Volkswagen Targets Toyota with 4 New Platforms

Four new architectures

Volkswagen has big plans, really big plans. So ambitious that even the mighty Toyota get caught in between the crosshair's of VW's board. VW hopes to catch up to Toyota by 2018 with 10 million sales. Volkswagen tallied up 5,7 million sales in 2006.

Key to the VW plans are four new architectures, of which the transverse-engined MQB platform will be a cornerstone. The MQB platform will be used for small, lower-medium and upper-medium models, possibly totalling a grand total of 6 million cars, and is rumoured to be the logical platform replacement of up to 20 models. Current record holding platform is the VW PQ35/46 platform with 2,3 million units, underpinning, amongst others, the VW Golf.

According to an insider, the first model based on the new MQB platform could be launched by 2010 as the next generation VW Touran. Ulrich Hackenberg, VW Board Member, was quoted: “MQB is planned for a broad application, from small cars up to and including upper-medium. The first model to emerge can be expected in 2010.”

The second architecture will be called the rear-engined MHB platform and is destined to underpin VW's New Small Family minicar range, of which the Up! concepts are forerunners.

VW also has a mid-engine sports car platform in mind for the R8 and Lamborghinis. There are even some rumours floating around that Bugatti may come with a more-affordable model.

Last, but certainly not least, is the MLB platform with longitudinally mounted engines taken over from Audi. The MLB is currently used for the new Audi A4 and A5. Hackenberg said: “But MLB could be used for models up to the largest in our group.” Which would not just be the larger Audis (A6 and A8) but also the VW Phaeton and even the Bentley's.

All this sounds very logical, but besides that it will also be highly efficient. Four major platforms to cover every model in the VW Group can cut development costs by up to 40%, for instance safety technologies like crumple zones can be shared across many models. But besides cutting costs, it will also enable Volkswagen to develop new and niche models very quickly in order to respond to market demand.

VW Create New United Special Edition Models

Next month will be the start of Germany's biggest indoor soccer contest - the "Volkswagen United Masters", which will see 35,000 amateur footballers around the country competing for the crown in indoor soccer. To commemorate the event, VW will create "United" special edition models of the Polo, Golf, Golf Plus, Touran, Sharan, New Beetle, New Beetle Cabrio and Jetta ready for the big kick-off.

The pick of the entire series is the Golf United BlueMotion which has a fuel consumption of just 4.3 liters per 100km making this model the most efficient Golf available. This was achieved by making modification to the third, fourth and fifth gear ratios, aerodynamically enhancing the underbody and practically closing-off the front grille.

The Golf and Golf Plus models are treated to an exclusive Heaven Blue Metallic finish as well as 16-inch "Mugello" alloy wheels which you will also find on the Touran.

All models will feature the "United" logo decal on the quarter panel or rear door and for the interior you will find the new "Surprise" design, or leather versions of the gear-shift knob and the hand-brake lever.

Press Release

Driving the Team Spirit: Volkswagen’s special new “United” model is ready for kick-off

- Available as a Polo, Golf, Golf Plus, Touran, Sharan, New Beetle, New Beetle Cabrio and Jetta

- Golf United Blue Motion is the most efficient Golf of all times

The new United team line-up is ready for action. Effective immediately, the Polo, Golf, Golf Plus, Touran, Sharan, New Beetle, New Beetle Cabrio and Jetta are now available as a special edition with price advantages of up to 3,300 euro.

This new series of special models will lend its name to Germany’s biggest indoor soccer contest, the "Volkswagen United Masters", due to be held in 35 towns and cities around the country next spring. The tournament will see 35,000 hobby kickers competing for the crown in indoor soccer. The special pitch-side line-up will include the Polo, Golf, Golf Plus, Touran, Sharan, New Beetle, New Beetle Cabrio and Jetta "United".

The fittings package for these vehicles has been exclusively composed for the United series and ideally reflects what customers want. Depending on the model, highlights in the package include air-conditioning, a multi-functional steering wheel, a parking pilot and fog lights, as well as cruise control and an automatic driving-light system with the "coming home and leaving home" function. In the Golf, Golf Plus and Jetta United, driving assistance will also be provided by the "MFA Plus" on-board computer; the Golf and Golf Plus United come with a RCD 210 radio.

