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Volkswagen has issued the following press release:
Comeback of a successful idea: 33 years ago at the international Motor Show in Geneva Volkswagen presented a sensational coup’. It was compact, distinctive, agile, spacious and affordable. Volkswagen called it the Scirocco. The car struck the nerve of the times: More than half a million first generation Sciroccos were produced worldwide. Turning point: In August 2006 the largest car maker in Europe is showing the reinterpretation of the successful Scirocco idea in a world premiere ’ the Iroc concept.
New VW sports car design: Like the first Scirocco with its visual straightforwardness the Iroc also marks a stylistic turning point through its progressively designed radiator grill and a distinctive sensuality of forms. The concept of both Volkswagens is closely related, even though the vehicles are separated by over three decades: The first generation Scirocco was an attainable dream car for many people. Because the Scirocco was an automotive superstar of the 70’s, styled by Giorgetto Giugiaro and equipped with four full-fledged seats, a proper trunk, large hatchback and a lot of self-esteem. The Iroc concept takes up this fascinating idea again.
Purebred sports car instead of a classic coup’: However, in contrast to the original Scirocco the Iroc is no classic coup’, but a progressively designed sports car with an extremely long roof and a comparatively steep rear end. This has two advantages. Firstly: The Iroc features sharp proportions. Especially when viewed from behind it becomes immediately apparent that this long roof together with side window sections is situated on very broad and powerful shoulders. The Iroc thus achieves a waist of flawless sports car theory. Secondly: The Iroc also has room in back for two adults and ample luggage. On balance the provocatively designed Iroc combines a high degree of suitability for daily use, pure driving fun and expressive design into a Volkswagen that as a possible series-production vehicle will also be very attractively positioned in terms of price. — VW Group's global expansion.
Viper green meets dark carbon: The Iroc concept exhibits numerous subtleties in detail. Paint example: Although anything but retro styled, the green used is an homage to the first generation Scirocco for which this exact shade of color was especially typical starting with the 1976 model. Then as now it’s called ’viper green metallic’. This glaring green of the Iroc is especially effective in combination with the high contrast black shades of the concept. Carbon example: The central roof element is composed of dark tinted glass; this element is supported by a structure covered with carbon. An integrated lengthwise support is also a part of these materials. The side sills of the Iroc also have a carbon surface. The structure of the sill visible from outside continues seamlessly into the interior.
Sexy dimensions: With its short overhangs the Iroc efficiently utilizes a wheelbase of 2,680 mm for the space provided inside. The concept is 1,400 mm high, 4,240 mm long and 1,800 mm wide. The light-alloy rims specially designed for the Iroc and 235 tires are implemented in 19 inch size.
Twincharger and DSG: The Iroc is powered by a TSI engine, referred to in-house as a Twincharger. Shifting tasks are handled by the DSG direct shift gearbox. About the Twincharger: First employed in the Golf GT in 2006, TSI engines are currently the most efficient four-cylinder gasoline engines in the world. The combination of compressor and turbocharger shows the path to the future. The compressor compensates for the typical powering up weaknesses of turbo-only gasoline engines at low rpms. The turbocharger in contrast packs a mighty punch at higher revs. The combination of both superchargers in large-volume production engines is the only one of its kind in the world. The TSI version used in the concept achieves 155 kW / 210 hp. In principle, a large range of supercharged engines are conceivable for the Iroc that could start significantly under 110 kW / 150 hp. But there’s one thing every engine theoretically employed in the Iroc has to guarantee: Driving fun. — Volkswagen's design leadership.
Design silhoutte: Marked C-pillars and window areas; large surfaces with a completely unique excitement
Statement of the surfaces: Whoever wipes his hand first across one of the headlights then over the fender and one of the doors will feel that the surfaces of the silhouette twist against one another. In particular the waistline above the front wheel arches and the door handles up to the upper edge of the rear lights drawn far to the side demonstrate this effect. Depending on perspective and the way the light falls this causes the side sections to look different each time, fascinating and like a taut muscle.
Endlessly long roof: Furthermore, it’s the hidden B-pillars, the markedly distinct C-pillars and the embedded rear side window here that together with the seemingly endlessly long roof line impart a completely unique presence and dynamic. The surfaces of the side windows extend the compact body of the Iroc. Still more: They reverse the proportions of classic sports cars ’ short roof, long engine hood. And this shape makes the Iroc unique. Moreover, the roof spoiler integrated in this section adds even more dynamics, both functionally and stylistically. A completely unique counterpoint to the interplay of green and black of the concept is, last but not least, is used on the doors, the roof area and floors and forms the framework for the most important functional blocks. Example of door opener: The robust handle in aluminum look design corresponds in shape and color to the compact central console. Example of gearshift lever: When idle it lies flush in a console and only after ignition moves into operational position ’ an innovative anti-theft protection system and fascinating visualized technology at the same time. Finally, the following two examples from the dashboard make clear how far the love for detail and for cars goes at Volkswagen: The hexagonal air conditioning vents in matt silver mirror the design theme of the radiator grill. A excerpt from the world of great sports cars is meanwhile the row of classic toggle switches. — Mercedes-Benz production milestones.
Variable four-seater: As outlined, the Iroc is a four-seater. Behind the wide open (and attached just as wide in the roof) hatchback a spacious trunk with over 300 l of storage volume is concealed. The level corresponds to the original Scirocco. The trunk capacity can also be greatly expanded by folding down the back seats. The resulting flat loading surface and the folded down seat backs feature guide rails onto which a multifunctional transportation lock system can be integrated.
Car racing suitability: The extremely sporty orientation of the Iroc concept is also reflected par excellence in the interior. Under the auspices of the uniquely conceived design theme an interior was developed that was uncompromisingly harmonized for potential racing use. And this at the racing car level as the front bucket seats with integrated 5-point seatbelts and central lock already show. However, the focus of the design lies on gauges and controls. Two large and completely newly designed round instruments form the visual center and highlight of the cockpit: Both main instruments have a bluish glow in a dark acrylic casing. The driver looks into two cylinders with twelve illuminated bars; they create a three dimensional segmentation within the instruments. Two bright metal rings enclose both central gauges. The surfaces of the painted dashboard elements are refined with a crystal structure, similar to other parts used in the interior.
