Could the U.S. finally see the Scirocco?

Posted: 09 Apr 2012 08:25 AM PDT

Volkswagen Scirocco 100,000

Volkswagen enthusiasts in this country missed out on the last generation of the sporty Scirocco coupe, but they might be in luck when the next version appears.

Jonathan Browning, CEO of VW Group of America, said in an interview at the New York auto show that he is lobbying to bring the Scirocco here.

“That’s a piece of the lineup that I would dearly love to see here,” Browning said.

He added that the current Scirocco came out in Europe in 2008 during the financial crisis, when there was little appetite to take a risk on bringing the car back to the United States. The Scirocco was last sold here in 1988.

The Scirocco was last sold here in the U.S. in 1988

A facelifted version of the Scirocco is due in Europe in 2013.

Browning and top marketer Tim Mahoney dropped a couple of other hints about VW lineup plans. Both pointed to the Alltrack concept on display at the VW stand, a mid-sized all-wheel-drive wagon with a diesel engine.

The vehicle would target the Subaru Outback, but with a twist. Mahoney said making it part of VW’s diesel lineup would differentiate if from the Subaru.

Said Browning: “I think it would be a really good addition to our portfolio.”

He added that VW’s diesel models accounted for 23 percent of the brand’s first-quarter sales. VW was surprised to see Passat diesel sales at 20 percent in March, exceeding expectations in that segment.

The other potential addition to the lineup: Both execs said they would like to see a mid-sized crossover, sliding in between the Touareg and the Tiguan.

- Automotive News

VW may bring back Scirocco, Phaeton to U.S. to challenge Toyota

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Audi Sports Edoardo Mortara talks DTM

Posted: 09 Apr 2012 06:39 AM PDT

ONEIGHTURBO

Edoardo Mortara, Playboy Audi A5 DTM (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)

Preparations for the DTM season are almost finished. What do you like the most about the new Audi A5 DTM?

I prefer the new Audi A5 DTM to the previous A4 DTM. My feeling is that the handling really suits me. It has more grip that its predecessor. So far I've tested the car at Valencia and at Hockenheim. However, it's also clear that with such a completely new design like the A5 DTM we still have to get to know it better in certain situations and how it behaves with specific circuit peculiarities to be able to judge it exactly. This is why I'm looking forward to the start of the season.

There have also been some personnel changes. Audi Sport Team Rosberg has employed Ossi Oikarinen as new Technical Director. Your impression?

Ossi Oikarinen brings know-how from 14 years in Formula 1, which you really notice. He's very experienced, it's great fun working with him and he gives the entire time a lot of confidence through his knowledge and how he works.

Edoardo Mortara, Playboy Audi A5 DTM (Audi Sport Team Rosberg)

What's on your personal agenda before the season starts?

Obviously my physical fitness. Also, motorsport once again dominates the entire day after having devoted the winter break to my studies which I will complete at the end of the year. I'll also treat myself to a short holiday before the appointments come thick and fast from the middle of April. I flew to Abu Dhabi on Easter Saturday for a few days.