This new series of special models is recognisable by the "United" logo situated on the side section at the rear of the vehicle. The exclusive Heaven Blue Metallic finish for the Golf and Golf Plus and the 16-inch "Mugello" alloy wheels on the Golf, Golf Plus and Touran – optionally also available in a machine-polished finish – are genuine eye-catchers.

The special appeal of the interior design in this series is the originality of the fittings. The middle sections of the seats, for example, feature the new "Surprise" design, and leather versions are available for the gear-shift knob and the hand-brake lever. United vehicles also come with sporty accessories; the package contains a Nike football, sports bag and towel.

Golf United BlueMotion – The most efficient Golf of all times

What’s more, the Golf United is also available in a BlueMotion configuration with a price advantage of 2,312 euro. The Golf BlueMotion United boasts fuel consumption of 4.3 litres per 100 km and CO2 emissions of only 115g/km, making this two-door model the most efficient Golf available right now and one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles in its class. These top qualities were achieved on the back of modifications to the engine proper, longer gear ratios in the third, fourth and fifth transmission levels, a cd-enhanced underbody, and a practically closed-off radiator grille.

Prices

All United models are available for order immediately. The choice of diesel and petrol engines for all five series is oriented on the Trendline models, and some of the models (the Golf, Golf Plus and Touran United) are available with a double-clutch gearbox. The Polo United is available from 14,275 euro (price advantage: up to 2,389 euro), the special Golf and Golf Plus United models are available from 18,525 euro (price advantage: 2,312 euro) and 20,125 euro (price advantage: 2,422 euro), respectively. The basic price for the Touran United is 25,575 euro (including a winter package; price advantage: up to 1,407 euro), that for the Sharan United is 30,025 euro (price advantage: 3,300 euro). The New Beetle and the New Beetle Cabrio are available from 20,475 euro (price advantage: up to 2,830 euro) and 24,550 euro (price advantage: up to 3,175), respectively, while the Jetta is available from 23,375 euro (price advantage: up to 3,325 euro).

Volkswagen Ends Talks with Proton

Proton shares take plunge

Volkswagen has been having talks with the Malaysian government since 2004 about an alliance between Europe's largest car manufacturer and the state run Proton brand, resulting in the occasional news snippets. But two days ago talks once again collapsed, leaving the flailing Malaysian car manufacturer without the needed financial backing and Volkswagen without an ASEAN market stepping stone.

Volkswagen will still enter the ASEAN market in due time on its own accord and establish its own chain of suppliers and dealerships. But for Proton the collapse of the negotiations have more dire results, Automotive News reports today that Proton shares have dropped by 12% to a seven-year low.

Proton has recently launched the new Proton Persona and was hoping to piggy back on VW like Skoda did, once the butt of most car jokes and now selling over 600,000 cars and aiming to hit the 1 million in 2010.

VW R-Line Packages Revealed

In a world premiere Volkswagen Individual GmbH is presenting in Essen newly designed R line packages for the Golf, Touran, Passat and Touareg model ranges. They will first be coming out in Germany in 2007.
So far “R” has exclusively stood for high-performance cars such as the Golf R32 (250 hp), or the new Passat R36 (300 hp), which is also being shown in a world premiere in Essen. Thanks to the new R line models now for the first time exterior and interior equipment can be exclusively customized for sportiness, for the most part independently from the type of engine. The idea behind it: all R line products take up on the characteristic design elements that also distinguish the Golf R32 or the Passat R36. The entry into the world of sporty Volkswagens is becoming significantly more economical. In their implementation the differentiation to these top-notch athletes is however large enough that the independence and exclusivity of each model is maintained.
R line for the Golf
Volkswagen Individual has designed three different R line options for the Golf. For the first upgrade stage starting with the Golf Trendline an R line package is available consisting of sporty 17-inch alloy wheels (of type “Omanyt”) with wide tires, a sport leather steering wheel (three spokes, perforated leather, R32-style steering wheel clip), parking brake lever and gearshift knob in leather, R-style pedals, door trims and an identifying R logo on the outside of the car.
Volkswagen put together the “Plus” R line package for the next upgrade level. In addition to the features in the first package, here top sport seats in front (“Monte Carlo” fabric with R embossed headrests) refine the interior. The “Plus” package also enters the scene with its own “Engine Spin dark” décor.
New car buyers can order the “Exterior” R line package separately from these two packages. The package adds a dynamic look to the already powerfully designed Golf. And these are the ingredients: the protective radiator grill in dual fin design with a matte chrome surface familiar from the R32, air inlets in slatted look, 17-inch alloy wheels (of type “Omanyt”), roof edge spoiler, painted spoiler lower sections (front and back), a black diffusor, R logos on the sides of the front fenders and interior door trim.

