Sources have told AutoCar that Volkswagen is considering a fuel-efficient BlueMotion version of the Scirocco hatchback. The German automaker is planning to apply the BlueMotion technology to number of models in the next few years including the new compact Polo.

A Volkswagen source said that changes to the Scirocco will include a small diesel engine (possibly a 140-hp 1.6 TDI from the Golf BlueMotion), aerodynamic tweaks, low-resistance tires and different gear ratios. The changes should significantly help increase fuel-economy.

We’re hoping Volkswagen will offer some of its BlueMotion-ness in the United States.

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco:

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoCar

Last month, Volkswagen announced that it will be returning to the 24-Hour Race at the Nurburgring with the 300-hp Scirocco GT24-CNG. Today, the German automaker announced something we’ve all been waiting for a very long time. At the 24-Hour Race at the Nurburgring, Volkswagen will hold the world-premiere of the new 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R.

Power comes from a 2.0 TSI 4-cylinder engine making 265-hp with a maximum torque of 258 lb-ft.

Design of the 2009 Scirocco R is based on the Scirocco GT24, which made its Nurburgring debut last year. Pricing and availability details will be announced at a later date; however, don’t expect it to come to the United States.

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco R:

Press Release:

The new Scirocco R – From the race track to the road
Sports car has international debut at the Nürburgring

Wolfsburg / Nürburg, 20 May 2009 – There could not be a better time or place for a world premiere: parallel to the start of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring, Volkswagen is presenting the new Scirocco R for the first time anywhere. A sports car without compromise and a race track that demands everything of the driver will be meeting together this weekend.

Approximately one year after the market launch of the third Scirocco generation, Volkswagen is presenting the most powerful series built Scirocco ever made at the Nürburgring. Its charged four-cylinder 2.0 l TSI is impressive with an output of 195 kW / 265 PS and 350 Newton metres of torque – the dynamic effect is just as striking as the running gear which provides optimal traction characteristics thanks to, amongst other things, the new front axle differential lock XDS.

The design of the Scirocco R is largely based on the Scirocco GT24, which was designed for motor sports: there are large air intake openings in the front bumper which the engineers used to achieve optimal cooling for the engine and the brakes, and an integrated front spoiler as well as the bi-xenon headlights. At the rear end, the roof edge spoiler, which is much larger than on the standard model, a striking shining black diffuser and the chrome tailpipes of the dual exhaust system dominate the design. The side view of the vehicle is characterised by the powerful sill panels as well as the specially-designed 18″ alloy wheels “Talladega”.

Volkswagen will demonstrate the potential of the new Scirocco R during the 24- hour race with this racing version. With a total of five Sciroccos, driver teams including Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, member of the Volkswagen board of management for technical development, the rally world champion Carlos Sainz as well as this year’s Dakar winner Giniel de Villiers, will be at the start line.

Note: Comprehensive information on the 24-hour race can be found at www.volkswagen-motorsport.info.

- By: Kap Shah

Volkswagen announced today that it is adding a more powerful Scirocco GT TDI to the Scirocco lineup. Already available is the 2.0L TDI making 140-hp – the latest Scirocco GT TDI produces 170-hp mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG gearbox.

0 to 62 mph comes in 8.1 seconds with a top speed of 138-mph. Fuel-economy is estimated at 44 mpg on the combined cycle.

Prices start at £21,755 ($32,912 USD) for the manual and £23,060 ($34,886 USD) for the 6-speed DSG.

We’re still eager to get a get a gasoline-powered Scirocco.

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

SCIROCCO GT TDI 170PS COMBINES PERFORMANCE, STYLE AND ECONOMY

The new performance diesel variant of the Scirocco GT equipped with a 2.0-litre TDI 170PS engine is now available to order. Combining effortless acceleration, made possible by 258 lbs ft of torque delivered from 1,750 rpm, and the ability to return 53.3 mpg on the combined cycle, the new model mixes style, economy and sharp dynamics.

The refined and powerful 2.0-litre common rail TDI engine develops 170 PS at 4,200 rpm and is available linked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox. Both gearboxes accelerate the Scirocco to 62 mph from a standstill in 8.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 138 mph (DSG: 136), while emitting just 139 g/km (DSG: 147) of CO2.

The latest addition to the Scirocco range is available linked exclusively to the GT trim level and offers a comprehensive list of standard equipment including a six-CD autochanger, rain and dusk sensor, multifunction computer and 2Zone air conditioning. In terms of safety, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and six airbags are all standard.

