Volkswagen Scirocco R: Svelte Sports Coupe

Motoring Channel Staff - 21/May/2009

Wolfsburg, Germany – Like the new Opel/Holden Astra that was unveiled in Europe recently, here is another vehicle that has very little chance of coming to Australia: the Scirocco R.

There is a slim possibility that one of Volkswagen's most alluring designs, the Scirocco, could come to Australia in the future. And if it did, perhaps the newly unveiled VW Scirocco R would accompany it.

Based on the Volkswagen Golf's underpinnings, the Scirocco is a stylish 2-door coupe/hatch and the new 'R' model that has been unveiled in Europe brings a performance element to the line-up.

Not unlike the Golf GTI and Audi S3, the Volkswagen Scirocco R is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes use of direct injection to raise the compression ratio, which improves power output.

Peak power of 195kW (255hp) is pumped to the front wheels via manual or automatic twin-clutch transmissions, but it's peak torque of 350Nm that will give the VW Scirocco R a strong performance feel.

Acceleration is impressive, with the zero to 100km/h dash taking a claimed 6.5 seconds with the manual and an even quicker 6.4 second with the automatic DSG.

On top of the engine upgrade, the Scirocco R gains various body kit upgrades that turn an attractive car into something even more desirable. 

The most striking change are the LED running lights which give the front end of the car a sophisticated Audi-esque appearance.

As well tastefully styled 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch alloys are available), the Scirocco R gets a restyled front apron with large lateral air intakes that along with lower side skirts enhance the cars aggressive stance.

Volkswagen's body stylists have also updated the rear end of the Scirocco R.

A snug-fitting roof spoiler and a new apron that integrates widely-spaced twin exhaust outlets finishes off the eye-catching look and the new bodywork is expected to improve the Scirocco's aerodynamic efficiency, which might help the car's handling when it reaches its electronically governed 250km/h (155mph) top speed.

Viewed from almost any angle, the VW Scirocco R is an attractive car and the consensus around the Motoring Channel office is almost unanimous: it's hot.

There was some irritation when the finer details were scoured to find that no AWD option is available however. If the car was AWD, it would probably blitz the zero to 100km/h in under 6.0 seconds.

However, Volkswagen has added the electronic 'XDS' differential to the front axle to improve power-down and traction characteristics. The XDS is also used in the new Golf GTI.

Other chassis improvements include the large alloy wheels and wider rubber to deliver improved grip and the suspension has be modified to provide improved handling dynamics.

As well as a lower ride height, the VW Scirocco R features a retuned spring and damping rates to reduce body roll and improve turn-in. 

Furthermore, the German-made high performance coupe hatch is fitted with very large brakes to improve deceleration. 

The brake system is taken directly from the Audi S3, measuring 345mm at the front and 310mm at the rear, which is comparable to the

Of course true performance is more than just horsepower, so Volkswagen went to work equipping the R with a variety of upgrades. Among the items engineers included are a lowered sports suspension with more aggressive dampers and springs, an electronic XDS differential and massive 345mm (13.6-inch) front and 310mm (12.2-inch) rear brakes.

has officially unveiled the highly anticipated 2010 Scirocco R.

Under the hood, the new Scirocco uses a modified version of the previous Golf GTI's 2.0-liter engine which produces 265 hp and 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque. Power flows to the front wheels through either the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional dual-clutch DSG gearbox. Thanks to this unique setup, the Scirocco R runs from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds (6.4 seconds with DSG) before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155mph).

To match the upgrade performance and exterior design the interior has been worked on.

Luxurious 'ribbed' leather sports seats with overt stitching and a flat bottom steering wheel improve the tactile aspects of the European coupe and ensure the interior has a premium look and feel.

A slightly different instrument display is added, as are alloy pedals and aluminium accents.

The car hasn't been priced yet, but will be on sale in Europe later in 2009.

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