New VW Scirocco BlueMotion returns 62.8 mpg UK

Volkswagen is upping the fuel economy ante in the UK with the presentation of new Scirocco and Passat CC diesel range that benefit from the firm's BlueMotion Technology.

Starting with VW's proposal in the compact coupe segment, all entry-level and GT trim models with the 2.0-litre 140HP diesel engine now feature BlueMotion Technology modifications, which include Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems, thus helping to create the cleanest and most fuel efficient Scirocco to date.

When combined with a six speed manual gearbox, fuel economy on the Scirocco 2.0 TDI 140HP is improved from 55.4 mpg to 62.8 mpg UK on the combined cycle (51.4 to 57.6 DSG), while CO2 emissions drop down from 134 g/km to 118 g/km (145 to 129 DSG).

The German company also announced updates to the more powerful 2.0-litre TDI 170HP engine fitted to the Scirocco GT. These changes result in fuel economy figures improving from 53.3 mpg to 55.4 mpg UK for the manual gearbox model (50.4 to 51.4 DSG) and CO2 emissions reducing from 139 to 134 g/km (147 to 144 for DSG) .

The Passat CC line-up also sees BlueMotion Technology models with regenerative braking and Start/Stop systems replacing existing diesel versions. The updates help the 2.0-litre TDI 140HP Passat CC achieve a combined 60.1 mpg UK, up from 50.4, while CO2 emissions are reduced to 125 g/km, down from 146 g/km.

The 170HP version of the 2.0-litre diesel engine also boasts improved figures with fuel economy up to 57.6 mpg UK (51.4 DSG) and emissions down to 129 g/km (144 DSG).

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VW Scirocco R: Now with Optional Racing Bucket Seats

Further twisting the knife on American buyers who can't get the Scirocco R on this side of the pond, Volkswagen today announced the introduction of race car-like bucket seats for the driver and front passenger.

The delicious-looking body huggers get seat sides and headrest trimmed in "Vienna" leather with the central parts clad in "San Remo" micro fiber. In addition, the seat back is painted in a glossy black finish, while the R logo is placed on the integrated head restraint.

The price for having your tushies treated like motorsports stars [in Germany] is €3,180 or about US$ 4,400 at today's exchange rates.

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Sainz, Brundle, Bell, Laffitte and Biela Return to the Race Track for Scirocco R Cup

Five famous names from the world of motorsport including Carlos Sainz, Frank Biela, Jacques Laffite, Derek Bell and Martin Brundle are getting ready to line-up on the grid at Hockenheim this weekend (23-24 April) for the first round of the new VW Scirocco R Cup series.

Together, the five racing aces have started 343 Formula 1 Grand Prix and won the Dakar Rally, two World Rally Championship titles, the Sportscar World Championship, the German DTM championship, the British Touring Car Championship and the Le Mans 24-hour race a total of 11 times.

Each driver will a race a Scirocco R fitted with a modified 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI engine running on bio-CNG that is said to reduce CO2 emissions by around 80 per cent compared with conventional engines.

The TSI unit produces 223-horsepower and 203 lbs ft of torque while an available "push-to-pass" system can provide a short 30HP boost in power.

The one-make series that supports the German DTM Touring Car Championship during 2010 includes a UK debut appearance at Brands Hatch over the weekend of 3-4 September 2010.

VW Returns to the 'Ring with Improved Scirocco GT24-CNG

Volkswagen will participate at this year's edition of the Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race over the weekend 12-16 May with three natural gas-powered Scirocco GT24-CNGs.

The Scirocco GT24-CNG coupes are fitted with the same 2.0-litre TSI engine modified to run on natural gas that secured class victory at last year's event. A few minor tweaks help increase output from 325HP to 330HP.

Further developments of the 2009-spec Scirocco racers include a larger braking system to reduce maintenance intervals and the integration of two additional light units into the front bumper to improve visibility at night.

Also, one of the three racers features a new active electro-hydraulic differential in place of the conventional system which is fitted to the other two cars. The company claims that it combines the functionality of the conventional system with improved handling characteristics and a reduction in under-steer

Volkswagen said that during the latest of the preparation races, one of its drivers, Nicki Thim, posted a lap record on the Nordschleife circuit for a front-wheel drive vehicle in a time of 8m 47.337 seconds.

VW Scirocco gets Entry-Level 122HP 1.4 TSI Engine and New Styling Pack in the UK

Starting from January 2010, buyers in Britain will be able to order VW's new entry-level version of the Scirocco coupe that's powered by a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine producing 122-horsepower and 147 lbs ft of torque, channeled to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.

Volkswagen says that the Scirocco 1.4 TSI 122HP accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100km/h) in 9.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 124 mph or 200km/h while returning a combined fuel economy figure of 44.1 mpg UK (36.7mpg US or 6.4lt/100km) and CO2 emissions of 146 g/km

Prices for the new base Scirocco start at £18,860 RRP on the road, or £800 less than the 1.4 TSI 160HP model. Standard equipment includes a six-CD changer with iPod preparation, rain and dusk sensors, a multifunction computer, air conditioning and 17-inch alloy wheels as well as a host of safety features including ABS, ESP and six airbags.

In addition to the new entry-level model, VW's UK division also announced a new optional styling pack for the 2010 Scirocco GT. Dubbed "Lugano Black", the new package costs £950 and includes 19-inch 'Lugano' alloy wheels finished in gloss black and Piano Black decorative inserts throughout the cabin.

VW Scirocco R: Updated Wallpaper Gallery with 35 High-Res Photos

On occasion of the international driving presentation of the new Scirocco R at Nice, France, Volkswagen released a new photo gallery of its pumped-up coupe. As a reminder, the front-wheel drive only Scirocco R is fitted with a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine that develops 265-horsepower and 258 lbs ft of torque. When equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, it sprints from 0 to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.0 seconds. With the DSG dual clutch transmission, the sprint time is cut by 0.2 seconds. Check out the updated album after the jump.