he new Volkswagen Scirocco will later this month face the toughest track test in the world, even before it has gone on sale – an assault on the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours. Three factory developed racing versions of the new coupe, each powered by a 2-litre TFSI petrol engine developing 300 PS, will be in action on Germany’s daunting 25 km ‘Nordschleife’ in the 24/25 May event.

The new Volkswagen Scirocco will later this month face the toughest track test in the world, even before it has gone on sale – an assault on the legendary Nürburgring 24 Hours. Three factory developed racing versions of the new coupe, each powered by a 2-litre TFSI petrol engine developing 300 PS, will be in action on Germany’s daunting 25 km ‘Nordschleife’ in the 24/25 May event.

The Scirocco, which is not due to start its production life until the autumn, has already passed its first endurance test, at the Oschersleben motorsport arena, with flying colours. Among the car’s many features is a direct-shift transmission system utilising Volkswagen’s DSG technology.

Double Le Mans winner Hans Stuck was at the wheel and is relishing his chance to race the Scirocco: ‘I felt immediately comfortable in the car,’ he said. ‘The Scirocco is one of the most uncomplicated racing cars I have ever driven. It’s really fun, and I am looking forward to the 24 Hours on the Nordschleife with even greater anticipation.’

Other legends on the driving strength include double World Rally Champion – and victor for Volkswagen of the recent Central Europe Rally – Carlos Sainz, as well as Sainz’s Race Touareg team-mates Giniel de Villiers and Dieter Depping. The Volkswagen board member for technical development, Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, will drive also.

The Scirocco has a tough act to follow: last year a Golf GTI clinched its class and finished eighth overall at the Nürburgring.

‘The racing version of the Scirocco was developed and prepared by our technical staff in record time,’ said Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen, ‘and we are well on schedule now that we have successfully completed this first endurance test. The Nürburgring 24 Hours is the ideal platform to showcase the performance capabilities of this exciting coupe.’

The Nürburgring 24 Hours has established itself as the world’s toughest car race since its launch in 1970. A grid of 220 cars is allowed to take the start, with more than 700 drivers scheduled to compete in front of in excess of 200,000 trackside spectators. German TV is planning 12 hours of live coverage of the event.

When was the last time you heard some cocky Porsche driver giving it the biggun' down your local about his new 80k supercar? Well, now you can tell him to shut his trap because your Mk1 Golf easily has the potential to kick his tasteless, overpaid butt - if you're a mechanical genius with a few spare months on your hands. Enjoy

Just watch this and gaze on in slack jawed amazement as the Mk1 Golf, a car that we suspect is home to a twin turbocharged R32 engine?!, spanks both a Porsche GT2 and the highly tuned Toyota Supra. The best bit for us is when the Triumph Speed Triple motorbike appears to be having trouble keeping pace with them all. Very naughty this video, but we love it. Remember though kiddies, this took place on a de-restricted Autobahn, so no getting silly on the queens highway you hear. You've been warned, now prepare to be blown away...

Too many readers think this thing doesn't run. Checkout out the video!

POLO GT 'breadvan' - see it run here!


Our MAY 2008 issue with Tony Payne's stunning Mk1 Cabrio on the cover seems to have been well received by the GOLF+ reading masses, but there's been a few too many emails questioning whether the white Euro POLO GT 'breadvan' in it actually, er... runs.

And you know, that's a fair call because we too actually questioned its ability when we first saw it. And once we we're sure it actually could run, we were then a bit unsure if in fact 26-year-old owner Thomas Owczarski ever actually did run it.

And the simple answer is, yep, he does! Okay, not much, but those wheels are turning and the engine is kicking over. So there ya go!

Check out the POLO GT breadvan moving by clicking the link below and scrolling down to the 'video camera' drawing. You'll see a pic of the GT on screen, then just click on it ;)

http://www.p-c-f.net/index2.html

And yeah, we agree it's a mega cool car that we just had to have in the mag.

Catch ya...

