Volkswagen Scirocco (Germany, 1982-1992)

The second generation Scirocco (EA 491) was based on the engineering platform of the Golf I; like its predecessor, it was produced again at Karmann.

Thanks to the car’s length, which was extended from 3.85 to 4.05 meters, the Scirocco II  offered more space for people and luggage. In addition, aerodynamics were further optimized (cw value = 0.38) and more fuel-efficient powertrain technology was introduced. In May 1981, the new Scirocco was in the sales rooms of the Volkswagen dealers with 60 PS (1.3 liter), 70 PS (1.5 liter), 85 PS (1.6 liter) and 110 PS (as GTI and GLI).

In July 1985, the most powerful production Scirocco of its times appeared: the GTI/GTX could move at 208 km/h with a 1.8 liter, 16-valve engine and Bosch KA-Jetronic. Volkswagen had adapted it to the higher power output with rear disk brakes, reinforced transverse links and driveshafts, and a larger rear –spoiler. It now accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h 8.1 seconds. Used in tandem with the three-way catalytic converter, which was still mandatory at that time, was the 129 PS engine that was also used in the Golf; without the exhaust-cleaning converter it could even deliver 139 PS.

From 1983 to 1987, Volkswagen introduced a number of special models onto the market within a short period of time. It began with the “GTS”, followed by the “GTX”. It was the first car to sport an antenna mounted to the rear edge of the roof.

Back in 1985, Volkswagen demonstrated – with its special edition “White Cat” which was only available in “Alpine white” – that the color white was not just a phenomenon of our times. The Scirocco “Tropic” of 1986, on the other hand, made a colorful impression with the colors “Madison turquoise” and “Kiwi brown” on the outside; inside it had seat covers with “Olive/turquoise” stripes. A special attraction of the “Scala”, launched in the same year, was its all-around spoiler/body kit painted in car color.

Starting in 1989, two engines were offered on the Scirocco: a 1.6 liter (72 PS and non-regulated catalytic converter) and a 1.8 liter engine (95 PS, fuel injection with regulated catalytic converter). The last version built, the “GT II 16V”, was sumptuously equipped with steel sunroof, tinted glass, power steering and height-adjustable sport seats. In the last model year, three-point seatbelts were added to the rear bench seat as were side turn signal lights.

The last of 291,497 units built left the assembly plant halls on September 7, 1992.