Click the image above for a gallery of the VW IROC concept.
According to Automotive News, Volkswagen of America doesn't want the new Scirocco when it's released in the next few years. The reason? Another two-door, Golf-based hatch would cannibalize sales of the GTI, and with American's apparent distaste for hatches, sales would be underwhelming.
Adrian Hallmark, executive veep at VW of America maintains that, "having six different coupes and hatchbacks would be crazy," which seems like sound logic. At the same time however, an argument for VW to have a more low-slung coupe in their lineup, regardless of how you pop the trunk, may be to the automaker's benefit. Even more so if the Scirocco was outfitted with higher-end appointments –- distancing itself from the GTI, but still coming in a few notches below some of Audi's entry-level offerings.
Still, no word on what will motivate the new Scirocco when it comes to market, although judging by the IROC concept from which it will be based, we'd expect a six- or seven-speed DSG mated to some application of V-Dub's TSI twincharger setup.
[Source: Automotive News – Sub. Req.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
michael @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:48AM
why not drop the GTI instead? If hatchbacks are moving slowly, here is a car that differentiates from the typical hatchback. I can see this being a really hot car in the demographic the GTI targets, and would probably steal buyers who might not otherwise pick the GTI.
HotRodzNKustoms @ Apr 23rd 2007 12:58AM
Or make this the next gen Rabbit/GTI? or maybe just GTI. Either way I do like it and it would be on my shopping list if I was looking for a hatch
chewy @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:00AM
I always considered the Iroc concept to be no more than a preview of next gen GTI. The Iroc concept has been put on 100% restyle and reivew in Europe as well. As it wouldn't make any sense there in its present form. So I doubt we will see this exact thing, or anything related in Europe as well.
Deezee @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:34AM
Slap a GTI badge on it and problem solved.
Nick @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:55AM
Volkswagen could pull a Nissan and make the GTI it's own nameplate from the Golf/Rabbit, just as Nissan has done with GT-R and Skyline.
HC @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:56AM
what a shame
That One Person @ Apr 23rd 2007 1:59AM
Ditch the lame duck Beetle....
sammy z @ Apr 23rd 2007 2:17AM
The GTI has more history and cult status.
I'm glad it isn't coming to America.
Hopefully, It will come to Australia instead :P
Deezee @ Apr 23rd 2007 2:21AM
Doesn't it have to get passed America to get to Australia? Australia is like next to Hawaii or something right?
Rob @ Apr 23rd 2007 2:43AM
Well that's stupid. That was the only VW I was remotely interested in.
J @ Apr 23rd 2007 2:52AM
seriously vw. call it the corrado or something. call it the Westfalia, or the Vanagon, even! just bring it here!
ricardo @ Apr 23rd 2007 3:34AM
This car is just too nice for american roads. Give him a Autobahn and hes happy. Im getting one thats for shure.
Lucas @ Apr 23rd 2007 3:58AM
Whatever #12... I've been working in Germany for a couple of months now and I can tell you the A roads aint that great. I was expecting much more.
idesign @ Apr 23rd 2007 4:00AM
I talked to the one of the marketing directors for VW europe at the Paris AutoShow during press days interviewing him about th Iroc, and he told me aobut the importance of this car being an "emotional purchase, a car that was supposed to beleive it or not, come in under the golf , but have its own niche market. It was supposed to evoke emotions of fun and youth. But he also didn't hesitate to mention that the powertrain wasn't much to talk about, that it actually would have less power than some golfs on the market....
I know this may seem contrary to popular belief, I thougth it was interesting too, but thought I would just put in what I learned while I was doing my job.
Alex M @ Apr 23rd 2007 4:22AM
Hopefully it will make it to Canada.
The origional scirocco wasn't much different than the A1 GTi. They had the same chassis, engines, pretty much just different interior, I think 4 wheel discs and sleeker body panels.
It would be nice if this killed/replaced the beetle.
Nick @ Apr 23rd 2007 5:35AM
"The GTI has more history and cult status."
The Scirocco is far more 'cult' than the now mainstream GTI.
ricardo @ Apr 23rd 2007 5:51AM
#13 I can tell you the Autobahns are great. Where have you been? In bayern its just a driving pleasure. I live in switzerland near to the border
Justin @ Apr 23rd 2007 8:07AM
#12, Ricardo, have you been on the Autobahn? Most of it's clogged with traffic so you cant even take advantage of it.
Go driving out west in America, that is FUN.
Caleb @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:00AM
Just shows that VW managment are idiots.
Atomicbri @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:02AM
WHAT???? OMG VW oF A are idiots!!! I have been waiting for a new Scirocco/Corrado for ever now. Only to be satisfied with the GTi, but to think it would eat into sales is an idiotic thought. The Scirocco is soo different in terms of car. Autoblog should find out his email so we could go email Adrian Hallmark and let him know how we, VW enthusiasts feel.