For all Golf R line packages Volkswagen Individual offers optional 18-inch alloy wheels including sport chassis. “Vienna” leather equipment and a sporty dark rooflining can also be added to the “Plus” package.

These three R line packages – with some car-specific variations – are also being offered by Volkswagen Individual for the Touran (Trendline and Highline), Passat and Passat Variant (Sportline and Highline) and Touareg model series. All of them are also related, among other things, by the R line “Omanyt” wheels, developed for different sizes (up to 20 inches for the Touareg) and loads. R line versions for other Volkswagen models are also entirely conceivable. The R line equipment packages for the Touran, Passat and Touareg in detail:

R line for the Touran

Volkswagen Individual is showing an R line equipment program for the latest generation Touran just now introduced at the Essen Motor Show. Similar to the Golf, new car buyers can also directly customize the Touran (in Trendline and Highline versions) with the R line package. This is available for all engine types (with the exception of the Touran EcoFuel and Touran TDI with 66 kW).

With the R line package the Touran is enhanced with 18-inch alloy wheels (of type Omanyt), a sport chassis, multifunctional leather steering wheel (with R line logo in the vertical spoke), R pedals, R design door trim and matching R line logo on the outside. In addition the package includes an R line front section with painted bumper and radiator grill (also chrome dual fins) and a rear bumper that is also painted. R line logos on the right and left fenders designate this equipment line.

R line for the Passat

The Passat is among the most successful cars in the world. This Volkswagen (as a sedan and Variant) will also be available with the new R line package in the course of the coming year. Passat buyers choosing the “Sportline” and “Highline” equipment lines can also go for an “Interior” or “Exterior” package (available for all engine types).

The “Interior” R line package includes top sport seats (front) with electric 12-way adjustment including electrically adjustable lumbar support and a memory function on the driver’s side (“Monte Carlo” fabric design, black on seating strip with R logo in the backrests of the front seats, “Highline” in leather equipment). Also included in this package are décor inlays in “Engine Spin dark” style, a multifunctional leather steering wheel with R logo and control buttons for the optional DSG direct shift gearbox, the Plus multifunctional display, a gearshift knob in leather and R design pedal caps. As with all other models this equipment also includes R line door trims and 17-inch alloy wheels (of type “Omanyt”).

The “Exterior” R line package, available separately or additionally, includes custom bumpers (completely in car color plus black diffusor in back), crest radiator grill with dual fin design, sport chassis, R line interior door trim and 17-inch alloy wheels (of type “Omanyt”), developed independently for the R line versions. The V6 versions come standard equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels of the same type (optionally available for all other Passat R line versions).

R line for the Touareg

The new Touareg generation will be offered with three R line packages in the future. They can be ordered for all engine versions starting from 165 kW (V6 TDI). In the first upgrade stage here the R line program offers extras including 20-inch alloy wheels (of type “Omanyt”), sport chassis, a four-spoke leather steering wheel, selector lever with R line logo, interior door trim in front with R line logo and pedal caps in R line design. Volkswagen offers “Casablanca” 20-inch alloy wheels as an alternative.

The “Plus” R line package provides an even higher degree of customization. It additionally includes a sport seating system in leather (“Nappa”) with R line logos in the front headrests as well as very high-quality R line “Engine Spin dark” interior applications.

