The Scirocco: I'm Back
It is back: 34 years after the world premiere of the first Scirocco at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen is now presenting the Scirocco of the new era in the same venue. Now as before, the coupe embodies the fascinating strategy of putting a sports car on wheels that is fit for use every day of the year at absolutely affordable prices. That is precisely what the new Scirocco does: high-class technologies merge with low costs of ownership, dynamic driving characteristics merge with a high level of comfort, and a surprisingly spacious interior merges with an uncompromisingly sporty design.Volkswagen Chief Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn: “In the Scirocco we will be bringing the kind of sports car into the showroom that people dream of. Yet it is a dream that an exceptionally large number of car drivers will be able to afford – despite all of the high-end technologies we have implemented.” The Scirocco will already be entering the market across Europe in late summer, and other countries will follow over the course of the next year.
Avantgarde Design of the Scirocco
A calling card of the ambitious global concept is the new sports car’s avant-garde design. The fact being that the lines of the Scirocco study presented in August 2006 have been transferred to the production car nearly unchanged. This includes the long wagon/coupe roof whose form here is unique, and which pays tribute to the C-pillar design of the first Scirocco, the car’s athletic side profile, its distinctive engine hood and the entire rear end with its extremely broad shoulder sections. Only the design of the radiator grille has been changed for a more stylish and timeless solution.
With a length of 167.8 inches, the Scirocco is on par with the Golf. However, it is built significantly lower to the ground (55.1 inches) and is nearly as wide as the Passat (71.3 inches). Four adults can be seated with plenty of space inside. Once they are all aboard, the Scirocco provides 292 liters of cargo capacity; when the two seatbacks of the rear individual sport seats are folded down, capacity increases to a considerable 755 liters. This contemporary Scirocco demonstrates unfettered everyday utility, and it can be clearly recommended as a sports car for every day of the year.
Technology of the Scirocco
Providing for ample power on the Scirocco – which comes with ESP and sport chassis as standard equipment – are four TDI and TSI engines, all of them charged and therefore just as torque-strong as they are economical and low in emissions. The three TSIs (gasoline direct-injection) output 122 bhp, 160 bhp and 200 bhp. The Scirocco’s common rail engine (TDI) develops a power of 140 bhp.
Further high-tech elements of the Scirocco: a 7-speed DSG and an “adaptive chassis control system”. Meanwhile, a large panorama vent sunroof – extending from the A pillars to the B pillars – provides for plenty of light in the interior. At the press of a button the transparent panorama roof is raised up to about 2 inches. When the sun is too intense, a sunshade may be moved into place. But that is seldom likely to be necessary, since the glass of the panorama vent roof reflects 99 percent of UV radiation, 97 percent of infrared radiation (heat) and 80 percent of visible light.
The new Scirocco is one of the most attractive sports cars in the world when it comes to pricing. Nonetheless, the standard equipment package is super. Always there, for example, are 17-inch alloy wheels, height adjustable driver and front passenger seats and steering wheel, leather parking brake grip, sport seats, split folding rear seats, power windows, air conditioning, ESP, braking assistant, six airbags, speed-dependent power steering, and of course a sport chassis.
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2007 Volkswagen GTI W12 650 Concept
Volkswagen GTI W12 650: Bodybuilder, Born in Austria
Daring to create something unique, leaving conventions behind and awakening passion – these have been at the heart of the GTI concept since its inception. To date, more than 1.67 million car drivers have fallen under its charm. Since 1982, its greatest fans have been celebrating it every year at the Wörthersee in the Austrian state of Kärnten. For this occasion, Volkswagen has put a Golf on wheels that is like no other: The GTI W12 650 showcar. This sports car is a tribute to our GTI friends at the Wörthersee, car fans who made the GTI a legend. It is a concept that was designed just for them.No Golf has ever been more powerful, or wider, or faster. The GTI W12 650 gives the appearance of having come directly from the racetrack. A Golf that could be the pace car for the 24 hour race at Le Mans. Its name is its mission: W12 cylinders, 650 bhp.
3.7 seconds, 202 mph, 554 lb-ft
Its 6.0-liter bi-turbo engine is longitudinally mounted directly behind the driver and front passenger. This transforms the GTI into a classic mid-engine sports car. A six-speed automatic transmission hammers the maximum torque of 554 lb-ft to the rear axle. It catapults the GTI to 62 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The speedometer needle does not pause until it reaches 202 mph. The Golf GTI W12 650 outpaces nearly all other cars of this world.
