Volkswagen Reconsidering Scirocco and Phaeton for the U.S. Market

Earlier this month, Volkswagen announced that it’s going to expand its North American SUV lineup in order to catch up to GM and Toyota and triple its U.S. sales by 2018. However, the automaker also wants to boost its image, so it may bring back the Scirocco coupe and Phaeton sedan to the States.

In an interview in Washington, Jonathan Browning, head of Volkswagen’s U.S. operations, told Bloomberg News that the company is exploring the idea of selling the two models in the U.S. “We will reconsider bringing the Phaeton back to the U.S. in the next product cycle,” said Mr. Browning who added that no final decision has been made yet.

While not a bad car, the Phaeton had a short-lived career in the U.S., which ended in 2006. It seems that American buyers just couldn’t get used to the idea of a Mercedes S-Class rival with a Volkswagen badge. On the other hand, the Scirocco was successful in the U.S. during the 1970s and 1980s, so to this day, many are wondering why VW chose not to import the latest generation of the coupe model. In Europe, the Scirocco is offered with a variety of powertrains ranging from a 52.3 mpg 140HP diesel to a 265HP 2.0-liter turbo in the sporty 'R' model.

The Scirocco and Phaeton are not expected to offer a lot in terms of sales, but rather to provide an image boost for the company. The real “earners” will have to be models such as the new Jetta and Passat.

“VW wants to capture U.S. buyers by rolling out more emotional cars and the Scirocco certainly fits that category,” said Frank Schwope, a NordLB analyst in Hanover. “In terms of volume sales, the Scirocco and Phaeton are only decorative accents, they won’t be crucial for VW’s goal to greatly increase deliveries”.

Source: Bloomberg

READ MORE - Volkswagen Reconsidering Scirocco and Phaeton for the U.S. Market

JE Design gives the VW Scirocco 2.0 TDI Wings

Banking on the popularity of diesel models in Europe, JE Design has presented a comprehensive tuning package for the VW Scirocco 2.0 TDI coupe that even includes a pair of Lamborghini-style scissor doors. For the basic version of the 2.0-liter diesel engine, the tuner offers a kit that boosts output from 140HP to 180HP and peak torque from 320Nm to 400Nm. In this case, top speed increases from to 213km/h or 132mph (+5km/h) while acceleration from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) is reduced by 0.9sec to 8.4 sec.

The most potent version of the 2.0 TDI that makes 170HP in stock form receives a 35HP and 60Nm bump to 205HP and 410Nm launching the Scirocco from standstill to 100km/h in 7.1sec (-0.7sec) and on to a tp speed of 229km/h or 143mph (+7km/h). The upgrade price for the 140HP motor is €1,249 and for the 170HP version, €1,449.

For those that would like to spice up the Scirocco's appearance, JS Design offers a complete bodykit for €919 that includes a front spoiler with carbon fiber trim, side skirts with air intakes (optionally available in carbon fiber) and a rear diffuser that houses a pair of chrome tailpipes. The LSD doors are priced from €1,559.

The package is rounded off with a suspension kit that lowers the height of the vehicle by 30mm (€219), a sport exhaust system (€899) and a set of 19-inch alloy wheels in silver (€2,810) or graphite (€2,930) wrapped in 235/25 R19 rubber.

READ MORE - JE Design gives the VW Scirocco 2.0 TDI Wings

HS Motorsport VW Scirocco 'Remis': Limited Edition with up to 320HP

The VW Scirocco seems to be a huge hit among German European tuners as we see new proposals coming out by the dozen. The tuner's at HS Motorsport even created a special edition version of the German coupe called 'Remis' that will be produced in a limiter run. Using the Scirocco with the 200HP 2.0-liter TSI engine as a base, the tuner offers the Remis in two guises, with outputs of 290HP and 320HP. Both variants come with a newly developed exhaust system that promises to notify your neighbors every time you come home.

Other mechanical mods include a new H&R coilover kit and upgraded brake system from Brembo, plus 20-inch black alloy wheels with white outer rims that are shod in Vredestein rubber (245/30 ZR20).

