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(Wed 20 May 09) A new high-performance version of the Volkswagen Scirocco will make its public debut at this weekend's Nürburgring 24 Hour race.
Known as the Scirocco R (not R20, despite what you may have read elsewhere), the new car's engine is a much-modified two-litre turbo petrol unit with a new alloy cylinder head, an uprated turbocharger and an intercooler, and producing a maximum of 261bhp. It drives the front wheels through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a DSG transmission, and Volkswagen's XDS system (an electronic equivalent of a limited slip differential, first seen on the new Golf GTI) has been fitted to keep everything under control. The R looks significantly different from other Sciroccos, with a new front bumper, body-coloured side skirts, a rear spoiler, smoked rear light clusters, 18" wheels (or 19" as an option) and twin oval tailpipes. Inside, there are sports seats and a a three-spoke flat-bottomed steering wheel. UK sales of the R are due to start towards the end of this year. Prices have not yet been confirmed, but Volkswagen says that the specification will include touchscreen control of the audio system, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning, six airbags and ESP. |
