VW Scirocco Cup (2010) first pictures

Volkswagen is launching what it believes is the world’s most eco-friendly one-make race series. But rather than a bunch of electric-powered Up! superminis, the grid will be made up of 220bhp natural gas-guzzling Sciroccos.

The engine (of course) is key. The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot is the same basic unit you’ll find in the road-going Scirocco, but tweaks including stainless steel pipes and specials valves allow it to run on Bio-CNG. And as the compressed natural gas is made from renewable resources like refined biological waste, VW claims an 80% CO2 reduction.

But VW has also tuned the blown engine to produce extra power. Compared to the regular Scirocco the torque figure has dropped four points to 203lb ft, but instead of 197bhp the CNG-fuelled now manages 220bhp. And there’s a push-to-pass button that provides an extra 30bhp for short bursts for increased overtaking opportunities.

The Scirocco Cup remains front-wheel drive and sends its power to the track via a paddleshift-equipped six-speed DSG gearbox and a proper mechanical diff. Inside there’s a sturdy roll cage to protect the driver and 22-litre fuel tank, and the suspension gains Sachs dampers and H&R springs, while the outside gets the latest bodykit from the new Scirocco R. The Scirocco Cup will replace the Polo Cup as the DTM’s support series in 2010.

By Ben Pulman