VW Scirocco R with 265HP 2.0 TSI: Official Photos and Details

VW Scirocco R with 265HP 2.0 TSI: Official Photos and Details

The high-performance 'R' version of the Scirocco that was previewed as a concept study at last year's Bologna Motor Show has finally been revealed in production form. The new Scirocco R is powered by a reworked version of the previous Golf GTI V's 2.0-liter engine boasting a higher pressure turbocharger as well as other modifications such as new intercooler that help boost output to 265HP and 350Nm or 258.2-lbs/ft of torque. The reason why VW chose the older generation 'EA113' four-pot over the Golf GTI VI's newer 2.0 TSI codenamed 'EA888' is said to concern the lower development costs.

Expect to see the same direct-injection four-pot replacing the previous Golf R32's 250HP 3.2-liter V6 in the still under-development, Golf R sport hatch or as it may be called, R20. Not surprisingly, the 265HP 2.0 TSI is mated to a standard six-speed manual gearbox and optionally, to a twin-clutch DSG semi-automatic transmission.

Marking a departure from the other 'R' models, the hot Scirocco is not equipped with an all-wheel drive system as VW preferred to retain the coupe's front wheel drive layout. This solution helps keep the weight down to around 1,330 kg or 2,932 lbs.

According to the German firm, the Scirocco R hits the 100km/h (62mph) mark in 6.5 seconds (6.4'' with the DSG) and reaches an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h or 155mph. In comparison, the the 0-100km/h sprint times for the 2010 Golf GTI and the last Golf R32 4Motion are 6.9 seconds and 6.5 seconds respectively.

Beneath the sheetmetall, Volkswagen's engineers upgraded the standard Scirocco's chassis with a lower suspension that features new dampers and springs, beefier brake discs all around measuring 345mm up front and 310mm at the back plus a new electronic XDS differential as found in the latest Golf GTI.

The mechanical upgrades are complemented by a new aero package that may be less aggressively styled than the one featured on the concept study, but nonetheless, it does its job to distinguish the coupe from its less sportier siblings. The bodykit consists of a chunkier front bumper that houses larger air vents as well as LED daytime running lights, side skirts, new grille, roof spoiler, restyled rear bumper and smoked tail lights. The R model sits on newly designed 18-inch five-spoke rims while customers can also opt for 19-inch alloys.

Inside, the hot Scirocco sports a set of front bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel with a flattened bottom featuring the 'R' logo, aluminum decorative trim here and there plus subtly restyled instrument dials.

The new Scirocco R is scheduled to arrive in European showrooms in the beginning of fall 2009. Sadly for U.S consumers, Volkswagen has no plans at the moment to import the sports coupe in the country.

Citroen Launches Funky Design Configurator for the DS Inside

Citroen Launches Funky Design Configurator for the DS Inside

It's been a while since we last heard anything new from Citroen, but the French automaker certainly caught our attention today with the announcement on the launch of the DS Inside Design Studio configurator. It's not very often that we get the chance to fool around with a concept car even though in this case, the DS Inside is much more of a pre-production model than a pure study. Users can choose between two basic styles, "Paris Night" and "Ethnic", with the configurator offering a seemingly endless array of color schemes.

The three-door premium hatchback that revives Citroen's iconic DS badge was unveiled to the public for the first time at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The production model that is slated to hit European showrooms sometime in 2010 will be positioned above the C3, which continues as normal.

Link: DS Design Configurator

BMW 5-Series GT: What Should the 'GT' Stand For?

BMW 5-Series GT: What Should the 'GT' Stand For?

You've got to love those marketing folks. I mean, '5-Series GT' sounds pretty cool and certainly much better than the initial 'PAS' moniker that stands for "Progressive Activity Sedan." To be totally honest, the newest 5er justifies the 'Gran Turismo' badge in the sense that it has the core qualities of a GT: it promises to cover large distances super fast and in absolute comfort for its passengers.