Wider than Any Other GTI
Under the broad 74 inch width and low 55.9 inch height of its body, engineers and designers have brought together automotive technologies not seen in this combination on any other car. Each component is sourced internally. That in particular is a tribute to the unequaled breadth of technology at Volkswagen AG.
The chassis components of this showcar, for example, were adapted directly from a super sports car. Mounted on the front axle are 235 tires in 19-inch format, while in the rear there are 295 tires. Naturally, alloy wheels are also used: Due to the gigantic tire dimensions, the brightly machined “Detroit” GTI wheels are “dished” in the direction of the wheel hub and are custom built; the pitch circle with the wheel nuts lies much deeper than the rim circle.
The axles were “pushed” 2.7 inches further into the body; the wheel well cutouts and gigantic wheel arches are part of the shoulder section, as in a coupe. Klaus Bischoff, Director of Volkswagen Design: “In the rear, the showcar is 3.1 inches wider on each side. However, the body of the GTI easily takes this in. We already have a strong shoulder section here on the production model. We were able to draw it outward even more distinctly, like on a sports car.”
C-pillars as Part of Air Duct for Engine Cooling
“Our greatest challenge”, says Klaus Bischoff, “was to provide the six-liter mid-engine with sufficient air, without watering down the GTI’s side profile. In addition, provisions had to be made for sufficient downforce at the rear axle on such a fast type of car. But for aesthetic reasons we did not want to put an enormous rear spoiler on the car.”
In both cases a trick helped. Klaus Bischoff: “The strongest Golf design elements are the C-pillars. But it is precisely here that we needed air ducts for engine cooling air. Therefore, the C-pillars were redesigned on short order to assume this function of routing air to the engine. In doing so, we simply made the rear windows turn inward. This created two ducts between the windows and the C pillars, on the left and right, through which air flows for engine cooling. We got the rest of the cooling air in front via the gigantic radiators and the ducts connected to them, as well as on the sides via air inlets on the side skirts.” Expressed differently: At first glance all parts of the rear section look like a production GTI, but it was actually redesigned intensively.
Carbon-fiber Roof is a Diffuser
Innovative body construction has also prevented the lines of the GTI W12 650 from being ruined by a roof-mounted wing. Klaus Bischoff: “This GTI carries its wing internally. The roof is part of an enormous diffuser that supplies sufficient downforce to the rear axle. It consists of a carbon-fiber material and directs the air over and under the rear spoiler to achieve road grip, like in car racing.”
The bumpers of the showcar are powerful and at the same time coherently designed. In the rear, as in the front, the GTI W12 650 is characterized by enormous air inlets and outlets. Two dual chrome-plated tailpipes frame the air outlet in the rear. At the front of the car, the eye-catching straight-line grille between the headlamps, with its red frame, is reminiscent of the first GTI.
Interior with racing ambitions
Every modern-day GTI driver would feel at home right away in this interior. The leather Alcantara covers for the race car bucket seats are newly designed. Three round gauges in the middle of the instrument cluster are also reminiscent of the original GTI. Details taken from car racing, on the other hand, include the transparent “flip-up switch covers” for important functions such as ESP deactivation. To prevent accidental switch activations, the transparent covers are “flipped up” with the index finger before activating the switch underneath. Another reference to car racing is the integrated fire extinguisher in place of a glove box. For weight reasons, the door trim was completely “stripped”; only screens are used, which quite intentionally offer a view of the internal workings of the door mechanisms.
Specifications
| Brakes & Tires | |
| Brakes F/R: | ABS, vented disc/vented disc |
| Driveline: | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Tires F-R: | 235/n.a. n.a. - 295/n.a. n.a. |
| Engine | |
| Displacement cu in (cc): | 366 (5998) |
| Power bhp (kW) at RPM: | 650(477) / 6000 |
| Redline at RPM: | n.a. |
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: | 554(750) / 4500 |
| Type: | Biturbo W12 |
| Exterior Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length × Width × Height in: | n.a. × 74 × 55.9 |
| Weight lb (kg): | n.a. |
| Performance | |
| Acceleration 0-62 mph s: | 3.7 |
| Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): | n.a. |
| Top Speed mph (km/h): | 202 (325) |
Base Price: 2007 Volkswagen GTI W12 650 Concept - n.a.
