VW Scirocco R (2009): first official photos

VW Scirocco R (2009): first official photos
By Tim Pollard
First official pictures
20 May 2009 00:01

Volkswagen has issued the first official details of the new Scirocco R. We've been scooping it as the anticipated Scirocco R20T – and while our technical information was spot-on, the name has been changed at the last minute we're informed. So it's farewell R20T (and, presumably, R32 and R36 elsewhere in VW's range) and hello R. It seems likely that all future hot VWs will be badged simply R and ditch the numerals. Which neatly avoids highlighting that the industry is downsizing frantically, as well as simplifying the range of go-faster Volkswagens produced by Wolfsburg's Individual department responsible for all performance models, body kits and Bluemotion versions.VW Scirocco R: the inside lineThe first photo of the new Scirocco R reveals a pumped-up coupé, complete with typically subtle Germanic polish. The odd ride height drop here, some gently chiseled sills there. Eighteen inch rims are standard, 19s optional.Under the bonnet lies a familiar recipe: the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine from the outgoing Golf GTI, breathed on by a higher-pressure turbocharger to swell peak power to 261bhp and torque to 258lb ft. So this Scirocco will be fleet of foot:• 0-62mph 6.5sec (6.4sec with DSG)• Top speed 155mph (limited on both models)• Kerbweight 1333kg (1353kg with DSG)• Combined economy 34mpg (34.5mpg with DSG)• CO2 194/g/km (192g/km with DSG)What? They've used the old GTI's engine?Yep. It's not the new EA888 four-pot seen in the Golf and other Sciroccos, but the EA113 unit from the Mk5 hot hatch. There's a new, bigger turbo huffing and puffing at up to 1.2 bar of boost, plus a new more efficient intercooler. The fabric of the block is new, too, with a reinforced block, stronger pins, conrods and bearings, and a new ally head.We put some questions to a high-up at Individual to understand more about the Scirocco's positioning. Click 'Next' to read the full lowdown on the Scirocco R.