Of course no tuning proposal is complete without styling updates and as such, HK Motorsports has outfitted the Scirocco Remis with a complete bodykit consisting of a carbon-fiber front and rear bumpers, and side skirts. The Remis is offered exclusively in a two-tone color scheme that combines a white body with a black rooftop.

Interior appointments include front and rear Recaro bucket seats and full leather treatment with special door panel inserts.

READ MORE - HS Motorsport VW Scirocco 'Remis': Limited Edition with up to 320HP

Craigslist Scam of the Day: 2008 VW Scirocco Coupe for $9,600

Volkswagen officials may have denied North American consumers the opportunity to buy the new Scirocco, but luckily for us there's "Kate Beckham" who is offering two pristine, low mile examples of the German coupe through Craigslist for a mere $9,600 and $9,000 - the latter, a TDI model with an automatic transmission. Talk about a crystal clear scam - though don't be surprised if someone actually contacted the seller who has posted the car on several Craigslist hubs including Las Vegas, Philadelphia and Las Vegas.

READ MORE - Craigslist Scam of the Day: 2008 VW Scirocco Coupe for $9,600

VIDEO: 2010 VW Scirocco R 265HP Presentation at the Nurburgring

Parallel to the start of the 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring at the end of May, Volkswagen staged the world debut of its hottest Scirocco model ever that comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot cranking out 265HP and 350Nm of torque. This video that was shot during the presentation event includes the first driving footage of the new Scirocco R on the 'Ring as well as interviews with VW officials. Bear in mind though that the interviews are in German - and yes, those of you out there 'sprechen die Deutsche', feel free to enlighten us with your bilingual skills.

READ MORE - VIDEO: 2010 VW Scirocco R 265HP Presentation at the Nurburgring

New VW Scirocco BlueMotion returns 62.8 mpg UK

Volkswagen is upping the fuel economy ante in the UK with the presentation of new Scirocco and Passat CC diesel range that benefit from the firm's BlueMotion Technology.

Starting with VW's proposal in the compact coupe segment, all entry-level and GT trim models with the 2.0-litre 140HP diesel engine now feature BlueMotion Technology modifications, which include Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, thus helping to create the cleanest and most fuel efficient Scirocco to date.

When combined with a six speed manual gearbox, fuel economy on the Scirocco 2.0 TDI 140HP is improved from 55.4 mpg to 62.8 mpg UK on the combined cycle (51.4 to 57.6 DSG), while CO2 emissions drop down from 134 g/km to 118 g/km (145 to 129 DSG).

The German company also announced updates to the more powerful 2.0-litre TDI 170HP engine fitted to the Scirocco GT. These changes result in fuel economy figures improving from 53.3 mpg to 55.4 mpg UK for the manual gearbox model (50.4 to 51.4 DSG) and CO2 emissions reducing from 139 to 134 g/km (147 to 144 for DSG) .

The Passat CC line-up also sees BlueMotion Technology models with regenerative braking and Start/Stop systems replacing existing diesel versions. The updates help the 2.0-litre TDI 140HP Passat CC achieve a combined 60.1 mpg UK, up from 50.4, while CO2 emissions are reduced to 125 g/km, down from 146 g/km.

The 170HP version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine also boasts improved figures with fuel economy up to 57.6 mpg UK (51.4 DSG) and emissions down to 129 g/km (144 DSG).

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

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READ MORE - New VW Scirocco BlueMotion returns 62.8 mpg UK

VW Scirocco R with 265HP 2.0 TSI: Official Photos and Details

The high-performance 'R' version of the Scirocco that was previewed as a concept study at last year's Bologna Motor Show has finally been revealed in production form. The new Scirocco R is powered by a reworked version of the previous Golf GTI V's 2.0-liter engine boasting a higher pressure turbocharger as well as other modifications such as new intercooler that help boost output to 265HP and 350Nm or 258.2-lbs/ft of torque. The reason why VW chose the older generation 'EA113' four-pot over the Golf GTI VI's newer 2.0 TSI codenamed 'EA888' is said to concern the lower development costs.