For the first time new 19-inch ‘Lugano’ alloy wheels are available as an option.

As with all models in the Scirocco range, the new GT 2.0-litre TDI 170PS is fitted with Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) operating through pneumatic valves in the damper units. The system allows the driver to select from normal, comfort or sport modes to define the desired suspension and steering response settings for the conditions.

- By: Omar Rana

The 24-Hour Race at the Nurburgring will return on May 23/24 and Volkswagen will be returning to Green Hell with three Sciroccos. Volkswagen will feature two new Scirocco cars with natural gas engines. Last year, Volkswagen held a one-two victory in the 2.0L turbo-class right before the Scirocco’s market launch.

This time, the 2.0L Scirocco will be joined by two Scirocco GT24-CNG 2.0L turbo engines powered by a natural gas that helps it pump out 300-hp. Power will be transferred to the wheels via a 6-speed DSG gearbox with steering-wheel mounted paddle-shifters.

 The Scirocco GT24-CNG will make its debut on April 18th, at the Four-Hour Race on the “ring.”

Follow the jump for the press release.

Volkswagen Scirocco GT24-CNG:

Press Release:

VOLKSWAGEN RETURNS TO THE NÜRBURGRING WITH THE SCIROCCO GT24-CNG

At the 24-Hour Race on the Nürburgring on 23/24 May, Volkswagen will field two Scirocco cars with innovative natural gas engines. Following the historic one-two victory at the Dakar Rally in January, which Volkswagen won as the first automobile manufacturer using diesel technology in the event, the Wolfsburg brand is now taking on another technical challenge – the use of EcoFuel engines in the endurance test twice around the clock on the world’s most demanding race track.

The two Scirocco GT24-CNG 2.0-litre turbo engines powered by natural gas deliver nearly 300 hp. In addition, the “factory” team will field three further Scirocco GT24 cars powered by 2.0-litre turbo petrol engines in the classic endurance race at the “Green Hell” in the Eifel region in Western Germany.

Last year, Volkswagen clinched a one-two victory in the 2.0-litre turbo class even before the Scirocco’s market launch.

“The 24-Hour Race offers Volkswagen an exciting stage to demonstrate its technical capabilities and expertise,” says Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. “The Scirocco GT24 already proved its strengths as a dynamic sports coupe by clinching class victory in its debut race last year. In 2009, we are taking yet another step forwards by using two different engine concepts. We want to prove that Volkswagen offers different powertrain concepts, all of which excel in terms of high efficiency, dynamics and reliability. The Nordschleife and the 24-Hour Race provide an ideal test bed for this purpose.”

Engine technology: innovative and proven systems for the circuit marathon

For this acid test on the challenging Nordschleife, Volkswagen developed a CNG (compressed natural gas) version based on the 2.0-litre petrol engine that was victorious last year. The engineers primarily focused on the fuel induction system of the unit equipped with a turbocharger as well as on the balance between maximum exhaust gas temperature and full usage of the turbocharger’s potential in order to optimise both driveability and power output. The result: just under 300 hp and 350 Nm of torque which continue to be transmitted to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG gearbox operated by paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Natural gas as an efficient and clean source of power

The new generation of natural gas turbo engines takes full advantage of the high anti-knock quality of approx. 130 octane offered by natural gas fuel. This enables natural gas vehicles to achieve a level of driving dynamics unrivalled by any other alternative powertrain system. Furthermore, natural gas as a fuel is particularly eco-friendly as well as very cost-effective.

On average, natural gas vehicles reduce CO2 emissions by 25 per cent compared with conventional spark ignition engines. The combustion process generates almost no particulate matter or fine dust.

“Dakar” aces, “Nürburgring” experts and multi-talents: the drivers of the Scirocco GT24

In addition to these technological innovations, Volkswagen tackles the challenge of the “Green Hell” with interesting driver combinations. The two natural gas-powered Scirocco GT24-CNG cars will be driven by Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg (D), Board Member for Technical Development of the Volkswagen Brand, and journalists Bernd Ostmann (D), Peter Wyss (CH) and John Barker (GB) as well as touring car ace Peter Terting (D), Nordschleife expert Thomas Klenke (D), former DTM driver Vanina Ickx (B) and touring car legend Klaus Niedzwiedz (D), two-time overall winner of the 24 Hours on the Nürburgring.

