Scirocco
Scirocco I With its timelessly elegant body designed by Giorgio Giugiaro, also responsible for the Golf I, the Scirocco, named after an African desert wind, hit the 2+2-seater coupé segment like a whirlwind. This model with its large tailgate, which was produced by Karmann from 1974, featured the transverse engines and front-wheel drive system of the Golf. Depending on the trim level (L, TS, GT), the front end boasted rectangular or double headlights. The top model in the range was the GTI, introduced in 1976 with a power output of 81 kW / 110 PS, a top speed of 185 km/h and a larger front spoiler. The equally powerful GLi was a luxurious rather than a sporty version. Up to 1981, more than 500,000 units of the Scirocco I were sold throughout the world. Scirocco II The Scirocco II was launched in 1981 with an elongated wedge-shaped body, softer lines and a rear spoiler installed above the rear window. The most powerful model in the series was the Scirocco GTX 1.8 16V with 102 kW / 139 PS. This was the first Scirocco to pass the 200 km/h mark. In terms of appearance, it also competed with the Golf GTI of the time, with its black wheel arch extensions, spoilers and side sills. Production of the Scirocco II, assembled by Karmann in Osnabrück, came to an end on September 7, 1992 after 291,497 units. Scirocco III The first Scirocco, the successor to the Karmann Ghia Coupé, appeared on the market in 1974. Over a period of 18 years, 795,734 units of the first two Scirocco generations were produced. In 2008, Volkswagen launched a comeback of the Scirocco with the third generation. In mid-2014, Volkswagen carried out a major upgrade on the sports car and also added a 206 kW / 280 PS R version to the range. This coupé excelled as a nimble cruiser, a dynamic companion for commuters, a high-quality sports car for a visit to the racing circuit or simply as a charismatic all-rounder with its large tailgate.
Photo albums
Scirocco III (2008–2017)
The return of the hot desert wind
Factory code: Type 13 In 2008, a legend makes its comeback: the third generation of the Volkswagen Scirocco compact sports car is launched. Inspired by the original model, chief designer Murat Günak delivers a reinterpretation of the people's sports car – and, like its predecessors, the new Scirocco combines sporty lines with the high functionality typical of Volkswagen. The new model makes clever use of the possibilities offered by the PQ35 platform, while also placing great emphasis on visual differentiation. The low-slung shape of the estate coupé echoes the 2006 Iroc concept car with its fierce front end, large air intakes, flat window line, and masculine wheel arches. TSI and TDI turbo engines mounted transversely at the front ensure consistently thrilling performance. The front-wheel-drive model is produced at the Volkswagen Autoeuropa plant in Palmela, Portugal. The exceptional dynamic characteristics of the third Scirocco generation immediately impress the international press: the renowned BBC car magazine Top Gear voted the Scirocco the Car of the Year 2008.
Scirocco III profile
Vehicle data
Engine versions
Scirocco III variants & highlights
Scirocco III model update
2006
Design prologue
600 journalists are invited to an exclusive event in Berlin to get a glimpse of Volkswagen's dynamic future: the Iroc concept car is unveiled to the world. The show car is a sporty shooting brake and anticipates many details of the series design of the next Scirocco generation. The new look is met with enthusiastic comments. The specific reference to the series can also be derived from the name Iroc: Volkswagen allows itself a play on words, omitting the first and last two letters of the later model name "Scirocco" from the concept car.
2009
Get there faster
A simple R in the grille identifies the fastest production Scirocco.
