MotorAuthority

More powerful Scirocco and efficient BlueMotion version in the works

Posted Wed Jun 18 2008 8:13 AM by James Martinez

Volkswagen’s new Scirocco coupe was recently launched in Lisbon with a range of powertrain options but the company is already looking to expand the number of variants available to those that want to either save on fuel bills or get more power under the hood.

Volkswagen boss Martin Winterkorn confirmed the Scirocco could be released as an AWD model with a high-performance engine, likely to be a version of the turbocharged 4-cylinder mill found in the current generation Audi S3. The current range-topper in the Scirocco lineup is a 2.0L turbo with 200hp (147 kW), but the engine in the S3 develops significantly more at 265hp (195kW).

The GTI and R32 models in the Golf lineup have been successful for Volkswagen and the more sporty positioning of the Scirocco will likely help boost the sales mix for these more powerful – and profitable – models.

On the other end of the performance scale Winterkorn also said that VW could eventually release special "BlueMotion" versions of the Scirocco. These models feature aerodynamic and mechanical tweaks to help reduce C02 emissions and fuel consumption. The base Scirocco is powered by a 1.4L TSI but the BlueMotion will probably be fitted with a low power diesel powerplant.

Sadly the Scirocco won’t make it to the U.S. due to the collapse of the dollar against the euro. Volkswagen sales and marketing chief Detlef Wittig told Bloomberg "the exchange rate is the only reason for not selling it in the U.S. This car would fit the U.S. market but at the current exchange rate we wouldn’t make any money."

story Tags:

• Coupes
• Volkswagen

Reader Comments

• Wed Jun 18 2008 8:16 AM

  NoNameDenton says

  Think I would rather get the S3 here first since it came out before this, then get this as well.

• Wed Jun 18 2008 9:04 AM

  craigs says

  This car is soooooooooo ugly!! I currently have a MKV R32 and a Volvo S80 V8. My R32 is way nicer looking. The back of this car is simply put, disgusting!

• Wed Jun 18 2008 9:25 AM

  Jezza says

  craigs - are you high? The Golf MKV is a handsome car but this looks so much better. The back of the Scirocco looks fine.

• Wed Jun 18 2008 10:39 AM

  Ayax says

  Looks are dependent on your taste. However I would have to agree that this car is not ugly at all. It is certainly very very handsome IMO and its a WIN for VW.

• Wed Jun 18 2008 11:34 AM

  NoNameDenton says

  Still prefer the new designs that SEAT has been showing

• Wed Jun 18 2008 11:36 AM

  Michael says

  I agree with Ayax on "Looks are dependent on your taste"
  but I agree more with craigs on "The back of this car is simply put, disgusting!"
  S3....I live to dream that car as I can never afford it

• Sun Jun 22 2008 9:06 PM

  NaBUru38 says

  With this Scirocco in the market, is there any point for a three-door Golf VI?