Volkswagen disappointed its U.S. faithful when it announced last March that the United States would not be getting a version of its revived Scirocco hot hatch, but changing market conditions and strong consumer demand may have VW rethinking that decision.
According to Automotive News, VW is now considering giving the U.S. a version of the all-new Scirocco. VW originally scratched the Scirocco from its U.S. lineup due to an unfavorable exchange rate and the fear that the Scirocco would cannibalize Rabbit and GTI sales. However, a stronger U.S. dollar and higher-than-expected demand has VW reconsidering that decision.
“People are looking at: ‘Would it make sense? What are the volumes?’ and all that,” Steve Keyes, a spokesman for Volkswagen Group of America Inc., told Automotive News. “There’s no real decision yet, but we’re now discussing whether maybe there’s another way to bring a Scirocco here, positioning it a little bit differently.”
If the Scirocco does receive the green light for the U.S. market, VW would position it above the GTI – both in performance and price. VW is using the previous R32 as a case study for the U.S.’ Scirocco, with production likely to be capped at 2,000 or fewer units.
Like the R32, the Scirocco could also see a limited lifecycle. With a new GTI and hotter GTI-R on the way, VW would likely clear out the Scirocco before the new Golf-based models hit dealer showrooms.
No time frame has been given the Scirocco’s possible return to the U.S., but the new model has been on the European market since August.
10/27, 2:13 PM
posted by:
A4
YES!!!!
10/27, 2:13 PM
posted by:
JoshyLofty
awesome! do it. it may make me own my first vee dub.
10/27, 2:15 PM
posted by:
A4
but let me tell you one thing, if you are using the R32 as a guide, make sure you DONT bring us a bunch of manumatic DSG granny hatches. 6 speed manuals better be there.
10/27, 2:28 PM
posted by:
phillipsexeter
and… my b@ll$ just exploded.
10/27, 2:59 PM
posted by:
lolrax
Wasn’t this going to have a VR6? I wish VW would quit using that tiresome engine
10/27, 4:32 PM
posted by:
Lariat Luxury Locomotive Liner No.3
Anyways has been an attractive automobile, but in today’s economic environment would it be prudent to bring it to the States?
10/27, 4:51 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
Drop in a Mazda or Honda engine/tranny and I’ll consider it. VW mechanicals? Ughhhh, no way.
10/27, 4:58 PM
posted by:
Chopper9
No DSG “granny hatches”?
The DSG tranny is the best thing abut this VW segment!!!!!
10/27, 5:21 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
I have as much desire to buy this, after they announce that it’s too expensive to bring into the U.S. and revoke that, as Brazil had to buy the SP-2 in the 70’s or so.
10/27, 5:27 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
Volkswagens “US spec” is invariably some dumbed down version compared to what’s available in Europe. And dual clutch transmissions are the finest on the planet (A4), manual gearboxes are obsolete.
10/27, 6:38 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Madcapp, you’re smarter than to throw out a blanket statement like manual ‘gearboxes are obsolete’. If anything, they seem to be making a bit of a comeback. Let me throw an equally ridiculous generality your way and say that all automatics are just slushboxes for morons too uncoordinated to shift for themselves. If you don’t like manuals that’s fine, no one’s forcing you to drive one, but at least spare us the attitude.
10/27, 6:58 PM
posted by:
tchap
if you deal with the traffic of los angeles on a daily basis, you will soon realize how impractical a manual tranny is.
10/27, 7:11 PM
posted by:
Madcapp
I know Johnny, I’m just having fun with A4 because he’s a hardcore manual guy.
10/27, 7:28 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I should have guessed. I usually know better than than to try and say anything deep and meaningful on a Monday.
10/27, 7:29 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
…you see- there it is- I can barely type!
10/27, 8:33 PM
posted by:
mayer_ray_nagin
I save faking the deep, meaningful comments for picking up on obama-chicks, all of whom fall for superficial, meaningless drivel that sounds nice.
10/27, 8:49 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
I actually agree with the second paragraph. This might jeopardize the GTI, and the Rabbit.
But I really like the exterior of this thing…beautiful
If this does come to NA, Im definitely trading in my GTI for one.
tchap your so right. I don’t know how outrageous the traffic is in LA during rush hour, but this morning I made the dumb choice of taking my manual GTI to my office, and there was an accident on the major road I commute on (along w/ the rest of my city). That’s why tap shift was invented, but its still not the real thing…no clutch!
10/27, 9:07 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
This will hardly jeopardize the GTI and Rabbit, The Scirocco will be priced higher and have slightly more content. Also will only be availabe as 3dr hatch and (rumored) convertible at a later date.
On another note I think VW should offer more Premium options standard on all models, especially xenon lights and a lower cost DSG. These options would actually make vW seen like a better deal than it is now. If they add a few premium item to cars it could justifyVW price premium and stop people from complaining about how much they cost.
10/27, 11:28 PM
posted by:
JerkStoreAssistantManager
Yeay!
10/27, 11:50 PM
posted by:
aexcorp
If you’re a good manual driver, traffic is really a non-issue. I live in DC and we definitely get our share of traffic (see rankings, we’re definitely top 15 in the country) and yet, if you drive smooth and you roll, allowing some space in front of you and using the engine break of first/second, not only will people behind you love you cause you’re moving at a continuous 2-5 miles/h (instead of “10 mph — abrupt stop — 10mph — etc”, thereby helping everybody’s morale) but also you’ll spare your break pads. And no, your clutch shouldn’t suffer if you don’t blow at it.
More to the point, it’s about time VW changed their mind. I just hope they’ll bring a tuned-up version (at least 250hp) of the 2.0T instead of trying for another V6 that will chug gas and lack reliability.
10/28, 1:13 AM
posted by:
maxcar
when you look at the numbers on the dsg gearbox, there is no going back to manual.
better gas mileage
better 0-60
just no nostalgia…
10/28, 4:14 AM
posted by:
brocky
I agree aexcorp. I’ve been driving a manual for quite some time now and traffic is just a blur for me. The only time I realize the comfort of not driving a manual transmission is when there is traffic and I’m driving an automatic. But as soon as the traffic opens up I feel like falling asleep because of the boredom. Anyhow, a 250hp 2.0T would sound perfect for the Rocco. Neatly placed between the GTI and the new GTI-R which better have at least 300hp.
If they bring over the Rocco, I’ll sacrifice my dissatisfaction of driving my IS for a couple of more years in order to wait for the new VW to come over.
10/28, 4:50 PM
posted by:
1275cc
Q: Are there 2000 buyers who will pay more money for a slightly faster, slightly different looking, less fuel efficient and less functional GTI?
A: Probably. But not any more than that. If they dropped the price, engine spec and made it a cheap fast light version of the GTI they might have a chance at some volume.
Q: Will they make enough to cover the US homologation and launch costs?
A: No.
Q: Then why bother?
A: They desperately want to be seen as upmarket. Makes as much sense as the Pheaton, Passat W8, Corrodo and Routan.
10/29, 9:50 AM
posted by:
cwa107
@1275cc
If they want to be seen as upmarket, perhaps they should consider figuring out a way to keep their vehicles from rattling like a coffee can full of marbles as they go down the highway.
10/09, 1:55 AM
posted by:
PuiaKa
I saw one in person on the freeway in Phoenix, AZ. It was an amazing sight. Looks ten times better than the Golf. I might consider getting one.