The Volkswagen Cup Scirocco R has made its WRC debut in Germany. Driven by Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al Attiyah, the modified Sciroccos were so successful that Volkswagen completely forgot to mention how well they did. Despite this minor oversight, the company was quick to point out the Cup Scirocco emits 80% less CO2 when it runs on pure bio natural gas.

According to Kris Nissen, Volkswagen’s Motorsport Director, The Scirocco R performed well as the course opening car during the Germany Rally. It enabled Carlos Sainz and Nasser Al Attiyah to demonstrate how much Volkswagen stands for technical innovations in circuit racing. The audience was thrilled, too, to see a two time World Rally Champion Carlos Sainz again. All in all, it was a successful promotion of both the Scirocco R Cup and eco conscious bio natural gas power.

As we have previously reported, the Scirocco Cup features a compressed natural gas (CNG) turbocharged 2.0 liter four cylinder with 220 hp (223 PS / 162 kW) and 203 ft lb (275 Nm) of torque. Oddly enough, VW says the models used in the German rally boasted 275 hp (279 PS / 205 kW)

By WCF

Volkswagen has unveiled last night the VW Race Touareg 3 their new Dakar fighter. The new VW Race Touareg 3 is powered by a twin turbocharged 2.5 litre TDI engine that develops 300 PS and 442 lbs ft of torque and is coupled with an upgraded five speed sequential gearbox and a ZF Sachs three plate ceramic clutch. The official performance figures of the VW Race Touareg 3 say it can reach a top speed of 117 mph and that it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.1 seconds.

The German carmaker says the VW Race Touareg 3 represents a big step forward in terms of aerodynamics. The roof of the VW Race Touareg 3 has been re designed so it will channel air to the radiator, the damper cooling and the diesel fuel cooling systems. The effect the engineers were looking for is the chimney effect which removes hot air from under the carbon fiber reinforced cladding. The intercooler of the VW Race Touareg 3 is built entirely by the company’s engineers, based on production vehicle parts.

Racing in the desert means you need an extremely good suspension. The VW Race Touareg 3 is fitted with a high strength steel spaceframe chassis with a pair of springs and damper. The VW Race Touareg 3 sits on BF Goodrich 235/85 R16 tires which were especially developed for the Dakar rally car.

By ZerCustoms

Outstanding victory for Volkswagen in Formula 3: Edoardo Mortara won the Macau Grand Prix in his Volkswagen Dallara F308. In the world’s most difficult and most renowned Formula 3 race Frenchman Jean Karl Vernay took second place and in doing so rounded off the Volkswagen one-two.

Mortara emerged early-on as potential winner of the 56th running of the invitation race, which is regarded as the unofficial Formula 3 World Championship. The Italian from Volkswagen partner team Signature finished third in Saturday’s qualification race which determines the grid positions for the Grand Prix. Mortara shot into the lead immediately after the start of Sunday’s decisive race. Following a safety car period his team mate Jean Karl Vernay retook first position. The lead between the sparing partners changed hands once again on lap twelve. Mortara held onto the lead around the tight street circuit till the chequered flag and in doing so improved his result from last year when he also mounted the podium with a fine second place.

With victory in Macau Mortara finished a difficult season on a high note. After finishing second overall in the 2008 Formula 3 Euro Series the 22-year old moved up to GP2 where he surprised all onlookers by taking a victory on the first race weekend in Barcelona. He only managed to score points on two further occasions in the following races and finished the season in 14th overall.

Macau newcomer Jean Karl Vernay produced a strong all-round performance. Pole position and second overall for the 2009 Formula 3 Euro Series fifth place finisher raised more than a few eyebrows. Mika Mäki (FIN/Hitech Racing) claimed eighth position. The finishing positions of the other Volkswagen drivers: 13th position for Laurens Vanthoor (B/Signature), ATS Formula 3 Cup champion, 15th place for Stef Dusseldorp (NL/Kolles & Heinz Union), Formula 3 Cup runner-up. Henry Arundel (GB/Carlin Motorsport) from the British Formula 3 took the chequered flag in 16th. Euro Series driver Brendon Hartley (NZ/Carlin Motorsport), the British Formula 3 Champion Daniel Ricciardo (AUS/Carlin Motorsport) and his championship rival and team mate Max Chilton (GB/Carlin Motorsport) and also Alexandre Imperatori (CH/Kolles & Heinz Union) from the Japanese Formula 3 retired early.

In Macau Volkswagen celebrated yet another important triumph in Formula 3 to complement the championship victories for Laurens Vanthoor in the ATS Formula 3 Cup and Daniel Ricciardo in the British Formula 3. With his victory Mortara continued a tradition established in the 1980s when Volkswagen powered a series of Macau Grand Prix winners. The Dane John Nielsen triumphed in 1984 at the wheel of a Ralt RT3 Volkswagen. Maurício Gugelmin (BR) and Andy Wallace (GB) presented Volkswagen with two further victories in 1985 and 1986. This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans winner David Brabham was unbeatable at Macau in 1989. One year later none other than future Formula 1 record champion Michael Schumacher gave Volkswagen its last victory till this weekend.

After successfully testing the Scirocco GT24-CNG at the Nürburgring 24-hour race VW announced today the launch of the Volkswagen Scirocco Cup one-make series. The Volkswagen Scirocco Cup has the potential of becoming the most environmentally friendly one-make racing series in the world.

The car used in the e Volkswagen Scirocco Cup is based on the 2.0-liter TSI version with the engine being modified to run on compressed natural gas which reduces the CO2 emissions by up to 80%. The Volkswagen Scirocco Cup race car develops 223 PS and 203 lbs ft of torque and is fitted with a push-to-pass system that provides a short power boost of 30 PS. The Volkswagen Scirocco Cup race car is equipped with the company’s DSG six-speed gearbox that sends the power to the front wheels. The Volkswagen Scirocco Cup will replace the Polo Cup and will enter a partnership with DTM in 2010.

By ZerCustoms