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Volkswagen

Volkswagen gives new Scirocco R more power

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Volkswagen has released details for its updated Scirocco range. In Australia we only need to focus on the Scirocco R, pictured above with its refreshed styling.

For European markets, at least, the Scirocco R now has 206kW (280PS), up from 195kW in the previous model. Although, for Australia’s “hot climate” conditions the Scirocco R was detuned to 188kW. It’s unclear if we’ll see the full 206kW when the new Scirocco goes on sale here.

The most noticeable changes to the styling of the Scirocco R are with the headlights and tailights. Up front the new bi-xenon lights now include LED daytime running lights in the main cluster. The rear lights get the LED treatment as well.

In addition to those changes the front and rear bumper sections have been restyled with a more aggressive look. New Cadiz alloy wheels from the Golf R are fitted in 18″ as standard and can also be optioned in 19″ sizing.

The Scirocco R now has larger 17″ brakes as standard. Also included now is Volkswagen’s XDS diff lock, which aims to help keep the front wheels and their 206kW under control.

Inside it’s much the same as before, although slightly restyled, of course. The steering wheel from the Mk7 GTI has been used and there are now three auxiliary gauges atop the central dash. The boost gauge and oil temp will be the most welcome.

The new Scirocco goes on sale in Europe next month and the press release tells us Australia will follow “soon afterwards”.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Scirocco facelift coming soon

Volkswagen Scirocco prototype

It would seem we’re going to see a facelifted Scirocco before we get an all-new Mk4 model, if this spy shot is anything to go by. Interestingly, the Scirocco prototype was seen in the US, where the car isn’t currently sold.

The rear of the car is basically untouched, while only the headlights and lower grille are disguised. This tends to indicate any changes to the current Mk3 Scirocco are likely to minor cosmetic enhancements.

The fourth-gen Scirocco is not expected before 2015. It’s not clear why VW would test the facelifted car in the States where they say it “was not engineered for this market; it never was.” Although, they say will consider the model after it has been launched.

[Source: World Car Fans | Pic: Automedia]

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Volkswagen

Next-gen VW Scirocco to take different path

Volkswagen Scirocco R

For a while there the Volkswagen Scirocco was the ‘it’ car of the moment. It’s dramatic swooping lines were (and still are) a welcome breath of fresh air for the normally reserved VW family.

The only downside, we could see, was that the moment had passed by the time Volkswagen Australia delivered the Scirocco R (almost three years after its European release).

In the planning for the new model Volkswagen’s design boss Walter de Silva says the next-generation Scirocco will be another step forward in terms of its design.

Speaking to Car Advice at the New York Auto Show, de Silva said: “It must be completely different. Completely.”

It’s still early days for the new Scirocco, which has been given the green light for production and de Silva adds the brief is still open.

“We don’t want to repeat the body style of the Scirocco, we want to change that.

“At the moment it’s only a studio [project]. It’s not defined at the moment.

“We are still working … but we are looking 360 degrees.”

Fingers crossed the new Scirocco is as great looking as the current model and that Volkswagen Australia doesn’t torture us again with ‘yes we will’, ‘no we won’t’ deliberations.

[Source: Car Advice]

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen Scirocco R lands in Australia

Volkswagen Scirocco R

If you’re a fan of the Volkswagen Scirocco R then your ship has come in; literally. Volkswagen Australia sent out an email yesterday advising prospective customers that the first officially imported Scirocco R models have arrived and now they’ve posted an image gallery to prove it.

Prices and specs for Australian delivered Scirocco R models were announced by Volkswagen in September. As a quick reminder you’ll need $47,490 for a 6-speed manual and $49,990 if you want a 6-speed DSG. Of course, you’ll also need to add taxes and associated on road costs to those manufacturer’s list prices.

Here at AUSmotive we’ve been big fans of the Scirocco ever since it was first launched in 2008. Indeed, we even suggested you get in touch with VW Aus to see if they could get a wriggle on for the sexy coupé.

Well, it’s taken over three years, but the Scirocco is here and we can’t wait to drive it!

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Volkswagen

VW Scirocco R – Australian pricing & specs

Volkswagen at AIMS 2011

Volkswagen Australia has released pricing and full specification details for the long awaited Scirocco R. Available with a 6 speed manual for $47,490 or DSG for $49,990 the Scirocco R undercuts the launch pricing of the 3 door Golf R model it is replacing by $1000.

Powered by the same 188kW 2.0 litre turbo four cylinder from the Golf R, the front-wheel drive Scirocco R with DSG can reach 100km/h in 6.0 seconds (6.2s manual). If you behave yourself Volkswagen reckon you’ll use fuel at the rate of 8.2l/100km (8.1l/100km manual).

Options are limited to premium audio, sat nav and a panoramic sunroof. Although, you can also option the multispoke design of the 19″ Sagitta wheels over the standard 19″ Talladega alloys (pictured). Worth noting that no leather option is being offered at this stage and the standard tyre size for the Scirocco R is 235/35/19.

We advise you choose any of the following five colours over the Viper Green metallic paint you see here: Candy White, Rising Blue metallic (our choice), Reflex Silver metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect or Iridium Grey metallic. Volkswagen is kindly throwing in the sparkles too, so there’s no extra charge for any of those colours.

The Scirocco R can be ordered at your local Volkswagen dealer now and a batch of demonstrator models will arrive in late December. The first batch of fresh orders is expected to arrive in Australia around February 2012.

Full details from Volkswagen can be read after the break.

