Scirocco III (2008–2017)

600 journalists are invited to an exclusive event in Berlin to get a glimpse of Volkswagen's dynamic future: the Iroc concept car is unveiled to the world. The show car is a sporty shooting brake and anticipates many details of the series design of the next Scirocco generation. The new look is met with enthusiastic comments. The specific reference to the series can also be derived from the name Iroc: Volkswagen allows itself a play on words, omitting the first and last two letters of the later model name "Scirocco" from the concept car.

A simple R in the grille identifies the fastest production Scirocco. With its 265 PS turbo engine, the compact sports car is just as hot as the Sahara wind of the same name when it is unveiled in 2009. The top model has a more dynamic character thanks to a lot of fine-tuning in the details. A six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed DSG are available. A two-litre TSI engine delivers 195 kW (265 PS) and offers a broad torque plateau of 350 Newton metres between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm. With a manual six-speed gearbox, the Scirocco R sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds, while the DSG version takes just 5.8 seconds.

2010 sees the debut of the Scirocco R Cup. The racing series is held as a one-make cup within the DTM (German Touring Car Masters) until 2014. A special feature is that the racing series promotes young talent and brings old hands from the motorsport circus on board. The vehicles comply with FIA regulations and have a standard output of 173 kW (235 PS). A boost function releases an additional 37 kW (50 PS) of engine power for short periods. The use of bio natural gas as fuel makes the racing series particularly environmentally friendly.

An update in spring 2014 pushes the Scirocco R to 280 PS. In this configuration, it completes the standard sprint in just 5.7 seconds (DSG 5.5 seconds). The top speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour. External R insignia include an R spoiler kit and exclusive aluminium wheels, a rear spoiler painted in the body colour, tinted rear lights, and a special rear diffuser.

Forty years after the original model was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the revised VW Scirocco III is presented at the same venue. The sensitively redesigned front and rear with newly designed LED lights and modified boot lid opening mechanism are immediately apparent. The Volkswagen engineers have worked particularly hard on the technology under the bonnet: all engines offer higher performance and are now more environmentally friendly thanks to the Euro 6 emissions standard. Additional instruments for boost pressure, oil temperature, and a stopwatch are now fitted as standard in the interior.