The “Exterior” R line package is also available for the Touareg. Included in this program of refinement are a matte chrome finish radiator grill with dual fins, custom bumpers also with front transverse web and rear diffusor in chrome (matte) design, special side running board and interior door trim as well as 20-inch alloy wheels of type “Omanyt”.

VW Premieres Space Up! Concept

The space up! is a small space wonder. On just 3.68 meters length and 1.63 meters width, it offers the space of a considerably larger vehicle. The clever space concept of the space up! is to a great extent attributable to its engine layout: The environmentally-friendly gasoline, diesel and electric powertrains of the future up! family are always located in the rear – just like on the Beetle and the Bulli (Microbus) of the past.

A brief comparison: The space up! is exactly 23 centimeters longer than the up! shown at the IAA in Frankfurt; accordingly, its wheelbase is also larger (2.56 meter). At 1.54 meter, the van exhibits a height gain of four centimeters.

In contrast to the two-door up!, the space up! has four doors. And in actuality there are even six. That is because the van concept car does not have a classic tailgate, but instead a two-part rear door. Hidden behind this door are 220 to 1,005 liters of cargo space, four seat positions that are multivariable in design, and an exceptionally innovative cockpit concept. Numerous functions are controlled via a touch­screen with 3D graphics and proximity sensors.

Exterior design

Volkswagen is introducing the space up! as the second model variant of the “New Small Family”. The up! concept car presented at the IAA in Germany and the space up! now being shown in Japan are unified by a common design philosophy. The cars are characterized by a simple, clear language of forms. The designers consciously omitted any superfluous gimmicks. Like the up!, the space up! is characterized by a completely new harmony between technical layout, on the one hand, and emotional design on the other.

Front end: Distinguishing the front end of the “New Small Family” are the headlamps that take an inward diagonal line, between them the horizontally integrated air inlets (minimized aperture optimizes aerodynamics), the VW logo arranged on the front hood (as the only exterior detail kept in chrome) and the smooth-surfaced bumper with a lower segment. An important new aspect when it comes to the headlamp design of the space up!. Here they extend far into the fender, and this also affects the side profile.

Side profile: On its sides, the concept car – like the “Bulli” in earlier days – exhibits a long extended window section and a clearly distinctive, powerful C-pillar whose form is typical of Volkswagen. The A-pillar is positioned far forward. The space between the A and C pillars is spanned by the line of butterfly doors with opposing hinges. Both the front and rear doors are opened by door handles at the height of the B pillars. Since they open in opposition, in the style of the legendary Samba bus, and extend across nearly the entire space between the wheel housings – i.e. the entire sill length – all four seating positions are exceptionally convenient to access. A key concept here is wheel housings: Hidden under them are the self-confident and large 18-inch wheels with size 165/50 tires. Distinctive in this area are the short front and rear overhangs. The front overhang, from the axle hub to the outer skin of the bumper measures just 53 centimeters; in the rear it is 59 centimeters. The result: Crisp proportions.

Rear end: Also unmistakable are the design features of the rear end. Take the example of the rear door: It fills out practically the entire car area above the bumper. Similar to the smaller up!, the door – split 1/3 to 2/3 here – consists of a transparent material. Integrated beneath it are the taillights. Fully opened, the door offers a cargo width of 101 centimeters. The bumper itself was designed to match its counterpart at the front end.

Thanks to the wide track width of 1.42 meters the outer edges of the wheels are in line with the wheel housings. The effect is that the entire vehicle width of 1.63 meters seems to consist of axles plus tires and wheels. Meanwhile, the only details that boldly jump outside of the vehicle width are the round-shaped outside mirrors, like the ones on the up!

Interior design

The space up! is a full-fledged four-seater. In the rear, a bench seat is implemented with two integrated child seats. To convert them from adult to child seats, the seating surfaces are simply folded over, and two shoulder supports are folded out on each side. Finished. But not only will children travel comfortably in a production version of the concept car. The reason: The cushions of the four seats – for driver, front and rear passengers – consist of an airflow foam that automatically adapts to individual anatomies. In addition, the seating position is pleasantly high, making it extremely comfortable.