Expect to see the same direct-injection four-pot replacing the previous Golf R32's 250HP 3.2-liter V6 in the still under-development, Golf R sport hatch or as it may be called, R20. Not surprisingly, the 265HP 2.0 TSI is mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox and optionally, to a twin-clutch DSG semi-automatic transmission.

Marking a departure from the other 'R' models, the hot Scirocco is not equipped with an all-wheel drive system as VW preferred to retain the coupe's front wheel drive layout. This solution helps keep the weight down to around 1,330 kg or 2,932 lbs.

According to the German firm, the Scirocco R hits the 100km/h (62mph) mark in 6.5 seconds (6.4'' with the DSG) and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h or 155mph. In comparison, the the 0-100km/h sprint times for the 2010 Golf GTI and the last Golf R32 4Motion are 6.9 seconds and 6.5 seconds respectively.

Beneath the sheetmetall, Volkswagen's engineers upgraded the standard Scirocco's chassis with a lower suspension that features new dampers and springs, beefier brake discs all around measuring 345mm up front and 310mm at the back plus a new electronic XDS differential as found in the latest Golf GTI.

The mechanical upgrades are complemented by a new aero package that may be less aggressively styled than the one featured on the concept study, but nonetheless, it does its job to distinguish the coupe from its less sportier siblings. The bodykit consists of a chunkier front bumper that houses larger air vents as well as LED daytime running lights, side skirts, new grille, roof spoiler, restyled rear bumper and smoked tail lights. The R model sits on newly designed 18-inch five-spoke rims while customers can also opt for 19-inch alloys.

Inside, the hot Scirocco sports a set of front bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel with a flattened bottom featuring the 'R' logo, aluminum decorative trim here and there plus subtly restyled instrument dials.

The new Scirocco R is scheduled to arrive in European showrooms in the beginning of fall 2009. Sadly for U.S consumers, Volkswagen has no plans at the moment to import the sports coupe in the country.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - VW Scirocco R with 265HP 2.0 TSI: Official Photos and Details

APP Europe Tunes Up the VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI to 261HP

If you're the type of person who prefers modifying their car with accessories and performance parts collected from various firms instead from one company, then APP Europe just might save you the trouble if you're into the VW Scirocco coupe. The German tuning boutique has put together a Scirocco 2.0TSI using parts from Rieger Tuning, KW Automotive, Wimmer Rennsporttechnik, CFC and MR Car Design.

The Scirocco's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine benefits from an upgraded ECU that costs €2,500 or US$3,300, courtesy of Wimmer Rensporttechnik, that boosts output from 200HP to 261HP and peak torque from 280Nm(206 lbs-ft) to 380Nm (280 lbs-ft) allowing the coupe to reach a top speed of 263km/h or 164mph.

Furthermore, the Scirocco gains a sport exhaust system from MR Car Design (€1,599 or US$2,100) while the same company also provided a new limited slip differential (35%) for €2,990 or US$3,950. These changes call for an update on the DSG's software that will cost you an another €890 or US$1,180.

Braking power is provided by APP's high performance brake system (€3,220 or US$4,260) with 4-pistons and two-part slotted discs sized 355x32 mm while KW Automotive is the company of choice for a set of coilovers (€1,529 or US$2,020).

The new bodykit that includes a front apron (€599 or US$792), side skirts (€328 or US$433) and a rear apron with an integrated diffuser (€329 or US$435) is from Rieger. The optic highlights such as the black roof and red pin stripes are from CFC (prices weren't announced).

Last but not least, APP Europe equips the Scirocco with a set of 19-inch, 3-piece bi-colour aluminium wheels (complete set for €5,200 or US$6,870) wrapped in Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta high performance tires.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

READ MORE - APP Europe Tunes Up the VW Scirocco 2.0 TSI to 261HP