Vehicle data Scirocco III profile
Scirocco III / Factory code: Type 13
Model variants / production period: Scirocco III 1.4 TSI (90 kW): 2008–2014Scirocco III 1.4 TSI (118 kW): 2008–2014Scirocco III 1.4 TSI BMT (92 kW): 2014–2017Scirocco III 2.0 TSI (147 kW): 2008–2009Scirocco III 2.0 TSI (155 kW): 2009–2014 Scirocco III 2.0 TSI BMT (132 kW): 2014–2017 Scirocco III 2.0 TSI BMT (162 kW): 2014–2017Scirocco III R 2.0 TSI (195 kW): 2009–2014Scirocco III R 2.0 TSI (205 kW): 2014–2017 Scirocco III 2.0 TDI (103 kW): 2008–2014Scirocco III 2.0 TDI (125 kW): 2009–2012Scirocco III 2.0 TDI (130 kW): 2013–2014Scirocco III 2.0 TDI BMT (110 kW): 2014–2017Scirocco III 2.0 TDI BMT (135 kW): 2014–2017 Engine: Four-cylinder in-line engines, water-cooled Engine position: Front, transverse Drive: Front Wheelbase (mm): 1,810 Length / width / height (mm): 4,246 / 1,810 / 1,398–1,406
Engine versions Scirocco III profile
Scirocco III / Factory code: Type 13
Type Displacement (cc) Power (kW / PS at rpm) Max. torque (Nm at rpm) 1.4 TSI 1,390 90 / 122 / 5,000 200 / 1,500–4,000 118 / 160 / 5,800 240 / 1,500–4,500 1.4 TSI BMT 1,395 92 / 125 / 5,000–6,000 200 / 1,400–4,000 2.0 TSI 1,984 147 / 200 / 5,100–6,000 (2008–2009) 280 / 1,700–5,000 (2008–2009) 155 / 211 / 5,300–6,200 (2009–2014) 280 / 1,700–5,200 (2009–2014) 2.0 TSI BMT 1,984 132 / 180 / 4,200–6,200 280 / 1,250–4,400 162 / 220 / 4,500–6,200 350 / 1,500–4,400 R 2.0 TSI 1,984 195 / 265 / 6,000 (2009–2014) 350 / 2,500–5,000 (2009–2014) 206 / 280 / 6,000 (2014–2017) 350 / 2,500–5,000 (2014–2017) 2.0 TDI 1,968 103 / 140 / 4,000 (2008–2014) 320 / 1,750–2,500 (2008–2014) 125 / 170 / 4,200 (2009–2012) 350 / 1,750–2,500 (2009–2012) 130 / 177 / 4,200 (2013–2014) 380 / 1,750–2,500 (2013–2014) 2.0 TDI BMT 1,968 110 / 150 / 3,500–4,000 320 / 1,750–3,000 135 / 184 / 3,500–4,000 380 / 1,750–3,250 Engine legend: BMT (BlueMotion Technology) / TSI (turbocharged direct injection petrol) / TDI (turbocharged direct injection diesel)
50 years of Polo
W O R L D - R E C O R D - B R E A K I N G G With the new G-Lader technology, the Polo set a world speed record on 13 August 1985. In a 24-hour record-breaking drive on the Volkswagen proving grounds in Ehra-Lessien, the average speed of 208.13 km/h was much higher than the existing record of 168.63 km/h in the 1,300 cc class. The modified prototype was piloted by rally professional and Volkswagen factory driver Jochi Kleint. 10 50 YEARS OF POLO SPORTY POLO 11 With the Polo, Volkswagen focused on motorsport from an early stage. It started out as a way to get up-and-coming talent into touring car racing. Later, they moved into the world of rally driving before going on to become World Champions in rallycross. POLO CUP Let’s get in on the action. In 1983, the Polo began causing a stir on the racetrack. In the very first Polo Cup, the racing cars were still equipped with classic naturally aspirated engines. Two Solex twin carburettors increased the output to 59 kW (88 PS) – enough to let the lightweight Polo really fly over the kerbs. Things sped up even more between 1986 and 1989 when the 82 kW (112 PS) Polo G40 was used in the Cup. After a long break, the one-make cup event enjoyed a revival in 2004. Until 2009, up-and-coming drivers had the chance to prove themselves in the ADAC Volkswagen Polo Cup. With a displacement of two litres, the Polo IV delivered a hefty 110 kW (150 PS). The most well-known champion was René Rast, who went on to win the DTM three times. POLO R SUPERCAR I RALLYCROSS Volkswagen Motorsport also built on its success in the World Rally Championship with its involvement in the FIA World Rallycross Championship. Based on the WRC Polo, the 570 PS Polo R Supercar hit the track in 2017 and 2018. Johan Kristoffersson won the driver’s title twice and, together with Petter Solberg, also won the team title for PSRX Volkswagen Sweden. In 2020, Kristoffersson made a comeback in a privateer Polo R Supercar, securing the World Championship title once again.