With the exception of the driver’s seat, all seats can also be folded and removed. If the seats are “only” folded, this creates a level cargo area with a capacity of up to 1,005 liters. With four people on board, cargo capacity up to window level height is still 220 liters. Since the low-profile engine of the space up! is located in the rear, objects with a maximum length of 2.8 meters can be stowed in a pass-through to the front cargo space. Remember: The concept van is just 3.68 meters long and thereby 15 centimeters shorter than the Fox, which is the most compact Volkswagen today.

Intuitive interface

Since the car’s cockpit was conceived as a module to be applied across all models of the “New Small Family”, the cockpit unit was copied from the up! concept car presented in Frankfurt, with slight modifications. It is a cockpit with a great future. In detail, the space up! has two central displays: In the cockpit, an 8-inch monitor displays information such as vehicle speed, fuel level and range as well as momentary CO2 emissions. In the middle of the instruments a 7-inch monitor shows how future human-machine interfaces might look and operate. Here all conceivable functions are controlled via a touchscreen that – using proximity sensors – reacts to gestures as well, i.e. specific hand movements.

Menuing was retooled and reorganized so that people without computer science educations would be able to operate the system. The developers intentionally separated “display” and “control” levels from one another. Always shown on the screen is a control bar with standard functions such as climate control or audio volume control. Developers packaged functions of other higher-order systems – navigation, telephone, radio, Internet, images, films, etc. – on a display level that has been referred to internally as the “main menu carousel” – a type of virtual carousel. It consists of the icons of different system functions (telephone, navigation, etc.). When the user touches the “main menu carousel” it can be rotated by touchscreen. Visually, this control is just as spectacular as it is intuitive. When the desired function appears on the main menu carousel – such as the telephone – the user just needs to move his or her hand to the display to switch to the telephone menu thanks to proximity sensor technology. It was true on the up! and it also applies to the space up!: The new type of user control is fun, easy to understand in any cultural environment and very safe. That is precisely what is typical of Volkswagen. Toward the end of this decade, the first Volkswagen customers might be able to enjoy this new generation of intuitive controls aboard the New Small Family. The development of production models has already begun…’

Volkswagen Up! Concept Revealed

There are cars that endure for all times. They are icons of their type, masterpieces of craftsmanship and technology; they put ideas into motion, make progress tangible and sometimes quite simply make everyday life better, more practical and enjoyable. Many of these cars carry the VW logo. “Bug, Beetle, New Beetle”, “T1, Bulli, Samba bus, California”, “Golf, GTI”. Now Volkswagen is presenting – as a world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt – a concept car that once again has the right stuff needed to move more than just one generation. It is a small, pure and high-spirited Volkswagen that pays tribute to its environment. The overall concept is marked by an innovative, clear, intuitive functionality. The name of the concept car: up! – a positive name that is a synonym for departure, activity, dynamics and the future. “For Volkswagen”, says Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member with Responsibility for Technical

Development, “the response of IAA visitors will be a decisive test to determine whether the concept has the same kind of potential
possessed by the Beetle at one time or by the Golf today.”

Concept

The up! is a city specialist, a car for four persons and all languages, for the job, the university, the drive to the beach and the excursion outside the city gates. A small car that shows a lot of size, because it offers more space than any other car of similar length (3.45 meters) and width (1.63 meters). Its engine – conceivable here are all facets of technology that can be sensibly applied – will run in the rear. And that changes everything: Space, mood and design.Walter de Silva, Chief Designer of the Volkswagen group, sums it up like this: “The up! is not a car whose form will become obsolete within a very brief period of time. It shines in its cleverness and yet is made with loving care. And so the up! is a clear and strong statement for future Volkswagen design.” Furthermore, the team of designers and engineers has envisioned the up! concept car as the first member of an entire model line; other facets are entirely conceivable.

Ralf-Gerhard Willner, Director of Concept Development, has final responsibility for the technical layout of the up! He and Walter de Silva had already achieved a new balance in the mutual interaction between form and function at Volkswagen before the start of the project. “Absolute harmony of the basic technological concept and the emotional aspects of the design”, note Willner and de Silva in unison, “can only be achieved in a hard clash of ideas between engineers and designers. That is the only way to produce icons.” That is precisely why the up! is not your run-of-the-mill, small, tightly packed car, but instead is a clever, innovative whole. Its form is pure. It just had to look like this, no other look would do. There is nothing superf luous, and its functionality – and so also its design – speak for themselves. Simultaneously – and this is typical of Volkswagen – uncompromisingly attention was given to refining every line and every surface until we had created a friendly and masterful car.

