Scirocco Studie R
#1
03-21-2009 | 09:07 AM
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Scirocco Studie R
source: Jamie Vondruska
The thinly disguised Scirocco "Studie R" that you see here, is in fact basically the European Scirocco R model. Expected to arrive in Europe during 2009, the Scirocco R model will be built at the factory in Portugal which is *not* equipped to produce all-wheel-drive models. This means that the 270hp 2.0T will be putting power down through front wheels only, albeit with a new limited slip system. That's the bad news.
Good news is that those that have driven the car say that the system puts power down fairly effectively and the car is high on the fun-to-drive meter. Think of the best traits of the GTI and make it wider and lower and you have a fair idea of what the car is like.
So the burning question: will it come to America? Well... At the Paris Auto Show I had a chance to sit down with VWoA's current ruling leader, Stefan Jacoby and had a good time talking about VW's future plans. He asked me what I thought of a high trim-level Scirocco, perhaps in "R" sport trim, 265hp, sport seats, big brakes, etc., etc. My first question was if all-wheel-drive is part of the equation (it isn't) and the second was price. Since the Scirocco is really just a sportier GTI, there is the very real possibility that it could cannibalize GTI sales. VW would likely position the Scirocco at a starting price north of $30k to distance it from the GTI which puts it on shaky ground. Selling the Scirocco at a price point potentially $10,000 more expensive than a MazdaSpeed 3 is a very tough proposition. I'd like to see cool stuff like the Scirocco as much as anyone else, but I also want a car like this to be *successful* so we see more of them in the future. While the die-hard faithful will buy a few of them, I fear that we'll have the Golf VI R32 all over again where the remaining surplus of cars languishes on dealer lots and need big incentives to move them.
At this point a final decision hasn't been reached and almost anything could happen given the state of the car industry and the economy in general. We'll keep you posted as soon as we hear something, but feel free to chime in with your opinion in our forums.
Volkswagen AG Press Release:
It was a triumphant drive: in May 2008, three Scirocco GT24 cars lined up at the start of the 24-hour endurance race on the Nürburgring track. At the wheel: driving legends the likes of Hans-Joachim Stuck and Carlos Sainz. The teams drove two 238 kW / 325 PS strong race cars to a dual victory at the finish line, first and second in their class. Now Volkswagen is presenting a street version of the race car at the Bologna Motor Show: the Scirocco Studie R. A genuine Grand Tourismo with a 198 kW / 270 PS engine that delivers aggressive propulsive power. This power is distributed by a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Adapted directly from car racing are the coilovers, the four-piston brake calipers and a sound-optimized exhaust system with its oval, polished tailpipes.
Visually, in many respects the concept emulates the race car version. Take the front end, for example: here the design adheres to the motto “Form follows function”; it features three large air inlet openings that guarantee optimal cooling of the brakes and engine. The front splitter that was added minimizes aerodynamic lift of the front axle. Also adopted from the racing version is the engine hood with its auxiliary air vents.
The rear end is dominated by an integrated rear wing and distinctive diffuser in the lower section of the bumper. These two components reduce lift at the rear axle substantially. Despite the aerodynamic design derived from car racing, a clear stylistic resemblance to the production Scirocco was preserved. Identifying characteristics of its side profile are the new side skirts and polished 19-inch alloy wheels with five sets of triple spokes. The wheels were specially developed for the Scirocco Studie R.
The radiator screen, diffuser and underside of the rear spoiler are treated in high-gloss black, and this provides a strong contrast to the white exterior paint. Supplemented by a “Bologna 08” badge, red and green stylistic elements on a white background create an Italian tricolor. The outside mirrors are also coordinated with this color scheme.
Interior
Italy’s national colors are also represented in the interior. White and black create the basic theme, similar to the exterior car color. The seams of the Recaro racing shell seats, steering wheel, front armrest, gearshift lever trim and floor mat edging are designed in the colors of the tricolor. Inside, nappa leather in “Deep black” and “Berry white” is applied to the uncompromisingly designed racing shell seat. The shell seats are upholstered with a deep black leather in carbon look. An eye-catching feature here is the conspicuous yet refined contrast of low and high-gloss elements of the carbon structure. Interior accents also consist of genuine carbon composites. The footwell features aluminum pedals specially designed for this vehicle.
The thinly disguised Scirocco "Studie R" that you see here, is in fact basically the European Scirocco R model. Expected to arrive in Europe during 2009, the Scirocco R model will be built at the factory in Portugal which is *not* equipped to produce all-wheel-drive models. This means that the 270hp 2.0T will be putting power down through front wheels only, albeit with a new limited slip system. That's the bad news.
