More Good News From VW: New RWD Convertable, Scirocco, and Four-Door Coupe on the Way

[YSSMAN]

Well, VW is certainly moving in the right direction once again.

Volkswagen chairman Wolfgang Bernhard is seriously considering building a mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster based on the Volkswagen Concept R shown in 2003. According to 4Car, the car will be part of a 20-vehicle rollout over the next five years, which will include ten vehicles in markets currently unoccupied by VW. The car is not expected until the latter half of the five-year model blitz. Volkswagen is also expected to roll out a four-door “coupe” similar to the Mercedes CLS-Class, and a Scirocco coupe.

Its good news, but were still a bit too far away to see the results that are greatly needed at VW right now. I (personally) care more about the Scirocco than anything else, as it would be great to see something split the difference between the Jetta and Passat. Also the CLS-like Passat "Coupe" is good news, and should sell well if they can get the looks and the price right.

 

[Vonie]

More.

Definatley good news.

 

[YSSMAN]

That is good/interesting news! Although the news about the 2008 MKVI Golf is a little confusing, as we are JUST (by JUST I mean like a slight trickle) getting the MKV Golf.

 

[95GTIVR6]

"VW must find a partner to help produce the roadster. Because it's a mid-engine vehicle, the Concept R does not fit the Golf IV or V platform."

Maybe their cooperation with Lotus on the GX3 will lead to further co-ops between the companies, possibly with a platform.

 

[YSSMAN]

...Good point, I didnt even think of that...

 

[Jim Prower]

Problem, though. will people buy these if they have the VW badge?

I'm not saying I wouldn't buy a new Scirocco. Hell, it'd make a great car to stave off the invasion of Civic Sis. That roadster is the biggest gamble, though. Perhaps if they make it look like a Karmann Ghia, they'd have an extra selling point.

 

[Wolfe]

This is awesome! First, the GX3, now this, and the Scirocco.... 👍

"VW must find a partner to help produce the roadster. Because it's a mid-engine vehicle, the Concept R does not fit the Golf IV or V platform."

Maybe their cooperation with Lotus on the GX3 will lead to further co-ops between the companies, possibly with a platform.

I smell a cheap VW-badged Boxster, myself......

 

[YSSMAN]

The rumored projects seem to be confirmed now:

Netherlands auto parts supplier Inalfa Roof Systems told Germany’s carOrder that Volkswagen has asked it to build panoramic roofs for the Passat Coupe, Scirocco, and Polo SUV. The Passat “coupe” is believed to be a Mercedes CLS-style four-door, according to previous reports. The Scirocco is a traditional coupe inspired by the original Scirocco and Corrado models. It’s unclear what is meant by the term “Polo SUV,” however it’s likely a reference to the much-rumored Golf SUV. The compact SUV is believed to be based on the 2007 Concept A, and could go under and number of possible names. The report indicates all three cars would be 2008 models, with production starting early that year.

 

[Delirious]

Looks like a scaled down Porsche Carrera GT...sounds familiar

 

[Wolfe]

Hmm, actually, it just occurred to me -- if VW and Porsche work together on this MR convertible, each producing their own model (a la the Touareg and Cayenne), VW could come out with their Concept R thing, and Porsche could revive the 914 nameplate as a sub-Boxster model.

 

[YSSMAN]

It could happen, and it would not surprise me to see Porsche get back into the "cheap" small sportscar market. The 914 was not necessiarily the best model that they had ever built, but it was a minor hit, and has had lasting effect on the market since then.

Heres a good question: If Porsche and VW work together on the production version of the Concept R, what kind of engine would the Porsche version use? Would they take the time to design a new F4 or F6? Or would they just use the VW 2.0T or 3.2 (possibly 3.6L) VR6?

 

[Wolfe]

Well, mid-engined cars already make it hard enough to work in the engine bay -- making it a flat-engine design simply makes it impossible.

With the Boxster, for example, it is literally impossible to look at the engine without lifting the car. That's why Porsche had to include this little area in the trunk:

I have a feeling that if they won't engineer a flat-4 for the car when VW's inline-4s are readily available and critically acclaimed. Dropping a Porsche flat-6 in may be a possibility, though.

 

[Poverty]

Apart from the MR car and the scirrocco VW are trying to punch above their weight and I dont see it happening. They should leave 4 door coupes for audi.

 

[YSSMAN]

A new Scirocco isnt necessiarily "punching" above their class. The Scirocco would obviosuly be slotted above the GTI, probably equipped with the new 3.6L VR6 and a DSG transmission.

...It makes me wonder: If the Scirocco is comming, does that mean there would not be a need for the MKV R32 in the US?

 

[Wolfe]

A new Scirocco isnt necessiarily "punching" above their class. The Scirocco would obviosuly be slotted above the GTI, probably equipped with the new 3.6L VR6 and a DSG transmission.

...It makes me wonder: If the Scirocco is comming, does that mean there would not be a need for the MKV R32 in the US?

Poverty said, "Apart from the MR car and Scirocco VW are trying to punch above their weight..."

As for your question, one thing is for certain -- by the time we get the MKV R32/R36, the Golf will have gone through one or two generation changes in the rest of the world.

 

[95GTIVR6]

As for your question, one thing is for certain -- by the time we get the MKV R32/R36, the Golf will have gone through one or two generation changes in the rest of the world.

Ain't that the truth!

 

[STLbarcelona5]

How about they either kill off the Beetle or do something good with it . . . Maybe if they kill it I wont have to specify the year of my Beetle (1979), and just go 'no no, dont worry, i have the good beetle."

 

[BMWteamPTG]

Hmm, actually, it just occurred to me -- if VW and Porsche work together on this MR convertible, each producing their own model (a la the Touareg and Cayenne), VW could come out with their Concept R thing, and Porsche could revive the 914 nameplate as a sub-Boxster model.

i would love to see that...i think that itd be good for both names

 

[YSSMAN]

...There is nothing wrong with the current "New Beetle" other than the fact that it is based on the MKIV platform. They should have changed it when the new Golf and Jetta came out, but they kept on going. I assume it was because it is tough to improve on the car's allredy good looks, but mechanically speaking, it needs an update, badly. I want to see the return of the Beetle Turbo S with the 2.0T and the DSG...!

 

[Wolfe]

What the New Beetle really needs is a rear-mounted flat-4 powering the rear wheels.

 

[95GTIVR6]

What the New Beetle really needs is a rear-mounted flat-4 powering the rear wheels.

It would be pretty cool if that would happen. And if you think about it, it could possibly make a lot of sense. We can all really assume that for the most part, the Beetle is a chick car.

I say, revamp the Beetle with a rear drive/engine layout and redesign it (its due for a change anyways). Then, use the Eos to call attention to all the other female consumers. Create a hard top coupe version and they will come.

 

[YSSMAN]

It could be done. I'm sure Porsche would love to build a flat-four for their VW friends...