Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R adds spice to Bologna

Regular AUSmotive readers will know the Scirocco holds a place high on our wish list of cars to bring to Australia. This desire was heightened further by the recent release of the Scirocco Studie R at the Bologna Motor Show.

Based on the class-winning Scirocco GT24 from the Nürburgring 24 hour race earlier this year, the Studie R has a few tweaks over the standard Scirocco that are good, and a few that are, well, not so good. To be fair, the not so good is limited mainly to the carbon fibre dash inserts. The rear valance is not as successful as one might hope for either, but these sins can be forgiven on learning that the car has a 198kW 2-litre turbo engine, some seriously cool race-style leather seats, race-inspired coilover suspension and four-pot brakes up front.

The splashes of colour pay homage to the Italian flag and the location of this world premiere.

The Studie R just looks the duck’s guts (that’s good, by the way, very good). It’s been said before about the Scirocco on this website, and I dare say it will be said again—Volkswagen Australia, please bring the Scirocco to Australia!

Bologna Motor Show 2008

World premiere II: the new Scirocco Studie R

• From car racing to the street: In May 2008, two Scirocco GT24 race cars finished first and second in their class at the 24-hour race on the Nürburgring track. Now Volkswagen is presenting a street version of the race car at the Bologna Motor Show: the Scirocco Studie R has a 198 kW / 270 PS engine for everyday practicality, yet it still delivers aggressive propulsive power. This power is distributed by a 6-speed dual clutch transmission. Adapted directly from car racing are the coilovers, four-piston brake calipers and a sound-optimized exhaust system.
• Visually, the concept car emulates the racing version to a great extent. An homage to Italy: the tri-colors of the motor show host country are represented by green, white and red elements of both the exterior and interior.