New Scirocco GT with 170HP 2.0-Liter Diesel Returns 46MPG

Having already introduced the Golf VI GTD, Volkswagen has now launched a sporty diesel version of the Scirocco coupe equipped with the same 2.0-litre common rail diesel engine that develops 170HP at 4,200 rpm and 350Nm or 258lbs of torque. from 1,750 rpm. Linked to either a six-speed manual or six-speed DSG gearbox, the 2.0 TDI propels the Scirocco GT from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 8.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 222km/h or 138mph.

The real advantage of the Scirocco GT is its low fuel consumption as it returns 46mpg US (53.3mpg UK or 5.2lt /100km) in the combined European cycle while emitting just 139 g/km (DSG: 147) of CO2.

In Britain, the diesel-powered Scirocco is available for order with prices set at £21,755 and £23,060 for the 6-speed manual and DGS versions respectively. The coupe's standard equipment includes a six-CD autochanger, rain and dusk sensor, multifunction computer, 2Zone air conditioning, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and six airbags.

VW Scirocco GT24-CNG to enter Nurburgring 24h Race

For this year's 24-hour endurance race at the Nurburgring in Germany on May 23-24, Volkswagen has readied two natural-gas-powered Scirocco models that will participate alongside three gasoline-powered 325HP Scirocco GT24s with which the automaker took a one-two victory in the 2.0-litre turbo class at the 2008 race. The two Scirocco GT24-CNGs use a modified version of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has been designed to runs on natural gas.

The result is an output of just under 300 horsepower and 350Nm or 258-lbs/ft of torque which continue to be transmitted to the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox operated by paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Volkswagen said that as a fuel, natural gas is particularly eco-friendly as well as very cost-effective reducing on average CO2 emissions by 25 percent compared with conventional spark ignition engines.

"The Scirocco GT24 already proved its strengths as a dynamic sports coupe by clinching class victory in its debut race last year," said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "In 2009, we are taking yet another step forwards by using two different engine concepts. We want to prove that Volkswagen offers different powertrain concepts, all of which excel in terms of high efficiency, dynamics and reliability. The Nordschleife and the 24-Hour Race provide an ideal test bed for this purpose."

The two natural gas-powered Scirocco GT24-CNG cars will be driven by Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg (D), Board Member for Technical Development of the Volkswagen Brand, and journalists Bernd Ostmann (D), Peter Wyss (CH) and John Barker (GB) as well as touring car ace Peter Terting (D), Nordschleife expert Thomas Klenke (D), former DTM driver Vanina Ickx (B) and touring car legend Klaus Niedzwiedz (D), two-time overall winner of the 24 Hours on the Nürburgring.

The team of one of the three petrol-powered Scirocco GT24 cars will consists of "Dakar" winner Giniel de Villiers (ZA), two-time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz (E) as well as Dieter Depping (D).

The other Scirocco GT24 will be driven by last year's winners Jimmy Johansson (S) and Florian Gruber (D) as well as Nicki Thiim (DK) and Martin Karlhofer (A), while the third car's team will include formula racing specialists Congfu Cheng (CN), Carlo van Dam (NL) and Franck Mailleux (F) as well as the two-time 24-H overall winner Altfrid Heger (D).

ABT AS5-R: Modified Audi S5 with 510HP set for Geneva Debut

The Audi S5-based AS5-R from ABT Sportsline will be making its worldwide debut at next month's Geneva Show. ABT's tuning proposal for the most powerful variant of the A5 coupe includes an updated version of the current S5's 344HP 4.2-liter V8 engine that has been modified to produce an output of 510-horsepower. For the record, Audi is planning to replace the S5 Coupe's V8 with the recently introduced S5 Cabriolet's new 3.0-liter supercharged V6 engine that develops 333HP.

ABT did not disclose any more information on the car, but aside from the engine-tune up, the AS5-R will also benefit from a new bodykit and larger alloy wheels along with a modified suspension and a more powerful braking system.

The German tuner's Geneva booth will also host the firm's latest creations including the ABT VW Sciorcco Coupe and the ABT Audi Q5 and R8.

Volkswagen Scirocco SC 350 Tuned by Sportec with up to 350HP

Swiss tuning specialist Sportec has turned its attention on the Volkswagen Scirocco with the release of a new performance package. Among other things, Sportec's program consists of engine upgrades, a sports suspension, alloy wheels rims and other components. For the Scirocco 2.0 TFSI 200HP, Sportec offers various performance optimizations that boost the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine's output from 240HP to 350HP. In the most powerful version, the maximum torque takes a massive leap from 280 to 480Nm (354 lbs/ft).

To achieve these figures, the Swiss tuner's engineers modified the 2.0 TFSI's supercharger, updated the ECU and replaced the stock exhaust system with a new free flowing one. A carbon-fiber engine cover completes the package.

To improve the Scirocco's handling, Sportec developed a new sports suspension that brings the coupe 35 mm closer to the ground while the coupe now sits on 20-inch alloy wheels shod in 245/30 high-performance sport tires.

Finally, for the interior, the Swiss tuner offers a 4-part floor mat set made of soft velour and a multi-part carbon interior with the Sportec logo.