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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
via:carscoop
