The Scirocco is back!

After 14 years, the Scirocco is back!
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Volkswagen first introduced the Scirocco back in 1973. The car premiered at the 1974 Geneva Autoshow. Its underpining technic belonged to the mkI Golf but it was re-engineered to give the Scirocco a more sportier drive. Original styling was penned by italian Giorgetto Giugiaro and a key feature of the design was the ascending side window frame. The proportions of the car were excelent giving it a compact sports car look. The car comfortably seated four adults and its price made it accessible to everyone.

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The engine range comprised four-cylinder engines with displacements from 1.1 to 1.6 litres, 2 valves per cylinder. The car suffered some minor changes during its lifetime, mostly concerning body and trim aspects. Special versions were also avaiable: "Sidewinder", "Sidewinder II", "Champagne Edition", "Champagne Edition II" and "S".

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The car went out of production in 1983, after the introduction of the Scirocco mkII.

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So, it is now 1982 and Volkswagen releases the second generation Scirocco. Although maintaining the mkI platform, the mkII is heavily re-designed but at the same time keeps the spirit started with the first generation. One of its unique features was the rear spoiler, half-way up the glass of the rear window. The new car is also bigger than its predecessor. Over the years, Volkswagen improved the engine's power and torque, with choices from 74 hp to 123 hp, the latter being only avaiable in the American and Canadian markets with a specific body kit. The second generation Scirocco was produced until 1992, in Europe.
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In 1988, the Scirocco gave place to the Corrado, a re-interpretation of the compact coupé from Volkswagen this time with a completly new platform. The Corrado was produced until 1995 but its success never matched what the brand had hoped for, mainly due to its high price. Nevertheless, it was recognized as a great car, offering exceptional handling for its time. It was nominated one of the "25 Cars You Must Drive Before You Die" by british magazine Car.

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At this time, the chances for a New Scirocco seemed far...
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But then, in 2006 Volkswagen surprises the world when it presented the ironically called scIROCco Concept at that year's Paris Autoshow. It was now clear that the brand had decided to bring the Scirocco back.

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Geneva, Switzerland, 2008...

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14 years later, the Scirocco is back. Volkswagen presents to the world the third generation of the Scirocco at the Geneva Autoshow, the same place where the first generation made its debut. The new car has striking looks and, like the first one, shares its underpinnings with the latest generation Golf. Still, Volkswagen has given the Scirocco a sportier drive, making it even more efficient than the very much acclaimed Golf GTI. A choice of 4 powerplants, one diesel and three gasoline, will be avaiable upon the car's market launch.

• 1.4 TSI with 122 hp.
• 1.4 TSI with 160 hp.
• 2.0 TSI with 200 hp.
• 2.0 TDI with 140 hp.

Manual and Automatic transmissions are avaiable, including the famous Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG) with six or seven speeds. A new adaptive chassis control is optional in the car and offers 3 programs: "Normal", "Sport" and "Comfort". The car will be avaiable with 17'', 18'' and 19'' alloy wheels, the two latter being optional.

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Slightly larger than the mkV Golf, the Scirocco measures 4.256 mm long, 1.810 wide and just 1.400 tall. Its powerful shoulders give it a striking appearence. The new Scirocco is currently performing some final testing procedures in the famous Nürburgring track and its formal press introducting will take place in Lisbon on the 18th of June. It is produced in Volkswagen's portuguese factory, Autoeuropa in Palmela, along with the Volkswagen Eos, the Volkswagen Sharan and the Seat Alhambra.

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European dealers receive it in the end of this Summer.

Gentlemen, place your orders...

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