VW Scirocco R

Phil W · 20 May 2009 at 17:12

Did a search, but couldn't find a thread on it!

Volkswagen has the pulled the wraps off its R-rated Scirocco for an exclusive evo shoot. It’s the long-awaited hot version of VW’s Golf-based coupe, and is sure to bring back memories of Corrado VR6s and mk1 Scirocco GTIs.

It breaks tradition with recent Volkswagen R cars, though – gone is six-cylinder power and four-wheel drive, seen with the VW Golf R32 and its 3.2-litre unit, and in its place is a four-pot 2-litre turbocharged engine driving the front wheels.

It’s actually the powerplant from the current Audi S3, and traces its roots back to the mk5 Golf GTI. It’s an easier unit to tune than the mk6 GTI’s, and with an enlarged turbo it endows the Scirocco with 261bhp and 258lb ft of torque. That’s enough to shift the 1333kg R from 0-62mph in 6.5sec (or a tenth of a second quicker of you tick the DSG option box) and onto a limited 155mph maximum.

While it aims its sights firmly on the Focus RS, it’s attacking the Ford from an indirect angle. You won’t find any oversized wings or Kermit-coloured paint, with styling tweaks kept fairly subtle. That said, it is designed to go hand-in-hand with VW’s Scirocco GT24 racer, one of which our motoring ed John Barker is driving at the Nürburgring 24 hours this weekend.

New ‘Talledega’ alloys, bigger air intakes, piano black detailing and revised tailpipes are the car spotter’s tell-tale signs, with VW’s new R badge appearing on the grille and bootlid. Inside there’s a similar story, with blue-lit needles on the dials and another smattering of R badges the key changes. That badge is new, and indicates a new dawn for Volkswagen’s upper-rung sports brand, with engine downsizing on the cards.

You can read a more in-depth look at the Volkswagen Scirocco R and the future of R cars in Issue 132 of evo Magazine, on sale on Wednesday May 27. The car itself gets its first public appearance at the Nürburgring this weekend, with sales beginning in the Autumn. Set aside around £26,000 if you fancy one.

Looks tasty

CliffyBiro · 20 May 2009 at 17:15

I love the look of these things.

iaind · 20 May 2009 at 17:15

DO WANT

NightShadow · 20 May 2009 at 17:16

Hmm, doesn't do much for me. The front looks allright but it's not what I would call a coupe, more a hatch isn't it?

Hilly · 20 May 2009 at 17:16

Hate it. I hate the shape of the Scirocco's. From the side it just looks mundane and non-special. It looks like an Astra from the side.

But I think the thing which really greates me about the Scirocco, is that it just isn't a Scirocco... The original (which a friend of mine loves, has had 4 and he's 26.) was based on being super light and being low slung. I've come across these in the car park where I work and it just looks totally wrong.

Perhaps I have missed the boat somewhat, and I haven't driven one, so it might be a better drive than a looker.

paradigm · 20 May 2009 at 17:25

So, the only appeal of the "R" cars over the "GTI" is now gone.

An R without the 6-pot soundtrack and 4WD is pointless.

DanTheMan · 20 May 2009 at 17:29

Did the same designer create the 1 series, new Astra, Volvo C30 and this?

CliffyBiro · 20 May 2009 at 17:31

DanTheMan said:
Did the same designer create the 1 series, new Astra, Volvo C30 and this?

Yeah always did remind me of the Astra.

olv · 20 May 2009 at 17:39

I quite like it. Although it should be in keeping with the R32 golf drivetrain wise.

oweneades · 20 May 2009 at 17:46

Was anyone else expecting a quicker 0-60 time for this car based on its stats or is it just me? It doesn't seem much quicker than the standard GTI golf (or sirocco for that matter) despite having quite a chunk more power. I can only assume its the FWD nature holding it back (don't know though?!)

TBH as others have said a R VW without the 6 pot engine (and the sublime exhaust note) and four wheel drive seems a little out of place.

LiE · 20 May 2009 at 17:47

The bottom part of the grill looks like its been copy and pasted from an audi.

Pants · 20 May 2009 at 17:54

I love the looks, and 261bhp is not to be scoffed at.

But it better have a really trick diff. to be able to put all that power down.

I think this car would be more appealing with a V6, 4WD, and the lovely exhaust note that goes with it.

oli collett · 20 May 2009 at 17:56

oweneades said:
Was anyone else expecting a quicker 0-60 time for this car based on its stats or is it just me? It doesn't seem much quicker than the standard GTI golf (or sirocco for that matter) despite having quite a chunk more power. I can only assume its the FWD nature holding it back (don't know though?!)

Doesn't really add up - It's about the same weight as a TT-s but according to that over a second slower to 60 with virtually the same engine. Unless they've geared it very differently, that seems very odd.

Rwac · 20 May 2009 at 17:59

oli collett said:
Doesn't really add up - It's about the same weight as a TT-s but according to that over a second slower to 60 with virtually the same engine. Unless they've geared it very differently, that seems very odd.

It's odd.

And the alloys / exhausts look nicer on the standard 2.0T Scirroco.

Ultimate fail I was looking forward to this car.

Siliconslave · 20 May 2009 at 18:00

the problem is the current R32 really isn't selling - partly due to the huge petrol and tax costs vs the GTI which puts down similar power.

still a shame they aren't putting the 4wd in it

Rwac · 20 May 2009 at 18:03

Siliconslave said:
the problem is the current R32 really isn't selling - partly due to the huge petrol and tax costs vs the GTI which puts down similar power.

still a shame they aren't putting the 4wd in it

S3 Quattro 3d S Tronic 5.3 s 155 mph 261 bhp

Just what is going on with the scirroco to make it 6.5 secs? Is 4wd really 1 second?;o

thepharcyde · 20 May 2009 at 18:04

It has an electronic LSD. £25k and the RS would be on my shopping list not one of these. They dropped 2 cylinders to cut co2 and save fuel. Sorry cannot take this thing serious.

Andr3w · 20 May 2009 at 18:10

i REALLLLLLLLLLLLY like that

touch · 20 May 2009 at 18:14

Phil W said:
It breaks tradition with recent Volkswagen R cars, though – gone is six-cylinder power and four-wheel drive, seen with the VW Golf R32 and its 3.2-litre unit, and in its place is a four-pot 2-litre turbocharged engine driving the front wheels.

Isnt the most recent 'R' car the golf R20? Which uses a 4pot turbo'd 2litre?

edit: nvm, my bad - the R20 isnt on sale till next year :|

sigma · 20 May 2009 at 18:23

hilly said:
Hate it. I hate the shape of the Scirocco's. From the side it just looks mundane and non-special. It looks like an Astra from the side.

But I think the thing which really greates me about the Scirocco, is that it just isn't a Scirocco... The original (which a friend of mine loves, has had 4 and he's 26.) was based on being super light and being low slung. I've come across these in the car park where I work and it just looks totally wrong.

Perhaps I have missed the boat somewhat, and I haven't driven one, so it might be a better drive than a looker.

Finally, someone who thinks exactly as I do. I really can't see what the fuss about the Scirocco is? Not just on this site, but i've seen/read people that LOVE it and think it's an amazing looking car. :confused:

It really does not look right at all. Even this R version, I don't know, it just leaves me cold.