Volkswagen Scirocco

As an addition to the existing line up, the Volkswagen Scirocco was announced at Geneva show in 1974 replacing the Karmann Ghia. It was built by a famous coachbuilder Karmann, same company that build the previous model, the Beetle based Ghia. The first model was powered by a 1.1 liter motor or a 1.5 liter engine in various configurations. It weighs 1710 lbs and can go from 0-60 mph in 11 seconds flat. In the same year, the Scirocco became an instant German hit with 25,000 units built 11 months into production. In 1975, the Scirocco was introduced in North America.

The following year gave the Scirocco some modifications but the original body style remains the same. The mono wiper on front windshield was introduced in 1976 together with the fuel Injection introduced and the unveiling of the Scirocco GTi as an additional trim. 1978 brought wrap around front turn signals and black plastic bumpers that replaced the previous metal or chrome surfaced bumpers. In 1979, the new 5-speed transmission was introduced. The first generation Scirocco ended in 1981 which was called the Mark 1.

It followed by the Mark 2 that featured a more rounded body style and unique styling with the same A1 chassis that was used in the Mark 1. It was offered in three trims: CL 4-speed, GL 4-speed + E, and the Gti 5-speed. The CL has the 1457cc engine rated at 75hp; GL was powered by a 1588cc engine at 85hp, and the Gti 1588cc at 110hp.

The Mark 2 was packaged as the sporting luxury car with several optional features such as a leather interior, power windows, side view mirrors, air conditioning, sunroof, and other ammenities. Gti engine was replaced after a year in to a more powerful 1781cc rated at 112hp. A year later, the CL and the GL had the same engine from 1457cc and 1588cc into one 1594cc at 75hp. With the reduced 10 hp, the GL engine was brought up to 1781cc at 90bhp in the same year. In 1984, all trim were rebadged: CL becomes GT, GL becomes GTL, and Gti becomes GTX. In the following years, trims have changed. The Mark 2 ended its production in 1992 when it was replaced with the Volkswagen Corrado.