The squad of one of the three petrol-powered Scirocco GT24 cars reflects the exploit achieved at the Dakar Rally: “Dakar” winner Giniel de Villiers (ZA), two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz (E) as well as Dieter Depping (D) will take turns at the wheel during their excursion from rally to circuit racing.

A true juniors’ foursome is formed by last year’s winners Jimmy Johansson (S) and Florian Gruber (D) as well as Nicki Thiim (DK) and Martin Karlhofer (A). In addition, the formula racing specialists Congfu Cheng (CN), Carlo van Dam (NL) and Franck Mailleux (F) as well as the two-time 24-H overall winner Altfrid Heger (D) will share another one of the cockpits of the 330 PS Scirocco GT24 cars.

A model of success returns: the Scirocco GT24 on the Nordschleife

The 2009 24-Hour Race on the Nürburgring will mark the return of the Scirocco GT24 to the scene of its success. Last year, the Scirocco experienced its competition debut even before its production counterpart started selling on the market. Jimmy Johansson (S), Florian Gruber (D), Thomas Mutsch (D) and Hans-Joachim Stuck (D) secured class victory in the ultra-competitive 2.0-litre turbo class (SP3T) in front of an audience of some 200,000 spectators. The one-two victory in the field of 219 touring cars that had started from the grid was completed by Carlos Sainz (E), Giniel de Villiers (ZA), Dieter Depping (D) and Hans-Joachim Stuck (D).

Tests and races to prepare for the 24-hour Nürburgring

In addition to tests, Volkswagen’s preparation for the 24-hour Nürburgring includes three races in the BFGoodrich Endurance Championship Nürburgring. The Scirocco GT24-CNG will make its debut on 18 April at the Four-Hour Race on the “ring”.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Volkswagen (via WCF)

It’s been rumored for some time now that Volkswagen is considering the Scirocco for the stateside. At the end of last year, we even heard reports that the Scirocco may come to the U.S. as a limited-edition high-performance hatchback so it doesn’t hurt the sales of the Golf or the GTI.

Unfortunately, according to Tom Wegehaupt, Volkswagen of America’s PR coordinator, plans to bring the Scirocco to the U.S. have been cancelled. Wegehaupt told AutoBlog that the company couldn’t make a business case for a U.S. Scirocco and feared that it may take away from the new 206-hp Volkswagen GTI.

Now, you can either settle for the GTI or you can call Volkswagen and express your anger.

Volkswagen Scriocco:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: AutoBlog

For more than 25 years, Siegen-based tuning firm B&B has been modifying Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. The newest tuning kit from B&B comes for the new Volkswagen Scirocco that gives the new V-dub hatchback a huge boost in power.

B&B’s engine program for the Volkswagen Scirocco consists of 6 stages that take the hatchback’s performance to new levels. For 998 euros, B&B can extract a total of 235-hp and 251 lb-ft of torque from the base model. The other five stages include outputs of 250-hp, 265-hp, 286-hp, 300-hp and 350-hp for the final EVO R stage. The B&B Volkswagen Scirocco EVO R can go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 170-mph.

B&B is also offering engine modifications for the 2.0 TDI Scirocco that takes output up to 210-hp and 240-hp for the 1.4 TSI.

The tuner is also offering several chassis upgrades and wheels ranging from 18 to 20 inches. Buyers can also modify the looks of their Scirocco with B&B aerodynamic parts.

B&B Volkswagen Scirocco EVO R:

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: WCF

There are some that say that there is no such thing as too much horsepower. So while your dreams of a production Scirocco Studie R Concept or a road-going version of the Scirocco GT24 won’t come true anytime soon, tuner Sportec will have to suffice in the meantime.

Sportec has introduced its SC 350 (and we’ll tell you in a minute what that 350 stands for*) with suspension and engine upgrades. Sportec engineers took a 200-hp 2.0L Scirocco and increased the output to anywhere from 240-hp to 350-hp*. The increase output was achieved through engine management chips, a Sportec turbocharger and intercooler. To keep it all under wraps, Sportec is offering a carbon engine cover as well. To enhance performance Sportec lowered the SC 350 by 35mm with adjustable shocks and performance springs.

The Sportec 350 rides on 20-inch lightweight Sportec Mono/10 wheels. Pricing has yet to be revealed but you can be sure we want one.

Click through for more images.

Sportec 350 – Volkswagen Scirocco:

Source: WCF

• •  JE Design offers new body kit and lowers the Scirocco.
• •  Adds 44-hp to the 2.0L TFSI engine.
• •  Throws on “Multi-spoke” 19-inch wheels.

