Volkswagen’s Discontinued Model Scirocco to Resurrect as an Electric Coupe in 2028?
Revealed by a Volkswagen Insider
Reviving discontinued vehicles in the past as electric vehicles has recently emerged as a new trend. Renault is re-launching its iconic compact hatchback Renault 5 after 28 years. The new vehicle, developed as a pure electric vehicle, will be in charge of Renault’s subcompact and compact electric vehicle lineup.
The Volkswagen Scirocco could face a similar future. First released in 1974, it was a three-door coupe-type hatchback that gained popularity for its sleeker stance and faster driving performance than the Golf. As an electric vehicle, Volkswagen is considering reviving the Scirocco, whose production was discontinued in 2017. The difference with the Renault 5 is that it may be launched as an electric sports car rather than a traditional hatchback.
Only Awaiting CEO Approval
Likely to Start Production in 2028
According to a report by British automobile media outlet Autocar on March 21 (local time), an anonymous Volkswagen official said, “We are studying interior design, engineering and manufacturing proposals for the new Scirocco.” He added, “If we receive approval from Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer, mass production can begin in 2028.”
The initial design of the next-generation Scirocco was proposed by Andreas Mindt, who took office as Volkswagen’s chief designer early last year. He, who previously worked as the head of Bentley design, is known to have referenced the first-generation Scirocco when planning the family look of the next-generation Volkswagen. This model, launched in 1974, is the work of legendary designer Giorgetto Guigiaro.
Sharing Platform with Porsche
Expectations for a Low Silhouette
The platform that will be applied to the new Scirocco is also noteworthy. Unlike the Golf, which uses the SSP platform, it is reported that the PPE platform jointly developed by Audi and Porsche will be applied. Porsche is developing the next-generation 718 Boxster and Cayman based on the platform. Audi’s next-generation TT and the mass-produced version of SEAT’s high-performance brand Cupra’s dark-level concept car are also scheduled to be developed based on the PPE platform.
The PPE platform’s scope of application is broad. The wheelbase and overall width can be adjusted widely, and most powertrain arrangements are possible, including single and dual motors, rear-wheel drive, and four-wheel drive. However, as it is exclusively for high-performance electric vehicles, the door sills and floor are set low. It has features similar to those of the J1 platform applied to the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT.
Balancing Practicality
What is the Expected Performance Level?
The new Scirocco will likely have a three-door coupe layout with four seats. Unlike the two-seater models Boxster and Dark Rebel, it is expected to have an increased wheelbase and some rear seat utilization like the Audi TT. It is still in the early planning stages, so specific performance cannot be confirmed. Still, Autocar predicts that the Scirocco will have the performance of more than 300 horsepower for a single motor and 400 horsepower for a dual motor.
The Scirocco R, launched in 2009, has the most powerful performance in the model’s history. Equipped with the 5th generation Golf’s 2.0L gasoline turbo engine, it produces a maximum output of 265 horsepower and boasts a light weight of 1,330 kg (2,932 pounds). Therefore, it takes only 5.3 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph). This is similar to the R32, which has the highest specification in the golf lineup.
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