Insider: VW Future Model Arrival Dates

We’ve obtained an internal Volkswagen document addressed to VW dealers in Europe that informs them on the market launch of three important new models: the Scirocco Coupe, the Golf VI and the next generation Polo. The first model to arrive in European dealerships will be the Golf based Scirocco. The production version of the IROC Concept (see here) that made its premier at the 2006 Paris Show, will be available across Europe during the fourth quarter of 2008. If VW decides to import the Scirroco in the U.S., it shouldn’t be expected earlier than mid-2009. -Continued after the jump

According to the internal document, the sixth generation of VW’s compact class Golf will go on sale in Europe during the first quarter of 2009. Originally, VW planned to launch the Golf VI at next year’s Geneva Show in March but VW’s new boss, Martin Winterkorn, postponed the presentation for the Paris Show in September of 2008 as he was not pleased with the vehicle’s appearance. The US spec Golf should make its appearance in early 2010.

Finally, the next-generation Polo supermini based on the same platform as the recently introduced Skoda Fabia, will begin its European career during the second half of 2009. An the U.S.? Well, unless gas prices hike over $4 a gallon, we doubt it that the Polo will make it on the other side of the Atlantic.

VW: Scirocco, Golf VI Cabrio & Lupo Renderings

Before we get into any details on Autozeitung’s future VW model renderings, let us remind you something; on January 1st, Audi CEO Martin Winterkorn (officially) replaced Bernd Pischetsrieder as the head of Volkswagen Group CEO. From what we’ve heard from insiders, Winterkorn is revaluating every single project that Pischetsrieder approved. Take the Golf VI for example that was sent last minute back to the drawing board. Thus meaning, for the time being, one should be extremely cautious of any future VW model rumors. Saying that, here’s our opinion on the three renderings we see from German magazine Autozeitung: -Click “Read More…” below

Scirocco: We'll agree with Autozeitung that the 2006 IROC concept was far too close in appearance to the Golf and that VW will give the production version Scirocco a serious makeover. Don’t know about the new grille though.

Golf VI Cabrio: If the translation we made from the German magazine is right, Autozeitung is proposing a name change for the Eos successor –obviously, there’s no logic of having the Eos and the Golf VI Cabrio in your range even if the latter features a rag-top. Could be.

Lupo: The first generation Lupo which was also available from Seat as the Aroza, was an expensive and unsuccessful, premium mini. VW replaced it with the “cheap” Brazilian made Fox, that is also… unsuccessful. We know for a fact that Skoda is developing a mini that will fit under the Fabia II in its range so this scenario could have some truth in it. In any case we really dig the artist impression on the Lupo.

Via: Autoblog.it , Source: Autozeitung

Technorati: VW, VW+Scirocco, VW+Golf+Cabrio, VW+Lupo, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Video-Time: Volkswagen IROC Concept

Well this seems kind of premature as VW just released the official pictures a few hours ago, but we sure don't have a problem. Click at the two following videos bellow and take a closer look at Wolfsburgs new Scirocco -oops, I'm sorry, I mean IROC... concept!

Part-1


Part-2

Technorati: Volkswagen+IROC, Scirocco, 2008, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, crossover, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive, video, clip

Officially unveiled: The Volkswagen IROC Concept -or in other words, the 2008 VW Scirocco

Following this mornings early revelation (Click Here: VW ScIROCco) , VW was "forced" to an early unveiling of its Scirocco Concept -oops, sorry, to be exact, the IROC Concept, as only this part of the word is boldly highlighted on the license plate. The deutsch "green avenger" comes equipped with VW's 1.4 TSI engine -seen in the Euro Spec Golf & Touran models, but its upgraded posing an astonishing (for a 1.4 litre engine) 210 Hp. As I reported earlier, the word is that the IROC will go in production with a Scirocco nameplate in 2008.

Press Release

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 coupe: However, in contrast to the original Scirocco the Iroc is no classic coupe, 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.

Technorati: Volkswagen+Scirocco, 2008, IROC, concept, prototype, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive, press+release

Exclusive Paris-Blaster: Volkswagen ScIROCco Concept pictures !

Update: The concept is officialy named IROC, check out the official press release &pictures here: IROC Concept

You probably saw a lot of scanned pictures from the internet this morning concerning VW's ScIROCco concept, but these look a bit more convincing don't you think?

The ScIROCco concept, which will be officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in September practically previews the product edition that is going to go on sale in 2008. That's about 16 years after the last Scirocco rolled out of VW's production line in 1992 to be substituted by the not so successful, Corrado -remember the one with the "very reliable" G60 engines...

The decision to go ahead with the Scirocco was approved just a few months ago. That approval led to this sleek 3door prototype that is very reminiscent of last year's Audi Shooting Brake concept.

Like the concept, the Scirocco will be built on the PQ35 platform -yes, the same one that's found in the Golf V, or Rabbit for the US market. Although VW sources have previously stated that the Scirocco may adopt some lightweight aluminum parts from the 2007 Audi TT, I find that very difficult to beleive as VW's model will be aiming at lower budgets.

Expect the line up to include all the latest TFSI engines from VW's stable like the 1.4 TSI (140 & 170 Hp), the 2.0 TFSI (200 & 220-260 Hp) as well as the 3.2 FSI and of course, the hefty VW diesel line up.

According to VW officials, the 3door Scirocco will be built at the company's Setubal plant near Lisbon in Portugal Setubal plant near Lisbon in Portugal -the same line as the 2007 Eos Coupe-Convertible.

PS: These are the scanned photos I previously mentioned:

Technorati: Volkswagen+ScIROCco, concept, prototype, Paris+Motor+Show, 2006, autos, auto+news, vehicles, cars, automotive