Volkswagen Scirocco R Boasts 261bhp

Not to sound like a broken record, but some of the cars for sale in Europe that we as Americans don't get a chance at is mildly sickening. Now there's one more to add to the list: the piping-hot Volkswagen Scirocco R.

The Scirocco R debuted at the 24 hours of Nurburgring today (rather than at Worthersee, where it was expected).  The Scirocco R the high performance variant of the Golf-based Coupe, using bits and pieces from the corporate parts bin to put together one exciting overall package.

The engine comes courtesy of the Audi TT-S and S3, an updated and uprated version of the 2.0L direct injection turbo 4 that VW uses for everything.  The main difference is the change from a Borg-Warner K03 to a K04 turbocharger for more flow volume, which equals more power.  In this case, power jumps from 200bhp (in the Scirocco 2.0T) to 265bhp, and torque from 207 lb-ft to 258 lb-ft (350nM.)

Power is transmitted through a 6 speed twin-clutch DSG gearbox and divvied up by VW's fancy XDS torque-vectoring differential.  The chassis sits slightly lower than the standard Scirocco, and sports a body kit styled after the Scirocco endurance racers that are campaigning in the Nurburgring 24hr.  18" "Talladega" wheels, a black rear diffuser, twin exhaust pipes, and some LED bling on the front end set the Scirocco R apart from the regular models.

The Scirocco R will be burning rubber down your street, as long as your street isn't in the USA, in September with a starting price of £26,000 - good value for the performance on offer.  Considering it's basically a front-wheel-drive TT-S, the price is even more appealing.  Now if only VW would ship it over here...  again, with the broken record impression.  Sorry.