Hot 'Roc

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Car Verdict

Volkswagen Scirocco

Manufacturer

Volkswagen - Car Reviews

It’s here, the one we’ve been waiting for. The new super-hot Scirocco. The R.

You teased us, VW, with that 'Studie R' concept back in December. Then you went all quiet. We thought you’d forgotten all about the idea of a double-hot Scirocco.

But then you go and totally redeem yourself by announcing that the production-ready Scirocco R, the fastest 'Roc yet, will be unveiled at the Nurburgring 24 Hour race this weekend. Announcing that it’ll be powered by a 2.0-litre engine with a meaty 1.2 bar of boost, a new alloy head, high pressure injectors and new intercooler.

A 2.0-litre engine that’ll put out – ready for this? – 261bhp.

261bhp. Though VW hasn't released any performance figures yet, bear in mind that the most powerful Scirocco at present puts out 197bhp and will hit 60mph in just over seven seconds. So we reckon you're looking at a Scirocco that'll nail the sprint in comfortably under six seconds. That's seriously fast.

And yes, it's staying front wheel drive. OK, it might have been a fraction faster off the line with Golf R32-style four-wheel drive. But it would have been heavier. And more expensive. And the Focus RS has proved that powerful front drivers don’t have to torque steer themselves into a parallel dimension. VW's 'XDS' cross-axle traction control system – as seen on the new Golf GTI – should help out with that.

So how do you spot a Scirocco R? Bigger brakes with gloss black calipers, for a start. A new, more aggressive front bumper and a big new rear spoiler. Smoked rear lights. And, if you’re looking really closely, new big bucket seats and a blue-trimmed display unit. Subtle stuff, but all good.

We don’t know how much it’ll cost yet. VW says it’ll announce prices shortly before the Scirocco R goes on sale at the end of this year.