Volkswagen has released the first official images of their fourth generation Scirocco which hardly matters since it probably will not be sold here
Paving the way
To say that the first generation Volkswagen Scirocco was a revelation is an understatement.
Like the Karmann Ghia before it that transformed the lowly Beetle into a sporty two-plus-two coupe and convertible, the Scirocco was able to add a large helping of style and performance to its more plebian platform-mate, the Golf/Rabbit.
First introduced in 1975, it would also help pave the way (by convincing the German manufacturer that Americans would pay more money for better performance) for the eventual U.S. production of the 1983 GTI in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania.
After shifting GTI production to Mexico, VW eventually closed Westmoreland in 1988, the same year it stopped selling the Scirocco in the U.S.
While a new generation Scirocco was introduced in Europe, it was replaced on this side of the pond by the better performing but more expensive Corrado, a model that sold in lower volume that VW stopped importing in 1994.
The Scirocco
Meanwhile, the Scirocco continued to be sold in Europe until 1992 when it, too, was supplanted by the Corrado. But in 2006, VW announced a third generation Scirocco was in the works. In 2008 it was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show with production commencing later that year and no plans to import it over here.
We now fast forward six years to the current Geneva Show where Volkswagen will unveil the fourth generation Scirocco.
As of this writing, Volkswagen sales here in the United States are nearly as stagnant as its model lineup, yet even with the release of images of the new Scirocco yesterday, it's fairly certain that, like the Up and Polo, VW will not be importing its newest and hottest coupe into the U.S. despite the fact that, in addition to Europe, it will be exported to China, Argentina, Turkey, Australia, Russia and even South Korea.
Based on the latest Golf platform, the images show that the design speaks for itself. Headlights will be either H7 or bi-xenon with LED daytime running lights and taillights. 17-inch "Long Beach" alloy wheels are standard while 17-inch "Shanghai" and 18-inch "Lisbon" and "Salvador" as well as 18-inch and 19-inch "Talladega" alloy wheels will be offered as options.
There will also be 13 exterior color choices ranging from "Pure White" to "Pyramid Gold."
Inside, new materials include "Matthew" (a tartan design with titanium black seat surfaces), "Greg" Alcantara in "Ceramique", "Deep Mocca" and "Titanium Black" hues as well as "Vienna" leather in "Ceramique", "Sioux" or "black in carbon style."
The top trim level, the Scirocco R, features such amenities as a special interior, unique front and rear fascias, black brake calipers with "R" logos and matte chrome exterior mirror housings.
Inside, the R features "Race" seat covers with "R" logos, a black headliner, "Carbon Race" inlays, "Piano Black" radio faceplate, steering wheel and door handle trim as well as stainless steel pedals.
Engines
The heart and soul of any performance vehicle is the engine and buyers of the fourth-gen Scirocco will have a choice of up to six, including four turbocharged petrol versions (TSI) with direct injection and two turbocharged oil burners (TDI) including:
1.4 TSI: 123hp; 44 mpg
2.0 TSI: 178hp; 39 mpg
2.0 TSI: 217hp; 39 mpg
2.0 TSI: 275hp; 29 mpg
2.0 TDI: 148hp; 57 mpg
2.0 TDI: 181hp; 55 mpg