Exterior design

The fact that the engine of the up! runs in the rear has a decisive inf luence on its exterior design. That is because the up! has no classic radiator grille. It forges links to the Beetle. This fact alone gives it a great deal of independence. Dominant design characteristics are the headlamps that take an inward and diagonal line, between them the horizontally arranged air vents, the VW logo (as one of the few details kept in chrome), the tailgate that extends far forward and the smooth bumper with a circumferential black stripe as a detail of the “happy face” that is typical of Volkswagen.

In many areas, technology and design have melded into a vehicle architecture that is not only appealing, but is also very utilitarian. The rear end of the up! is a good example of this. The tailgate was produced using a transparent material. Under this gate developers also integrated the high layout of the taillights.

Another feature that is technically and visually new is the location of the VW logo in the tailgate; it is also located behind glass and
illuminates when the light is on. The rear bumper was designed to match the “happy face” in front.

The powerful appearance of the up!, despite all of its compactness, is emphasized by a very wide track width (1.42 meters) relative to vehicle width. The wheels are flush with the sporty outboard wheel arches and side skirts. The radial design of the wheels and surfaces extending right up to the edge of the rim make the 18-inch wheels appear significantly larger than they actually are.

The wheels that are arranged far outboard in the bumper areas reduce body overhangs to a minimum. All of these features are part of an unmistakable side profile with a very long roof arch as well as clear and large surfaces. Giving shape to its style here are the large doors and the lateral window surfaces, which incline sharply upward at the height of the rear wheel arch and thereby
help to form the very independent C-pillar design.

Interior design

Mounting the engine in the rear opened up entirely new interior concepts. Relative to its exterior size, the space offering is exceptionally forward-thinking. The same is true of its variability: Except for the driver’s seat, all other seats can be folded and removed. Since they are designed as light shells, they can be quickly stowed in one of the cargo areas – besides the front trunk there is also one in the rear – to free up space. Afterwards, the entire passenger compartment length can be utilized as a storage area for especially bulky objects.

To achieve the high level of seating comfort that is usual at Volkswagen, besides their ergonomic design, in the case of the up! this level of comfort is also attained by a simple yet very effective trick: Similar to a self-inf lating air mattress, air can be sucked out of the seat surfaces via a valve. This means that the seats can be adjusted 1:1 to the body anatomies of the occupants who have just taken a seat.

Intuitive controls

On its up! concept car, Volkswagen is presenting some completely new solutions when it comes to operator controls. Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen Brand, comments on this: “Another reason the up! is so fascinating is because everything, every detail, was thought out anew. In the interior we have a touchscreen with new proximity sensor technology for controlling the navigation, radio, trip computer and climate control systems. It is operated absolutely intuitively. As a result, the most complicated functions can be controlled like child’s play.”

Volkswagen Scirocco Convertible

Closely resembling the IROC concept shown at the 2006 Paris Motor Show, the new sports car from Wolfsburg will get dulled down with the usual government mandated bumpers and lights which are still hiding under the test car’s camouflage. However, more interesting is the chassis of the new two door Scirocco coupe. Based on the Passat PQ46 platform, the VW Eos coupe-convertible (CC) sets the basis for the Scirocco. Therefore, our sources speculate VW is about to add a convertible version to the Scirocco coupe.

With such a vehicle, Volkswagen would be following the current trend to add a CC version to the standard coupe model, like Audi did with the TT or BMW with the E93 3-Series. The Scirocco Cabriolet could also steal sales away from the Porsche Boxster as a less expensive alternative, assuming more powerful engines (mentioned below) get added but perhaps not since Porsche takeover of VW is iminent.