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2007 Volkswagen Eos
Eos to be Launched in 2006 in Europe and Marketed on All Five Continents
The Eos is scheduled to be launched in Europe in spring 2006; the other continents are set to follow the same year. The car will open up a new sub-segment and will be positioned between the A (Golf) and B class (Passat).Specifications
| Brakes & Tires | |
| Brakes F/R: | ABS, vented disc/disc |
| Driveline: | Front Wheel Drive |
| Tires F-R: | n.a. |
| Engine | |
| Displacement cu in (cc): | 194 (3189) |
| Power bhp (kW) at RPM: | 250(184) / 6300 |
| Redline at RPM: | n.a. |
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: | 236(320) / 2500 |
| Type: | Inline-6 |
| Exterior Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length × Width × Height in: | 172.0 × 69.8 × 56.2 |
| Weight lb (kg): | 3751 (1702) |
| Performance | |
| Acceleration 0-62 mph s: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): | n.a. (9.2) |
| Top Speed mph (km/h): | 155 (250) - electronically limited |
Base Price: 2007 Volkswagen Eos - $36,850 / 35,500
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2006 Volkswagen Iroc Concept 
Volkswagen Reveals the Scirocco Concept
Volkswagen has revealed its Iroc sports car concept at a special event in Berlin. The Iroc marks the return of the Scirocco, Volkswagen’s iconic sports coupe, which made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 33 years ago.Even in color, with its Viper Green metallic paint, the Iroc harks back to the Scirocco, where this exact shade was available in the 1976 model range. The Iroc has distinctive dimensions, with a very long roof and steeply sloping rear, which not only gives it an aggressive and sporting appearance, it also liberates space in the back for two adults plus luggage.
In size, the Iroc is slightly longer (1.4 inch) than the Golf, measuring 165.4 inches and 2 inches wider at 70.2 inches. Its wheelbase is over 4 inches longer than that of the Golf at 104.5 inches; however with its squat coupe-like stance, it is 3 inches shorter at 54.6 inches. The Iroc has 19" alloy wheels.
The design of the Iroc is distinctive and eye-catching. It uses a Volkswagen ‘face’ which is not yet common to other vehicles in the range, though the honeycomb-shaped structure of the radiator grille is undoubtedly a link to the GTI. Another notable feature is the lack of obvious A pillars, due to the wide windscreen which overlaps them at the front.
Inside, the Iroc has four seats, as well as a spacious boot of 300 liters, which can be increased if the rear seats are folded down. Despite this practicality, the Iroc has been clearly designed inside as a sports car, with features such as front bucket seats and integrated five-point seat belts with central buckle.
Most distinctive, however, are the gauges and controls in the Iroc’s cabin. Two large and newly-designed round instruments form the visual centre of the cockpit. The driver looks into two cylinders with twelve illuminated bars which create a three dimensional segmentation within the instruments.
Under the bonnet, the Iroc features Volkswagen’s ground-breaking TSI petrol technology, which uses a turbocharger and a supercharger to produce diesel-like consumption with impressive performance. Designed to maximize driving fun, the concept has a 210 bhp TSI engine, but a range of TSIs, starting from under 150 bhp, are also feasible.
The Iroc combines practicality with driving fun and expressive design in a car that as a possible series-production vehicle would be attractively positioned in price.
The Scirocco was a huge success for Volkswagen, with over half a million examples of the Giugiaro-designed first generation produced. It was launched in the UK in 1974, with the second generation following in 1981.
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Base Price: 2006 Volkswagen Iroc Concept - n.a.
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New Golf R32 Unveiled at the 2005 Frankfurt Motor Show
It was the most powerful Golf ever. The Golf R32 powered by a 241 bhp engine was first launched in August 2002. Not only was it one of the hottest cars on the road, it also sold like hot cakes: three times as many R32's were sold than originally planned. These are excellent prospects for its successor.Now comes a new R32 based on the Golf V generation. This time it packs 250 bhp under the bonnet; the permanent 4MOTION four-wheel drive again promises excellent roadholding. The new model has been unveiled at the 59th Frankfurt Motor Show (15 to 25 September 2005). Americans are able to buy them since February 2007.
From the outside, the best Golf ever is not only recognizable by the R32 logo. Similar to its predecessor, the new top Golf has a design and equipment all of its own. The Golf R32 has a top speed of 155 mph and comes either with a 6-speed manual gearbox or the optional dual clutch gearbox (DSG). Equipped with the DSG the "R32" is even faster: 6.4 seconds from 0-60 mph. Despite all this, the model is unusually easy to handle.