JE Design has jumped on the bandwagon of offering Scirocco modifications and is offering a new tuning program that gives the Scirocco a new look, more power, and better handling.

The JE Design body kit, which sells for €919, adds a new front spoiler with a center spoiler with carbon-fiber look, new side skirts with air inlets, and a new rear spoiler that matches the other components also available in carbon-look. If you want to take it a step further, you can cash out an additional €1,549 for crash-tested gullwing doors and €899 for a new stainless steel muffler that comes with 2 oval pipes positioned at the center of the Scirocco’s rear. You can also opt for the 70 mm pipe diameter that increases horsepower by 11. €2,810 will get you 19-inch JE Design shadow silver wheels.

Power upgrades for the 2.0 TFSI Scirocco will costs you €1,249 and will give the hatchback a total of 244-hp – allowing it to go from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds. Performance can be further enhanced for €219 that will lower the Scirocco by 30mm.

Click through for more images (well actually just one more image).

JE Design Volkswagen Scirocco:

Source: WCF

• •  Your first look at the Scirocco R20T or Scirocco R (whatever they’ll call it).
• •  2.0 TFSI from Audi S3 making 270-hp.
• •  6-speed dual clutch transmission.
• •  Coileovers, 4-piston brake calipers, exhaust system from Scirocco GT24

While it doesn’t make an outstanding 325-hp like the Scirocco GT24, Volkswagen is presenting a street version of the race car at the 2008 Bologna Motor Show that is just 55-hp less. The new 270-hp Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R Concept is our first look at the production version of the Scirocco R20T we heard about earlier last week.

The Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R is in many ways inspired by the Scirocco GT24. The front end features three large air inlets that optimize cooling of the brakes and engine, the front splitter, and the engine hood with its air vents are also adopted from the race car. The back features a rear-wing, a distinctive diffuser, and a new rear-bumper. Along with new side skirts and polished 19-inch alloy wheels the Scirocco Studie R can be easily spotted in a crowd of Sciroccos.

Sources say that the production version of the Scirocco Studie R will have 80 percent of the visual aggressiveness of the Scirocco GT24. A market debut is expected in early 2010.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

Volkswagen Scirocco Studie R Concept:

The new Volkswagen Scirocco has been named ‘Car of the Year’ for 2008 by the road test team and journalists from Top Gear magazine. Judges were mainly impressed by the Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) feature that lets the Scirocco alter its suspension, steering and throttle response.

 ”The standard ACC system allows you to swap between soft and scythe at the touch of the button, giving you a spread of abilities far beyond what we’ve come to expect from the average car,” said the journalists from Top Gear. Judges called the new Scirocco ‘a common man’s exotic’ saying that it is a car that many can understand, appreciate and afford.

Prices in the UK start £18,790 for the entry level 1.4L TSI producing 122-hp. The other two TSI versions produce 160-hp and 200-hp respectively. A turbo-diesel TDI versions is also available producing a total of 140-hp.

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco:

According to CAR, Volkswagen is working on a new high-performance version of new 2009 Scirocco. Known as the Volkswagen Scirocco R20T, the car will share its engine with the new 2009 Audi S3 – making it the most powerful Scirocco to ever travel on planet Earth.

Power will come from the S3’s 2.0 TFSI unit that makes 265-hp and a maximum torque of 258 lb- ft. 0 to 62 mph will come in the low 6 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. Comparing that to the new 2010 Golf GTI, which also has an Audi engineered 207-hp 2.0 TSI, the Scirocco R20T will be faster, sharper and more expensive.

Insiders say that the Scirocco R20T will have 80 percent of the visual aggressiveness of the Scirocco GT24. It will arrive in early 2010.

It has been reported before that Volkswagen is considering a limited edition high-performance Scirocco for the U.S. No word on whether this is that high-performance Scirocco.

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco:

Source: CAR

Currently, Volkswagen has made no confirmation on building a high-performance Volkswagen Scirocco R. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t get your hands on a high-performance Scirocco right now. Thanks to German tuner MTM, you can now enjoy more power in your Scirocco – probably more power than you’ll ever need.

MTM is offering a performance upgrade package that gives the 2.0L TFSI a total of 272-hp, up from 200-hp. Pricing for the package, which comes with front and rear shocks, starts at 5,285 euros ($6,636 USD). MTM is also offering 20-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires for 5,550 euros ($6,969 USD), VA 380 x 34 mm brakes for 4,427 euros and MTM Clubsport suspension rings for 1,489 euros ($1,869 USD).