Team GOOF+

Monkey Football - Our Harry has acheived a massive top score of 5302. We've no idea how but he used to play for Charlton Athletic, so he's clearly a bit tasty with a ball. He's half monkey too.

Help monkey hooof the football to his village. Golf+ art monkey Harry, has managed a monstrous 5302 metres. If you can beat him (and we want proof - Ed) you'll be in with a chance for a years free subscription to the mag

This Mk3 VR was for sale recently with a stage 1 Vortech supercharger kit producing somewhere in the region of 240 - 260bhp. All this Honda killing performance was on offer for just £3700ono. How cheap is that?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htZoy8oR0t0

Street racing Mk3 VR6 whooping an overpriced hairdressers car. Mind you the Honda S2000 is still factory fresh but given that it weighs 1150kg, has 240bhp and hits 60 in around 6 seconds, we reckon the Mk3 VR makes far more cost effective alternative.

New Bocanegra concept car points towards 2009 hot Ibiza

Hotly tipped as SEATs replacement for the Ibiza supermini, the Bocanegra concept was unveiled at the recent Geneva Motorshow, and it’s due in the showrooms as early as 2009. Dramatic, sporty styling and a lavish interior lead us to believe that it will continue the young, funky and athletic outlook that SEAT are pushing with their current range of FR and Cupra models. The Bocanegra uses a twin-turbocharged evolution of the VAG group 1.4-TSI engine with power estimated to exceed 180bhp, while a state of the art seven-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) is expected to accompany the cutting edge mechanical package. Although it’s unlikely to be released in this exact form, expect the next small SEAT to benefit from many of the styling queues seen here.
Most impressive, however, is the look of the front end. Aggressive swooping lines draw the eye towards a dark perspex cover over the projector headlamps while plenty of low level scoops and air intakes point towards the potency on offer. Obviously, it’s only a concept car at the moment, but the family resemblence is striking particularly given the arch curves and distinctive roof line. A plush, cross stitched leather interior is unlikely to make the production car cut, but
if it looks anything like this when hits the showrooms in the first quarter of 2009 we’d be mighty pleased.

New Super 2000-spec Fabia

SKODA DEVELOPING FABIA SUPER 2000

Skoda has recently begun testing its new Super 2000-spec Fabia. The car is based on the second generation Fabia and comes equipped with a N/A 2.0 litre FSI engine, four-wheel drive and, for the first time, a six-speed sequential gearbox from Xtrac. Dr. Eckhard Scholz, Head of Skoda's Technological Development, said: "We are glad to have started testing the Fabia Super 2000. This year we are planning to optimise and certify the vehicle so that we can use it on both national and international levels. Then we are also planning to offer the vehicle to private teams." So, in theory, you could go and snap one up! Whether any of the styling cues or performance testing results appear on the much-anticipated Fabia VRs remain to be seen - but we can hope!

Lush sounding Mk2 VR6 that makes the hairs on the back of our necks stand up

GOLF+ VIDEO OF THE WEEK

Mk2 Golf 1.8T sets UK record as the quickest, road legal front wheel drive car

A 360bhp Mk2 Golf has recently set the UK record as the fastest front wheel drive car to hit the strip. James Hodson, of Jabbasport, romped away to a 10.66 second pass to claim the title as the fastest FWD ever to blitz the sticky tarmac at the Pod. Invited to compete alongside a number of other competitors at the VWDRC (Volkswagen Drag Racing Championship) James set a blistering sprint. His 60ft time, an indication of how well a car is gripping and launching - as well as the drivers reaction time - was a neck snapping 1.5 seconds, while 60mph was dispatched in just 3.3 seconds. The Jabbasport-fettled 1.8t engine retains a relatively mild street tune, including the ubiquitous Subaru derived IHI turbo and standard internals, to produce no more than 360bhp. Racing slicks, trick suspension and a 50bhp shot of NOS rocket this ballistic Golf to the finishing line. Not bad for a car that began life as a stock Mk2 1.6 Driver when James was just 18 years of age.