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Volkswagen

Volkswagen reminds us the Scirocco R is coming

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Even though we fear the horse has bolted, Volkswagen Australia is keen to remind us the Scirocco R is finally headed for Australia. We brought you this news back in April, but now VW is drip feeding some basic specs prior to the car making its local debut at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne.

As expected peak power for Australian spec falls in line with the detuned Audi S3 and Golf R engines. Which means the 2.0 litre TSI will boast 188kW (down from the 195kW offered in cooler climates). Maximum torque is 330Nm (down from 350Nm).

Unlike the aforementioned cars the Scirocco R is front-wheel drive only. To help counter any traction issues it will come standard with an Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL) as seen in the Golf GTI. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a worthy addition.

Also welcome is news Adaptive Chassis Control will be a standard feature down under. This enables drivers to choose from three suspension settings; Normal, Comfort and Sport. Given the car will be fitted with 19″ Talladega alloys this should help save unplanned visits to the chiropractor.

Apart from the expected motor show appearance the Scirocco is not planned to launch until 2012. More detail form VW Aus after the break.

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Ford Volkswagen

VIDEO: Volkswagen Scirocco R v Ford Focus RS

Here is an old review from Autocar comparing the Scirocco R and Ford Focus RS. It first appeared on AUSmotive back in November 2009.

At the time neither car was available in Australia. However, the Focus RS has been on sale down under since late last year—don’t believe the hype, either, there’s still plenty for sale. Of course, we now know the Scirocco R will be in Australia early next year.

So, then, with renewed relevance, let’s take a look at what seasoned reviewer Steve Sutcliffe thought when he drove the two cars back to back.

Categories
Volkswagen

CONFIRMED: Scirocco R coming to Australia

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Great news for fans of the Volkswagen Scirocco with confirmation today that the range-topping R version will launch in Australia early next year. Ahead of its local launch, the Scirocco R will be on display at this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne (1-10 July).

Proving that you have to give a little to get a little, Volkswagen will make space in its Australian product range by removing the three-door Golf R from its line up. While pricing details are yet to be confirmed, we can probably expect the front-wheel drive only Scirocco R to slot in under the $50K bracket. Currently the Golf R 3dr is priced from $48,490.

The Scirocco R uses the same 2.0 litre turbocharged motor found in the Golf R. It’s worth noting that the Scirocco R is more than 100kg lighter than the Golf R and its handling is said to offer a few more thrills as a result. In Euro markets the Scirocco R is rated at 195kW, however, we anticipate our warm climate will see that spec reduced to 188kW, as is the case with the Golf R and Audi S3.

Availability of the all-wheel drive Golf R 5dr will remain unaffected by the introduction of the curvaceous Scirocco.

We’re massive fans of the Scirocco here at AUSmotive and while we welcome this news with great anticipation we do wonder, three years after the Scirocco first launched overseas, if it’s all a bit too late? We’d love to hear what you think.

[Source: Drive.com.au | Thanks to Al for the tip]

UPDATE: Volkswagen has set up a web portal allowing people to register their interest in the Scirocco R.

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Volkswagen

VW Australia boss raises Scirocco hopes

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Volkswagen Australia Managing Directo, Anke Koeckler, has lifted the hopes of local Scirocco fans by virtually confirming the car could be a surprise arrival in 2011.

Speaking to media at the launch of the Polo GTI Koeckler said, “It’s an amazing car, and I love this car as well—that’s why I’m working on that.

“It’s probably more a matter of when [it arrives].”

It’s likely the Scirocco would be brought in R specification only, which means a front-wheel drive 195kW/350Nm engine spec, outstripping the Australian spec Golf R by 7kW/20Nm.

The Scirocco has been available in Australia for some time now, but only as a non-factory import via a specialist importer. It’s a gorgeous looking car, but has the hype died down too much and the horse already bolted? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

[Source: Drive.com.au | Thanks to Peter for the tip]

Categories
Volkswagen

First Volkswagen Scirocco R arrives in Australia

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Back in March AUSmotive exclusively revealed news that the Volkswagen Scirocco could be imported to Australia under Federal Government’s Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme. Under the conditions of the limited approval only two models of Scirocco are eligible, the top of the range Scirocco R and the Scirocco 2.0T.

As the image above shows the first Scirocco R to be imported to Australia under this scheme has now arrived in Sydney. The car was shown at an invitation only preview this morning at Scuderia Imports in conjunction with City Performance Centre.

AUSmotive could not be there but thanks to readers Eddie and Nathan we can bring you these pics. The Scirocco is a fantastic looking car and one has to question why Volkswagen Australia continues to sit on its hands in regards to official imports of this model.

As to the future of this first Australian Scirocco R, AUSmotive understands the owner has big plans for the car. Once it’s ready to go, expect to hear about it—it should be very special and definitely unique.

Categories
Volkswagen

Official: Volkswagen R GmbH announced

Volkswagen Scirocco R

Volkswagen have announced the formation of a new performance division; titled Volkswagen R GmbH. The company will be based in Warmenau, a few kilometres from VW’s Wolfsburg headquarters. Today’s news confirms speculation which first came to light in late January.

With over 350 staff assigned to the program Volkswagen R will assume responsibility for existing models such as the Golf R and Scirocco R as well as the R Line and Volkswagen Exclusive range of cosmetic enhancements (generally not available in Australia).

The scope of Volkswagen R appears to closely mirror quattro GmbH’s role for stablemate Audi. So let’s hope we see a few more cars adorned with R badging and the associated performance upgrades. Australian customers should get their first look at the 188kW Golf R in a few months when it goes on local sale.