VW Scirocco: Green light!

Ok, ok. We already told you 1 month ago, but now "Automobile Magazine" is picking up the story and saying that the VW Scirocco got green light for production from Wolfgang Bernhard. Expect it in early 2008.

It took the decision makers in Wolfsburg more than a decade to rediscover the attraction of a halo vehicle in the Golf class. But Wolfgang Bernhard has given the green light to a new Volkswagen Scirocco, set for early 2008.

The formula hasn't changed much since Giugiaro started work on the original way back in 1970. This time, though, the design is being done in-house, where Murat Günak's team is using the current Golf as its starting point. The base engine will be the 140-hp, 1.4-liter "twin-charged" (supercharged and turbocharged) four recently introduced on the European Golf GT, along with a 170-hp version. The familiar 200-hp, 2.0-liter FSI engine also is planned. A top-spec model will be fitted with a 3.2-liter VR6 making 250 hp and driving all four wheels. 4Motion will be an option with the 2.0-liter engine as well. Expect six-speed manual and DSG gearboxes and, eventually, a GTI model that might use a heavily boosted 300-hp unit.

And there's more. Because the new Eos has a retractable hard top and a price closer to the Passat than to the Golf, VW sees room for a less-expensive convertible. The body structure of the new coupe therefore is being prepared with an eye for an eventual droptop relative. Thus, VW could re-create not only the Scirocco, but also the Karmann Ghia convertible.