From the front, the new R32 generation is immediately recognizable by its unique aluminum-effect shield-shaped radiator grille. At the top of the grille are double aluminum cross struts. Under the number plate there is another central air scoop for the powerful 3.2-litre V6 engine. Two more large openings on each side of the shield-shaped radiator grille are intended for fresh air supply. As opposed to all other Golfs, there are air ducts at the bottom and on either side of the fully painted front bumper. The lines of the air duct continue into the side skirt all the way along to the rear bumper.
The rear of the Golf R32 is also designed as a fully painted bumper. Only the middle section in the shape of a diffuser is in black. The two round tailpipes made of polished stainless steel are placed centrally next to each other and are integrated prominently in the rear bumper. A glance at the outline of the Golf R32 shows the 18-inch light-alloy wheels (type "Zolder“). They are fitted with 20 spokes and continue the design theme of the first R32 wheel. The spokes still allow glimpses of what lies behind them: brake calipers painted blue. They come with 345 mm (diameter) discs at the front and 310 mm at the rear.
A large-size rear spoiler makes sure that the rear wheels stay firmly on the road. The fact that the wheel-tire combination sits snugly in the wheel housings is partly due to the 18-inch wheel size but also to the specially tuned sports running gear that is lower by about an inch.
The sporty concept of the Golf R32 is a theme that permeates the entire vehicle. Take the interior, for example. There are distinctive instruments, sports seats, pedals in aluminum look and special applications that emphasize the sporty nature of the Golf. The sports steering wheel, with perforated leather along the grip area, and the R32 gear shift knob lie firmly in the hand.
As opposed to the more purist style of the Golf GTI, the R32 top model boasts a dazzling array of standard equipment at no extra price, such as automatic air conditioning (Climatronic), the RCD 300 audio system with ten loudspeakers, anti-theft alarm system plus, multifunction display, automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, rain sensor, tire pressure monitor and the complete safety program comprising six airbags, ESP and brake assistant. The standard bi-xenon headlights light up the night like day.
Specifications
| Brakes & Tires | |
| Brakes F/R: | ABS, vented disc/vented disc |
| Driveline: | All Wheel Drive |
| Tires F-R: | 225/40 ZR18 |
| Engine | |
| Displacement cu in (cc): | 195 (3189) |
| Power bhp (kW) at RPM: | 250(184) / 6300 |
| Redline at RPM: | n.a. |
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: | 236(320) / 2500 |
| Type: | V6 |
| Exterior Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length × Width × Height in: | 165.5 × 68.6 × 57.1 |
| Weight lb (kg): | 3513 (1594) |
| Performance | |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph s: | 6.4 |
| Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): | n.a. (10.7) |
| Top Speed mph (km/h): | 155 (250) - electronically limited |
Base Price: 2006 Volkswagen Golf R32 - $32,990 / 32,200
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2005 Volkswagen EcoRacer Concept
The Economic Sports Car: EcoRacer
At the 2005 Tokyo Motor Show, Volkswagen presented a prototype that could well make history as the most economical the sports car of its time. Its basic data: average fuel consumption of 3.4 liters for 100 km, a top speed of 142 mph. Its name: EcoRacer. Thanks to its carbon-fiber (CFP) bodywork, this sports car with its centrally located engine weighs in at only 1873 lbs, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds. Powered by a newly developed 134-bhp turbo-charged diesel of the next generation, it offers a forward-looking synthesis of austere economy and impressive performance. 142 mph, 6.1 seconds, 3.4 liters – these vital statistics are as unusual as they are fascinating. But the objective of development was not to break records. With the EcoRacer, the intention was rather to create a research vehicle that united the elements of economy and performance under a very emotionally styled “roof”.Tight Proportions
The styling of the bodywork, with its new sports-car front end, LED headlamp and rear-light systems, tight proportions and powerful lines, demonstrates that even very economical cars can rivet attention wherever they appear.
Fully Functional
The prototype is anything but a show-room mock-up. It can be driven without restrictions, and is intended to serve as a technology test-bed. And the EcoRacer is also a versatile all-rounder: As soon as a door is opened, the roof wing above it swings up, giving optimal access. The entire T-bar roof is removable. Even the rear hatch can be removed. And, last but not least, the frame of the windscreen can be exchanged for a module with a short, racing windshield. This makes the EcoRacer, firstly, a coupe, secondly, a roadster and, thirdly, a speedster.
