Model Page

Volkswagen Scirocco MK2

Produced:

1981 - 1992

Production Run:

291,497

Built:

Osnabruck, Germany

Engine:

SOHC 1457cc Carb 8v

SOHC 1588cc Carb 8v

SOHC 1595cc Carb 8v

SOHC 1781cc Carb 8v

SOHC 1588cc Injection 8v

SOHC 1781cc Injection 8v

DOHC 1781cc Injection 16v

0-60:

7.9 secs - 16v

Max Speed:

129 mph - 16v

Capitalising on the huge success of the Scirocco MK 1 which sold over half a million vehicles Volkswagen released the MK 2 Scirocco in 1981. The car went on sale in the UK in 1982. Although this car utilised the same chassis as the previous model extensive exterior changes were applied in order to give the car a sleeker and sportier appearance. The MK 1 was designed by Volkswagen in house. Although the wheel base remained the same the shell was enlarged which resulted in a more spacious cabin for the occupants and a larger boot. The MK2 body had improved aerodynamics, which resulted with a reduced drag co-efficient of 10%. The addition of a rear spoiler mounted around half way up the rear window aided the flow of air over the vehicle.

The Scirocco Mk 2 was launched with three available editions, these include the CL, GL and GTi. The CL utilised a 1.5ltr carburettor fuelled engine and a 4 speed gearbox. The car was fitted with 13 inch steel wheels. The interior of the CL featured cloth seats and the exterior a rear screen wash and wipe system. The windows were laminate and front window could be de-misted via a three speed fan and the rear via a integrated heater.

The GL a slightly more upmarket version of the Scirocco gained a larger engine in the form of a 1.6ltr carburettor fuelled unit which produced 70bhp. Exterior difference over the CL included 13inch alloy wheels with wider tyre, headlamp washers and fog lamps which were incorporated into the main headlights. Interior modifications included adjustable door mirrors and a velour interior.

The flagship model the GTi used the same size engine as the GL however carburettors were replaced with fuel injection which raised horsepower to a respectable 110 bhp. 117mph could be achieved with the use of a 5 speed gearbox. An oil to air cooler was added in order to maintain the engines efficiency. The standard braking system clearly needed to be improved. Therefore Volkswagen engineers fitted the GTi with ventilated front discs and to maintain the cars stability during cornering anti roll bars were fitted at the front and rear of the car. Exterior modifications began with new 9 spoke alloys wheels and fog lights re-positioned to beneath the bumper. The Scirocco lettering adorned the rear boot lid.

1983 saw a raft of changes for the CL, GL and GTi editions. Engines were upgraded, resulting in improved horsepower and torque. The CL now contained the 1.6ltr 75bhp engine and featured wider 175/70/13 tyres. The GL edition used the 1.8ltr 90 bhp engine and incorporated front and rear anti roll bars. The GTi now used the same upgraded engine as used in the Golf GTi. The 1.8ltr had increased torque and a rise of 2 horsepower. The GTi now featured a tilt and slide sunroof. Interior modifications included a Trip computer and split folding rear seats. Towards the end of 1983 the single wiper blade system which was introduced on the MK 1 in 1977 was replaced with a double wiper blade system on all editions.

In 1984 a special edition of the Scirocco was released. Those enthusiasts will recognise the name, it is of course the ‘Storm’. To maintain the exclusivity of the Storm only 600 were built. 300 were coloured Cosmos blue and the remaining 300 Havana Brown. All featured the 1.8 ltr GTi engine, the interior was revised with leather seats and full carpeting. Electric windows were also included. Wheel width was increased to 6 inches and height to 14 inches, a larger rear spoiler and a ‘Zender’ body kit completed the makeover. Further adjustments were made to the Scirocco in 1984. This included a larger fuel tank which now had a capacity of 55 litres. This was made possible by replacing the spare wheel with a space saver which allowed for a larger fuel tank.

Further changes were made to the line up in 1985. The CL was renamed to GT. The GT was re-badged the GTL and the GTi was re-badged to GTX. The GT and GTL had minor modifications most notably being revised interior trim including new cloth patterns. The GTX was fitted with the Storm Zender body kit however unlike the Storm the kit was not colour coded. New larger 14inch alloy Avus wheels adorned the GTX.

In 1986 the Zender body kit and large rear spoiler was added to the entire range. The GT featured 14” steel wheels wrapped with 185/60/14 tyres and the GT now sported fog lamps. GTX Avus wheels were replaced with the P-Slot alloy wheels originally found on the Volkswagen Golf. The GTL edition was dropped from the range in 1986. Later that year the GTX was released with the all new 16v 1.8 ltr unit. The significant power gains resulted in the car being fitted with rear discs and the dampers and springs were up rated. A twin exit tailpipe showed passers by that this Scirocco was the 16v edition. Additional improvements were made by adding a lower strut brace to maintain the cars rigidity. Central locking and electric windows were fitted. Various 16v badges adorned the car further distinguishing the car form the rest of the fleet.

1987 saw a new edition hit the showrooms. Labelled the Scala, the car featured a 1.8cc carburettor engine and was fitted with the GTi/GTX gearbox. 14” alloy wheels and the entire car was colour coded including the interior seats and door card inserts. Initially the Scala was only available in Paprika Red or Alpine White. 1988 these colours were expanded to include Helios Blue Mettalic and Sapphire Metallic. The GTX in 1988 finally had a colour coded body kit and newly designed alloy wheels.

By 1988 Volkswagen had released the Corrado and therefore decided to make one last major alteration to the Scirocco fleet. The GPX was dropped in favour of the Scala name. The Scala was fitted with the GPX 1.8 ltr fuel injection engine and featured split, folding rear seats however the sunroof and central locking were optional extras. The GT now became the GT2 and sported the 1.8 ltr carburettor engine. The GT2 interior was revised with tartan check pattern upholstery. The Scala was dis-continued in 1991 however the GT2 continued until 1992 and was available with central locking and electric windows as standard. The Corrado effectively replaced the Scirocco and the legendary Scirocco name was not used until 2008 where the third incarnation of the vehicle went on sale.

Engine:

SOHC 1457cc Carb 8v - CL

SOHC 1588cc Carb 8v - GL

SOHC 1595cc Carb 8v - CL/GT

SOHC 1781cc Carb 8v - GL/GTL/GT2/Scala Pre 1988

SOHC 1588cc Injection 8v - GTi

SOHC 1781cc Injection 8v - GTi/GTX

DOHC 1781cc Injection 16v - GTX/Scala

Valves:

8/16

Compression Ratio:

10.00:1 - 16v

Fuel System:

Carburettor/Fuel Injection

Maximum Power:

139bhp @ 6,300rpm -16v

Maximum Torque:

118lb ft @ 4,500 rpm - 16v

Transmission:

Manual 4 Speed / Manual 5 Speed

Brakes:

Servo Assisted front discs / rear drums -CL, GL, GTL

Servo Assisted ventilated front discs / rear drums - GTi

Servo Assisted ventilated front discs / solid rear discs - 16v

Kerb Weight:

975Kg

0-60:

7.9 secs 16v

Max Speed:

129 mph -16v