50 years of Golf
At this time, Giorgetto Giugiaro, who also creates the Passat and the Scirocco, is already in charge of the design. Under the direction of chief designer Herbert Schäfer, the Golf is further developed for series production. 1969–1971 VOLKSWAGEN EA 337 Step-by-step Golf Initially with rectangular headlights and a flatter windscreen, then further refined. Sporty centre Good overall concept, but room for improvement in the detail. 1969 VOLKSWAGEN EA 276 8 | 9 50 J ah re G ol f Sc hö pf un g ENTERING A NEW AGE Clear lines, pure design – the new Volkswagen was a revolutionary development in 1974. Giorgetto Giugiaro designed the Golf and created an icon, no less. Giorgetto Giugiaro, one of the most important automotive designers of our time, stands for simplicity and innovative design – and he also played an important role for Volkswagen. With the creation of a new model family, Giugiaro also designed Volkswagen’s new style from 1970. Maestro Giugiaro still likes to remember the creation of the Golf even after decades, and spoke about it with the Volkswagen Classic editorial team at Italdesign in Turin a few years ago. At the first meeting in Wolfsburg in January 1970, the then Volkswagen CEO Kurt Lotz quickly got to the point: ‘We want you to design a successor to the Beetle for us. And we will be satisfied if the space in the interior is about the same as that of the Beetle,’ recalled Giugiaro. There were also already specifications from Volkswagen: ‘They showed me sketches and diagrams, and then talked about the project of an entire model family and asked if I would be prepared to take on the task – and I was extremely happy about this opportunity.’ The ideas about the new model type were just as specific. ‘The new mass-produced car should be a modern compact car with a boot lid – in other words, a variable vehicle in line with the new trend. Volkswagen already recognised that correctly back then.’
World premiere to mark the 50th anniversary: the new Golf is more attractive, intelligent and efficient than ever before
The Golf is celebrating its 50th birthday this year – and Volkswagen is launching an enhanced version of its bestseller to mark the anniversary. Customers will be able to order the new model in just a few weeks. The new Golf impresses with a next-generation infotainment system, a more intuitive operating concept, a sharper front and rear end design as well as efficient drive systems. These include plug-in hybrid drives with an increased all-electric range of about 100 kilometres. In addition, an illuminated Volkswagen logo adorns the front for the first time on a Golf.
Volkswagen R: The history
20 years of Volkswagen R – A success story since 2002. In 2002, the Volkswagen Golf IV R32 set new standards in the compact class. A top speed of 247 km/h. 177 kW (241 PS) from a capacity of just under 3.2 litres. A six-cylinder engine, 4MOTION all-wheel drive and optionally with the new DSG dual clutch gearbox. At that time, these features were a technical sensation for the Golf class. and marked the birth of Volkswagen’s premium performance brand. To begin with, the plan was to build 5,000 Golf IV R32s based on the Golf IV. In the end, 12,000 vehicles were produced – 7,000 of them stayed in Europe and 5,000 went to the United States, where the sporty Golf had gained cult status. The resounding success marked the starting point for the development of a sporty sub-brand. In 2010, Volkswagen Individual GmbH, which was founded in 2003, became Volkswagen R GmbH. Since 2020, Volkswagen R has been its own independent business unit in the company and has held complete responsibility for the R product brand. It is the Group’s own centre of expertise for developing and marketing R models. Responsibility for the popular sporty R-Line packages remains with the respective product lines. A global community of fans The Volkswagen R models with increased power have their roots in motorsport and stand for the transfer of innovative high-performance technology to series production. Paired with their unique, distinctive designs, this has resulted in more than 300,000 customers ordering a Volkswagen R model to date. The Volkswagen brand’s sportiest and most emotion-invoking models inspire a community of fans around the world. With its technological expertise and incredible capacity for innovation, Volkswagen R ensures the highest standards of performance, safety and quality, enabling the brand to always remain at the cutting-edge of the industry. 20 years of Volkswagen R – Selected heritage models.