Futuristic Styling Elements
As to the front styling, the shape of the radiator grille and the double headlamps above it is particularly conspicuous. They demonstrate a front end that would be conceivable in a similar form tomorrow on future models of sports car. In the area of the B columns, the typical air intakes of a central-engined sports car are dominant. A sense of power emanates from the muscular contours of the wings and the 17” aluminum-alloy wheels that fill the wheel-boxes.
Running Gear, Light and Athletic
Dynamics and innovative concepts characterize the prototype’s running gear, too. On the one hand, it is very light, but on the other hand it offers quite obvious potential for extreme agility. The front double-wishbone axle is a completely new design. The wishbones are made of aluminum, as are the pivot bearings. The four-control-shaft rear axle is based on the derivate that was used in the Golf. Its use in a central-engined sports car emphasizes the potential of an axle that harmonizes perfectly with front-wheel, rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. In the EcoRacer (weight distribution front / rear: 40 to 60) it was tuned specifically to the central-engine concept, and robbed of a few kilograms.
New-Generation TDI Engines
Just as unique from the point of view of design as the entire body is the EcoRacer’s TDI engine. It reflects the future of the diesel engine. Clean, powerful and very versatile. The 1.5 TDI is still under trial. Like the new twin charger (TSI) among the direct-injection petrol engines, the turbo-diesel direct injection engine is characterized by greatest agility at lowest consumption. The Volkswagen developers refer to it as a highly charged downsizing concept.
The four-cylinder engine develops 134 bhp at 4000 rpm. Between 1900 and 3750 rpm, the 1484 cc four-valve unit develops a torque of more than 185 lb-ft. The compression ratio is 17.2:1. The unit is both light and compact, and – not only in the EcoRacer – it conforms to the EU-5 exhaust standard, and future further-reaching EU threshold values. The gearbox of the turbo-diesel is the DSG double-clutch transmission. The 1.5 TDI, presented in the EcoRacer for the first time, has the potential to implement the CCS process. CCS (Combined Combustion System) is a combustion process that combines the advantages of diesel and petrol engines, using synthetic fuels.
Specifications:
| Brakes & Tires | |
| Brakes F/R: | ABS, vented disc/disc |
| Driveline: | n.a. |
| Tires F-R: | R17 |
| Engine | |
| Displacement cu in (cc): | 91 (1484) |
| Power bhp (kW) at RPM: | 134(100) / 4000 |
| Redline at RPM: | n.a. |
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: | 185(250) / 1900-3750 |
| Type: | Turbocharged Diesel Inline-4 |
| Exterior Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length × Width × Height in: | 147 × 67.9 × 47.2 |
| Weight lb (kg): | 1873 (850) |
| Performance | |
| Acceleration 0-60 mph s: | 6.1 |
| Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): | n.a. (3.4) |
| Top Speed mph (km/h): | 142 (230) |
Base Price: 2005 Volkswagen EcoRacer Concept - n.a.
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Probably won't be put into production. Too bad.Specifications
| Brakes & Tires | |
| Brakes F/R: | n.a. |
| Tires F-R: | 255/35 ZR19 - 275/40 ZR19 |
| Engine | |
| Displacement cu in (cc): | 366 (5998) |
| Power bhp (kW) at RPM: | 598(440) / 7000 |
| Redline at RPM: | n.a. |
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: | 458(620) / 5800 |
| Type: | W12 |
| Exterior Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length × Width × Height in: | 214.2 × 75.6 × 43.3 |
| Weight lb (kg): | 2645 (1200) |
| Performance | |
| Acceleration 0-62 mph s: | 3.5 |
| Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): | n.a. |
| Top Speed mph (km/h): | 214 (350) |
Base Price: 2004 Volkswagen W12 Concept - n.a.
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2001 Volkswagen New Beetle RSi
Specifications: | Brakes & Tires | |
| Brakes F/R: | ABS, vented disc/vented disc |
| Tires F-R: | 235/45 ZR18 |
| Engine | |
| Displacement cu in (cc): | 195 (3200) |
| Power bhp (kW) at RPM: | 225(165) / 6200 |
| Redline at RPM: | 6200 |
| Torque lb-ft (Nm) at RPM: | 233(317) / 3200 |
| Type: | V6 |
| Exterior Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length × Width × Height in: | 160.7 × 69.7 × 57.1 |
| Weight lb (kg): | 3373 (1530) |
| Performance | |
| Acceleration 0-62 mph s: | 6.4 |
| Fuel Economy EPA city/highway mpg (l/100 km): | n.a. |
| Top Speed mph (km/h): | 134 (220) |
Base price: 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle RSi - n.a.
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