MTM said that it is also working on a 380-hp version of the Scirocco that will be launched at a later date once engineers have worked out all the kinks.

MTM Volkswagen Scirocco R:

Source: WCF

MCCHIP is offering a tuning packge for the new 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco. Concentrating on power more than appearance, MCCHIP is offering a fast chip-tuning that increases the power of the 2.0 TFSI engine from 200-hp to 246-hp with a maximum torque of 255 lb-ft.

The additional output will cost you an affordable 849 euros ($1,082 USD). Not bad at all.

MCCHIP is also offering a set of 19-inch wheels with Michelin PS-Cup performance tires. A 2 x 76mm pipe that creates ‘race’ sound and a suspension tuning by H&R are also available.

Follow the jump for more pictures.

MCCHIP Volkswagen Scirocco:

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco:

Source: WCF

Volkswagen has previously said that they won’t bring the Scirocco to the U.S. in fears that it may take away from the sales of the Volkswagen GTI. They also thought that even though the car would fit the U.S. market the current exchange rates wouldn’t allow Volkswagen to make money on the Scirocco.

V-Dub is now rethinking its decision as enthusiasts react positively to the Scirocco in Europe, and as Americans get overly excited to see it here and there on U.S. roads. Not to mention that in our recent poll, 69 percent said they would purchase a Scirocco GT over the new 2010 Volkswagen GTI.

However, Volkswagen still doesn’t want to take a way from the sales of the GTI so for the U.S. it is considering a limited edition model of the Scirocco that will have more horsepower and a higher price tag than the GTI. Steve Keyes, spokesman for V-Dub says there is no timetable on the arrival of the U.S. limited edition Scirocco.

Volkswagen Scirocco:

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)

Yes – we know that no matter how much we beg, we won’t get the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco GT on the stateside. On the brighter side, we will be getting the new redesigned 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI in spring 2009.

But we’re still wondering (and we’re sure someone at Volkswagen is probably thinking this as well), if American consumers were given a choice, would they pick the the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco GT or the 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI.

Both are powered by the same 2.0L TSI 4-cylinder turbo producing 200-hp. Let us know by voting in the poll below – and if you have something more to say, feel free to drop in a line at the comments section after the jump.

Click through for high-res photos of the two high-performance V-Dub hatches.

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco GT:

2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI:

ABT Sportline, known for their Audi tuning packages, has dropped a new body kit along with performance upgrades for the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco. ABT has provided the Scirocco with an aggressive front bumper, a new grille, side skirts, two air inlets, a roof spoiler and a new rear bumper that incorporates a 4-pipe rear-muffler. The ABT Sportline Scirocco rides on 19-inch alloy wheels.

Performance wise ABT takes the power for the 1.4 TSI to 200-hp from 160, while the 2.0L turbo diesel sees an increase of 170-hp from 140. The range-topping 2.0 TSI has been increased from 200-hp to 240-hp. Performance is further enhanced with new sport lowering springs and a new ABT brake kit with pads, rotors and calipers.

The ABT Sportline kit for the 2009 Scirocco will be available from January of next year.

Click through for high-res images of the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco.

ABT Sportline 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco:

Source: WCF

Two European models that don’t sell in the North American market were recently spotted back-to-back hanging out on U.S. roads. First TCC, spotted two 200-hp 2.0 TSI Volkswagen Sciroccos in Florida and today Motor Trend spotted the Fiat 500 in SoCal.

So does this mean that the Scirocco and Fiat 500 are coming to the U.S.? Well, we’re not too sure about the Scirocco but hey, at least we can start rumors. As for the Fiat 500, we’ve previously heard that Fiat is considering bringing the mini-car to the U.S. by 2010.

Click through for more photos.

Spotted in the US: Volkswagen Scirocco and Fiat 500:

Source: TCC and Motor Trend

The not so top gear, Fifth Gear, has gotten their hands on the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco giving us the first video test drive of the new addition to the V-Dub lineup.

The 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco is now available in Europe with an entry level 122-hp 1.4L TSI. Two other TSI versions are also available producing 160-hp and 200-hp respectively. A 140-hp turbo-diesel TDI versions will also be added next year averaging a fuel-economy of 44mpg. All come with a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 7-speed DSG transmission.

Tom here is driving the 200-hp 2.0L turbo.

Click through for the video.

2009 Volkswagen Scirocco:

Fifth Gear drives the 2009 Volkswagen Scirocco: