identical engine, for example, this engine can be ordered with an innovative 6-speed dual clutch transmission on the Scirocco too.
TDI with 140 PS
At its market launch in
Perfectly tailored to a sports car like the new Scirocco is the newly developed “adaptive chassis control”. It exercises direct control, not only over the suspension characteristic, but also over tuning of the electro-mechanical power steering.
“Adaptive chassis control” offers three programs: “
The “Sport” program can be recommended as a type of “Nuremburg Ring– North Loop” race track mode. In this case, the suspension is significantly stiffer. In parallel, the power-assist for steering is reduced for more direct steering response. The opposite is done in “Comfort” mode. In this case, ride comfort is especially improved on poor roadways and while driving slowly.
From the moment we saw the two leaked pictures of the all-new Volkswagen Scirocco flowing around the web (see here) we knew that it was a matter of time until we discovered more images. To be precise, we managed to find five more pictures of the Scirocco coupe-hatch (…) including two featuring the interior. Speaking of the Scirocco’s cabin, the dashboard comes straight from the Eos Coupe-Convertible. As you can see in the picture, the Scirocco is strictly a four-seater, with the rear passengers getting two individual sport seats with incorporated headrests.
The Scirocco will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4 with sales in
We’ve obtained an internal Volkswagen document addressed to VW dealers in Europe that informs them on the market launch of three important new models: the Scirocco Coupe, the Golf VI and the next generation Polo. The first model to arrive in European dealerships will be the Golf based Scirocco. The production version of the IROC Concept (see here) that made its premier at the 2006 Paris Show, will be available across According to the internal document, the sixth generation of VW’s compact class Golf will go on sale in
Finally, the next-generation Polo supermini based on the same platform as the recently introduced Skoda Fabia, will begin its European career during the second half of 2009. An the U.S.? Well, unless gas prices hike over $4 a gallon, we doubt it that the Polo will make it on the other side of the Atlantic.