But somehow a vehicle that looks like it tries to merge a station-wagon with an MPV and an SUV with a sedan and a coupe, all at the same time, doesn't quite sit well with us a GT, at least not in the classic way we interpret it. So, as our friend 'Sergejs' humorously proposed, enlighten or amuse us with what you think the acronym "GT" should stand for in the new bimmer by leaving us a comment below.

Lamborghini, Ferrari and BMW Sportscar Concept Studies by Iranian Designer Emil Baddal

Lamborghini, Ferrari and BMW Sportscar Concept Studies by Iranian Designer Emil Baddal

Remember the collective Iranian concept studies that we showed you back in April? Well, we found yet another designer with potential from the Middle Eastern country. His name is Emil Baddal and we picked out three illustrations from his portfolio that caught our attention. The designs proposals are for a Lamborghini, a Ferrari and a BMW supercar. We reckon that all three studies could benefit from some tweaks here and there, but overall not a bad attempt at all.

LAMBORGHINI

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BMW

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FERRARI

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CGIs: Emil Baddal , Via: Designerspace

Malignant Rumors: Zeta Is Back - Or Is It?

Malignant Rumors: Zeta Is Back - Or Is It?

Even though GM's current situation makes it difficult to predict what the future holds for the troubled automaker, Zeta platform rumors have been making the rounds again, and I like what I'm hearing. It turns out GM may want to spread the Zeta love, making use of it in everything from cop cars to Cadillacs. What are the possibilities? Let's cogitate. The G8 (rebadged as a Chevy) police cruisers from down under stand a good chance of making it, as long as Holden pitches the idea right. Not only could they make up for the Impala, the sales would help offset Holden's expected billion (Aussie) dollar annual loss from its expected export of 30,000 G8s to America.

The doorway's already open; Ford's Panther platform is on its way out. With some 60,000 Crown Vics moved yearly as cop cars, this leaves a lot of sales the Zeta sedan could snag. If the cruisers made it, then perhaps the G8 could get another shot, as the new Impala. Don't even start to think LS3 Impala SS, or you'll jinx it.

Then there's the lovely Pontiac ST, a car-based utility vehicle that was trying oh-so-hard to bring back 1983 and whitewash jeans with a vengeance. Sadly, the Pontiac Ute was killed, followed quickly by the brand itself. To make further use of Zeta, people are theorizing that GM could place the ST in the GMC lineup. A car-based GMC truck (Caballero!) would be a fresh vehicle in a stagnant lineup of badge-engineered Chevrolets that's just now starting to get unique options in the form of the 2010 Terrain.

Topping off the range is Cadillac. The DTS/STS replacement with the extended-wheelbase Zeta under it could supply the American luxury brand with a large, RWD car to compete with ze Germans and Japanese. If you factor in Cadillac's ever-improving designs, it's a car for people who want full-size luxury and who also want to buy American. Standard of the World? Not quite, but it would be a fitting (and economically feasible) new model after the latest CTS.

What about the engine lineup? With the Zeta platform, a lot is possible. The required V8's would appear, of course, but what about people who don't want a guzzler? Offer smaller engines like the direct injection V6 and a hybrid option and people will take notice. There's also whisperings of turbocharged 4-cylinders making the rounds. And diesels? That would almost be a necessity for something like the ST, where utility would be a selling point.

The questions I pose are these: What kinds of Zeta-based cars do you think that American consumers want to see (sedans, coupes, utes)? What kinds of power trains are important to you? Ultimately, what would make you buy "big" from GM and its remaining brands?

By Phil Alex

Phil Alex was born in Rhode Island in 1985, yet for reasons unbeknownst to him moved to South Carolina. He graduated with degrees in Finance and German from Wofford College in 2007 and has had a strange obsession with cars and travel. When not back in Sparkle City, he resides near Japan's international airport in Narita. He makes no apologies for his articles and welcomes all feedback, as long as it is adamantly worded. Oh, and if for any reason you are inclined to vent some more, check out more of his posts on the Examiner here.