Volkswagen Scirocco R to Debut with 265 PS at Nürburgring
Volkswagen will unveil the new 265 PS Scirocco R at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, featuring a reworked 2.0-litre engine and uprated chassis.
Volkswagen will unveil its most powerful Scirocco yet at the Nürburgring 24 Hours, as the new Scirocco R makes its public debut at the legendary endurance race. The car, developed by Volkswagen Individual, is set to become the flagship of the Scirocco range, delivering 265 PS and a sharper chassis than any previous version.
At the heart of the Scirocco R is a heavily revised version of Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder EA113 turbocharged engine. Unlike the standard Scirocco’s EA888 unit, the R’s block receives a new alloy head, uprated pistons and conrods, high-pressure injectors, and a larger turbocharger running 1.2 bar of boost. Power climbs to 265 PS, with 258 lb ft of torque available, representing a 65 PS and 51 lb ft increase over the existing 2.0 TSI model.
Power is sent to the front wheels through either a six-speed manual gearbox or Volkswagen’s DSG dual-clutch transmission. The Scirocco R also features XDS, an electronic cross-axle traction control system first used on the latest Golf GTI, designed to improve grip and agility during cornering. Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) is standard, allowing drivers to choose between normal, comfort, or sport suspension and steering settings.
Styling and Equipment Changes
The Scirocco R receives a more aggressive exterior treatment, with a new front bumper incorporating large air intakes and LED running lights. Standard xenon headlights flank a gloss black grille bearing the R badge. Gloss black mirror caps and body-coloured side skirts replace the standard car’s rubbing strips. At the rear, smoked lights, a new spoiler, and a gloss black diffuser set between oval tailpipes distinguish the R from lesser models. The usual Scirocco and engine badges are deleted, leaving only the Volkswagen roundel and a single R emblem.
- 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels as standard
- Optional 19-inch wheels available
- Uprated brakes with gloss black callipers
- Sports seats with R branding
- Touchscreen CD stereo and 2Zone climate control standard
Inside, the Scirocco R features sports seats embroidered with R logos, gloss black trim on the centre console, air vents, and door cards in place of the standard silver. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is trimmed in black leather with white stitching. Instrument dials are white backlit with blue needles, unique to the R. Standard equipment includes a touchscreen CD stereo, dual-zone climate control, six airbags, and Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP).
Launch Timing and UK Availability
Volkswagen plans to begin UK sales of the Scirocco R towards the end of 2009. Pricing will be announced closer to launch. The Nürburgring debut puts the car in front of an audience that values performance credentials, and positions the R as a rival to other hot hatches with similar power outputs.
