It was a triumphant drive: in May 2008, three Scirocco GT24 cars
lined up at the start of the 24-hour endurance race on the Nürburgring
track. At the wheel: driving legends the likes of Hans-Joachim Stuck
and Carlos Sainz. The teams drove two 238 kW / 325 PS strong race cars
to a dual victory at the finish line, first and second in their class.
Now Volkswagen is presenting a street version of the race car at the
Bologna Motor Show: the Scirocco Studie R. A genuine Grand Tourismo
with a 198 kW / 270 PS engine that delivers aggressive propulsive
power. This power is distributed by a 6-speed dual clutch transmission.
Adapted directly from car racing are the coilovers, the four-piston
brake calipers and a sound-optimized exhaust system with its oval,
polished tailpipes.
Visually, in many respects the concept
emulates the race car version. Take the front end, for example: here
the design adheres to the motto “Form follows function”; it features
three large air inlet openings that guarantee optimal cooling of the
brakes and engine. The front splitter that was added minimizes
aerodynamic lift of the front axle. Also adopted from the racing
version is the engine hood with its auxiliary air vents.
The rear
end is dominated by an integrated rear wing and distinctive diffuser in
the lower section of the bumper. These two components reduce lift at
the rear axle substantially. Despite the aerodynamic design derived
from car racing, a clear stylistic resemblance to the production
Scirocco was preserved. Identifying characteristics of its side profile
are the new side skirts and polished 19-inch alloy wheels with five
sets of triple spokes. The wheels were specially developed for the
Scirocco Studie R.
The radiator screen, diffuser and underside of
the rear spoiler are treated in high-gloss black, and this provides a
strong contrast to the white exterior paint. Supplemented by a “Bologna
08” badge, red and green stylistic elements on a white background
create an Italian tricolor. The outside mirrors are also coordinated
with this color scheme.
Interior
Italy’s
national colors are also represented in the interior. White and black
create the basic theme, similar to the exterior car color. The seams of
the Recaro racing shell seats, steering wheel, front armrest, gearshift
lever trim and floor mat edging are designed in the colors of the
tricolor. Inside, nappa leather in “Deep black” and “Berry white” is
applied to the uncompromisingly designed racing shell seat. The shell
seats are upholstered with a deep black leather in carbon look. An
eye-catching feature here is the conspicuous yet refined contrast of
low and high-gloss elements of the carbon structure. Interior accents
also consist of genuine carbon composites. The footwell features
aluminum pedals specially designed for this vehicle.
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