At the recent 2012 Leipzig Motor Show Volkswagen presented an extremely sporty special edition model of the Scirocco: the new GTS. Exactly 30 years ago, the original forefather of the GTS rolled off the production line – based on the 2nd generation VW Scirocco (pictured below).
Distinctive features of the GTS then as now: an exterior and interior individualised in sporty style. A reminder in 2012 of that original model is the golf ball gear lever – it originally made its debut in the early Golf Gti (pictured below),
but between 1982 and ’84 also adorned the Scirocco GTS. Now, with the launch of the latest model, what is probably the most famous Volkswagen accessory of the 70s and 80s is celebrating its comeback, creating a link between the two eras. The Volkswagen Scirocco GTS has been designed for the European and Chinese markets so looks like Malaysia will never see this version unless VWG Malaysia gets pressure from local dealers and VW enthusiasts. Delivering up to 155 kW / 210 PS, the coupé will go on sale late 2012.
Identifying features of the Volkswagen Scirocco GTS in terms of bodywork are specially designed sports car stripes on the bonnet, roof (including rear spoiler) and tailgate. Red brake callipers (2.0 TSI, 210 PS), custom-designed front and rear bumpers, exposed side sills, body-coloured side trim, wing mirrors colour coordinated with the stripes, burnished 18-inch ‘Thunder’ alloy wheels (striking spoked rims) with black trim, a sporty diffuser and the rear tailgate spoiler from the Scirocco R, plus GTS badges on the front wings finish off the exterior design details to perfection. As an alternative option, the Scirocco GTS can also be ordered with black 19-inch ‘Lugano’ alloys.
Inside the car the dominant colours are black and red. For example, decorative inserts: the trim elements in front of the driver and front-seat passenger are black (‘Black Peak’); the central console aperture around the audio and air conditioning system, the frames around the air inlets and the decorative inserts in the door handles are finished in keeping with this in classy piano lacquer. All other interior materials are in either black or anthracite – including the gear lever knob in legendary golf ball style.The decorative GTS trim is coordinated with the vehicle colour. In essence, two broad stripes run centrally from the bonnet over the roof, including roof edge spoiler, all the way to the bottom edge of the tailgate. On each side of these runs a further thin stripe. The following colour combinations are available: if the Scirocco is painted in ‘Indium Grey Metallic’ or ‘Candy White’, the two broad stripes are in ‘Deep Black’ and the wing mirrors and outer thin ones in ‘Salsa Red’. If, on the other hand, the VW Scirocco GTS is ordered in ‘Salsa Red’, the outer stripes and thus the wing mirrors are ‘Candy White’ (the middle ones remaining ‘Deep Black’). As a fourth colour Volkswagen offers the ‘Deep Black’ pearl-effect finish for the vehicle body paintwork. In this case the broad central stripes are white (‘Candy White’) and the outer ones and wing mirrors red (‘Salsa Red’).
Red double lap seams form a contrast to the black, appearing on the seats, gear lever sleeve, hand brake lever, sports steering wheel, safety belts, central armrest and door armrests. Also red: the GTS logo on the front seatbacks and the edging around the floor mats. Bright metal elements, meanwhile, embellish the DSG gear knob (the DSG / direct shift gearbox is available as an option), the audio and air conditioning controls and the buttons for the electric windows. Also in metal are the GTS logo within the steering wheel spoke and the door handles (inside).