Good news is that those that have driven the car say that the system puts power down fairly effectively and the car is high on the fun-to-drive meter. Think of the best traits of the GTI and make it wider and lower and you have a fair idea of what the car is like.
So the burning question: will it come to America? Well... At the Paris Auto Show I had a chance to sit down with VWoA's current ruling leader, Stefan Jacoby and had a good time talking about VW's future plans. He asked me what I thought of a high trim-level Scirocco, perhaps in "R" sport trim, 265hp, sport seats, big brakes, etc., etc. My first question was if all-wheel-drive is part of the equation (it isn't) and the second was price. Since the Scirocco is really just a sportier GTI, there is the very real possibility that it could cannibalize GTI sales. VW would likely position the Scirocco at a starting price north of $30k to distance it from the GTI which puts it on shaky ground. Selling the Scirocco at a price point potentially $10,000 more expensive than a MazdaSpeed 3 is a very tough proposition. I'd like to see cool stuff like the Scirocco as much as anyone else, but I also want a car like this to be *successful* so we see more of them in the future. While the die-hard faithful will buy a few of them, I fear that we'll have the Golf VI R32 all over again where the remaining surplus of cars languishes on dealer lots and need big incentives to move them.
At this point a final decision hasn't been reached and almost anything could happen given the state of the car industry and the economy in general. We'll keep you posted as soon as we hear something, but feel free to chime in with your opinion in our forums.
Volkswagen AG Press Release:
It was a triumphant drive: in May 2008, three Scirocco GT24 cars lined up at the start of the 24-hour endurance race on the Nürburgring track. At the wheel: driving legends the likes of Hans-Joachim Stuck and Carlos Sainz. The teams drove two 238 kW / 325 PS strong race cars to a dual victory at the finish line, first and second in their class. Now Volkswagen is presenting a street version of the race car at the Bologna Motor Show: the Scirocco Studie R. A genuine Grand Tourismo with a 198 kW / 270 PS engine that delivers aggressive propulsive power. This power is distributed by a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Adapted directly from car racing are the coilovers, the four-piston brake calipers and a sound-optimized exhaust system with its oval, polished tailpipes.
Visually, in many respects the concept emulates the race car version. Take the front end, for example: here the design adheres to the motto “Form follows function”; it features three large air inlet openings that guarantee optimal cooling of the brakes and engine. The front splitter that was added minimizes aerodynamic lift of the front axle. Also adopted from the racing version is the engine hood with its auxiliary air vents.
The rear end is dominated by an integrated rear wing and distinctive diffuser in the lower section of the bumper. These two components reduce lift at the rear axle substantially. Despite the aerodynamic design derived from car racing, a clear stylistic resemblance to the production Scirocco was preserved. Identifying characteristics of its side profile are the new side skirts and polished 19-inch alloy wheels with five sets of triple spokes. The wheels were specially developed for the Scirocco Studie R.
The radiator screen, diffuser and underside of the rear spoiler are treated in high-gloss black, and this provides a strong contrast to the white exterior paint. Supplemented by a “Bologna 08” badge, red and green stylistic elements on a white background create an Italian tricolor. The outside mirrors are also coordinated with this color scheme.
Interior
Italy’s national colors are also represented in the interior. White and black create the basic theme, similar to the exterior car color. The seams of the Recaro racing shell seats, steering wheel, front armrest, gearshift lever trim and floor mat edging are designed in the colors of the tricolor. Inside, nappa leather in “Deep black” and “Berry white” is applied to the uncompromisingly designed racing shell seat. The shell seats are upholstered with a deep black leather in carbon look. An eye-catching feature here is the conspicuous yet refined contrast of low and high-gloss elements of the carbon structure. Interior accents also consist of genuine carbon composites. The footwell features aluminum pedals specially designed for this vehicle.
#2
03-21-2009 | 09:10 AM
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I personally never thought that I would fall in love with a VW after the Corrado but this car definitely blew me away especially after driving a modded GTi and realized what would the Scirocco do with its handling. Definitely would not mind getting it as a daily driver.
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#8
10-22-2009 | 01:33 PM
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The streets are flooding with these locally (not this special edition, but the normal ones) because it costs the same as a GTi but looks ten times better. I saw a white one with smooth 997 Turbo wheels, looked so smooth. I bet the owner was smooth too 
