Volkswagen CEO of America, Stefan Jacoby, has revealed to Car and Driver that the Scirocco will not be returning to North America. He was quoted as saying “we need to focus on our core products” meaning VW’s next-generation Golf, the Tiguan SUV, and some new budget models currently being developed.
There is also concern that a Scirocco model may cannibalize sales from the Golf GTI and Eos convertible. “The 2009 Scirocco is lovely, but we can’t have everything,” Jacoby lamented.
Now, us folks in North America are lamenting. The possibility of a Scirocco on our shores was certainly an exciting prospect. We’re probably not the only ones a bit choked about this decision. What’s your take?
[Source: Motor Authority]
I came across something pretty interesting today while scouring the web for the latest automotive news. While this is certainly nothing new, I’d like to present you with Volkswagen’s answer to Ferrari. What you’re about to see is the promotional video for the 2001 Volkswagen Nardo concept car.
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The Nardo had a top speed of 217 mph and reached 62 mph in around 3.5 seconds.i Powered by Volkswagens W12 engine, it has twice broken the world 24 hour speed record. In February 2002 it covered a distance of 7,749.4 kilometers at an average speed of 322.89 km/h.
Weighing just 1200kg, it is one of the fastest sports cars in the world.
I’m not entirely sure why it wasn’t made, although I would guess that it would cannibalize sales from Lamborghini, whom Volkswagen owns.
Either way, this was a sweet car!
[Source: Volkswagen]
According to World Car Fans, Volkswagen could be creating a convertible version of the Scirocco. They came to this conclusion based on the fact that the VW Eos coupe-convertible (CC) will be the platform used for the Scirocco coupe.
The new Scirocco looks to have a wide stance, suggesting that it’s going to handle quite well. Engines will be both gas and diesel, with the 1.4-liter 140hp gas unit offered as the base model. A more powerful 2.0-liter turbo engine from the Golf GTI should produce around 200hp and will be the top engine from the beginning, followed by the possibility of an even more powerful version producing 230-240hp later on. The most powerful diesel engine will be the new 2.0 liter common-rail delivering 170hp. Unfortunately, the car’s appearance will likely be dulled down with the usual government mandated bumpers and lights.
There is a problem though… a Scirocco Cabriolet could steal sales away from the Porsche Boxster, because it would be a cheaper alternative, assuming more powerful engines become available. Since a Porsche takeover of VW is iminent, the entire project could be dropped, or at the very least a Scirocco cabrio could be tamed down.
I guess we’ll find out soon enough. The Scirocco Coupe’s market release is scheduled for 2008, while the CC could launch the following year.
[Source: Work Car Fans]
Last week we reported on Porsche’s interest in buying a controlling stake in Volkswagen. The only thing really standing in the way of Porsche’s goal was the antiquated VW law which stipulated that regardless of how much stake a single entity holds, its voting block cannot be greater than 20%. Porsche currently owns a 31% stake, but despite this fact, it was unable to exercise its voting powers to their full potentials. Volkswagen’s home state of Lower Saxony owns 20.1%,thus holding a majority stake and the power to influence the company’s decision making. Under the VW Law Lower Saxony held the power to block any decision that would threaten its jobs and local economy.
Today, the European Court struck down the VW Law, and many now expect Porsche to increase its stake to a controlling 51%. Having been extremely patient up until now, they don’t seem to be in any hurry. In fact, Porsche may not make a move until the first fiscal quarter of the new year.
Keep checking Driver’s Life for new developments in this saga.
[Source: Autoblog]
A decision by the European Court of Justice expected to be issued October 23 will declare an antiquated law called the “VW Law” in violation of EU rules. The VW Law prohibited any entity from holding more than 20% of the voting rights of Volkwagen, despite how much stock that entity held. This ruling could open the door for Porsche to increase its stake in VW to 51%, thus giving them majority ownership and voting rights.
Among the many complications this move could create, Wendelin Wiedeking, Porsche’s CEO said he’ll only allot half the seats on the corporate labor board to VW, despite VW’s 324,000-member labor force being significantly larger than Porsche’s 12,000 workers. The head of VW’s workers council threatened to sue Porsche if such a thing transpired.
What do you think of this?
[Source: Motor Authority]
Volkswagen officially revealed their answer to the Porsche Cayenne in the form of the Touareg R50 at the 2007 Sydney Auto Show. Powered by a V10 TDI engine, the R50 version of the Touareg puts out 345 HP and, wait for it… 627 lb-ft of torque! That’s enough torque to jumpstart a dying planet. Too bad they are still a bit short on the torque required to dislodge your mother in law from your favorite armchair. ..
Priced at about 88,260 Euros, the R50 sits on 21-inch wheels, and rides on an “air suspension sports chassis.” This is the third model to wear Volkswagen’s sporty R badge, along with the Golf R32 and the new Passat R36. All three models have 4MOTION all-wheel drive to guarantee optimal traction. You’ll need it just in case you actually do attempt to move your mother in law.
Full press release available after the jump.
[Source: Jalopnik]
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We decided to have some fun tonight at Drivers Life so we compiled a list of 5 sporty, fun, yet affordable cars that would be worthy of parking in our garages.
Our decisions factored in pricing, performance, and style. For clarification, we considered anything under $30,000 USD affordable. You may not find any Porsche’s on the list, but don’t let that stop you!
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Volkswagen Passats from 2000-2003 are being investigated by the NHTSA after 19 reports of fires underhood. Preliminary investigation seems to point to faulty ignition coil packs. So far, the problem has only affected the four and six cyl engines that run on gasoline, meaning that TDI owners are in the clear for now. Volkswagen has not issued a recall, but if it is determined that a recall is necessary, the VeeDub could be looking at repairing upwards of 35,000 cars.
[Source: Bloomberg via Winding Road]