The new Scirocco Coupe looks low and wide in these photos, and makes a good impression despite the camouflage. Engines will be both petrol and diesel, with the 1.4-liter 140hp petrol unit as the entry model. The strong 200hp 2.0-liter turbo engine from the Golf GTI will be the top engine from the beginning, followed by a hotter version producing 230-240hp later on. Hopefully, there will be an R version with all-wheel-drive and more power. The most powerful diesel engine will be the new 2.0 liter common-rail delivering 170hp. The interior is looking a lot like the EOS, but hopes are high for a sportier look.

The Scirocco Coupe’s market release is scheduled for 2008, while the CC could be out a year later.

Volkswagen Iroc Concept Revealed

Design and dynamic of a new age:

• VW Iroc concept as a perspective on the sports car of tomorrow

• Iroc transfers the globally successful Scirocco idea into the future.

• Sports car with four seats, sleek design and agile turbo engines

Comeback of a successful idea: 33 years ago at the international Motor Show in Geneva Volkswagen presented a sensational coupé. It was compact, distinctive, agile, spacious and affordable. Volkswagen called it the Scirocco. The car struck the nerve of the times: More than half a million first generation Sciroccos were produced worldwide. Turning point: ­­In August 2006 the largest car maker in Europe is showing the reinterpretation of the successful Scirocco idea in a world premiere – the Iroc concept.

New VW sports car design: Like the first Scirocco with its visual straightforwardness the Iroc also marks a stylistic turning point through its progressively designed radiator grill and a distinctive sensuality of forms. The concept of both Volkswagens is closely related, even though the vehicles are separated by over three decades: The first generation Scirocco was an attainable dream car for many people. Because the Scirocco was an automotive superstar of the 70’s, styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro and equipped with four full-fledged seats, a proper trunk, large hatchback and a lot of self-esteem. The Iroc concept takes up this fascinating idea again.

Purebred sports car instead of a classic coupé: ­However, in contrast to the original Scirocco the Iroc is no classic coupé, but a progressively designed sports car with an extremely long roof and a comparatively steep rear end. This has two advantages. Firstly: The Iroc features sharp proportions. Especially when viewed from behind it becomes immediately apparent that this long roof together with side window sections is situated on very broad and powerful shoulders. The Iroc thus achieves a waist of flawless sports car theory. Secondly: The Iroc also has room in back for two adults and ample luggage. On balance the provocatively designed Iroc combines a high degree of suitability for daily use, pure driving fun and expressive design into a Volkswagen that as a possible series-production vehicle will also be very attractively positioned in terms of price.

Viper green meets dark carbon: The Iroc concept exhibits numerous subtleties in detail. Paint example: Although anything but retro styled, the green used is an homage to the first generation Scirocco for which this exact shade of color was especially typical starting with the 1976 model. Then as now it’s called “viper green metallic”. This glaring green of the Iroc is especially effective in combination with the high contrast black shades of the concept. Carbon example: The central roof element is composed of dark tinted glass; this element is supported by a structure covered with carbon. An integrated lengthwise support is also a part of these materials. The side sills of the Iroc also have a carbon surface. The structure of the sill visible from outside continues seamlessly into the interior.

Sexy dimensions: ­With its short overhangs the Iroc efficiently utilizes a wheelbase of 2,680 mm for the space provided inside. The concept is 1,400 mm high, 4,240 mm long and 1,800 mm wide. ­The light-alloy rims specially designed for the Iroc and 235 tires are implemented in 19 inch size.

Twincharger and DSG: The Iroc is powered by a TSI engine, referred to in-house as a Twincharger. Shifting tasks are handled by the DSG direct shift gearbox. About the Twincharger: First employed in the Golf GT in 2006, TSI engines are currently the most efficient four-cylinder gasoline engines in the world. The combination of compressor and turbocharger shows the path to the future. The compressor compensates for the typical powering up weaknesses of turbo-only gasoline engines at low rpms. The turbocharger in contrast packs a mighty punch at higher revs. The combination of both superchargers in large-volume production engines is the only one of its kind in the world. The TSI version used in the concept achieves 155 kW / 210 hp. In principle, a large range of supercharged engines are conceivable for the Iroc that could start significantly under 110 kW / 150 hp. But there’s one thing every engine theoretically employed in the Iroc has to guarantee: Driving fun.