Volkswagen Corrado

File:1994 Volkswagen Corrado 2.0 (8V) in Red, rear left.jpg

The Corrado is a three-door hatchback/liftback with a 2+2 seating layout. The Corrado's floorpan is based on the A2 platform (i.e. Mark 2 Golf/Jetta) and, with the exception of VR6 models, all versions use the subframes, suspension, steering and braking components from the Volkswagen A2 platform model range. The body shell was built by Karmann and was partially zinc plated and galvanized, providing strong rust protection.

The VR6 uses suspension components from the A3 model range, including the rear axle assembly and some parts of the A3's 'plus' type front axle assembly. The subsequent wider front wheel track of the Corrado VR6 necessitated the fitting of new front wings with wider wheel arches and liners along with a new front bumper assembly. Together with a new raised-style bonnet to accommodate the VR6 engine, these body improvements were carried across the model range.

The Corrado is noted for its flush mounted windows and active rear spoiler – which raises automatically when the car exceeds {{cvt|100|km/h|mph|0}} ({{cvt|45|mph|km/h|disp=or}} in the North American market), automatically retracts at speeds below {{cvt|25|km/h|mph|round=5}} or can be manually controlled by the driver.

The name Corrado was derived from the Spanish verb "correr", meaning to run or sprint. Prototypes were named Taifun (German for "Typhoon") but the name was changed prior to release.{{cite web|url= https://www.vw.com/en/newsroom/lifestyle-and-heritage/vw-names.html|title=VW Names |website=Volkswagen |quote=Derived from the Spanish verb “correr,” meaning to run or to sprint. (Prototypes had a different, wind-related name that was nixed during development.)}}

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Launched in the end of 1988 (three years before the end of Scirocco production), all Corrados were front-wheel drive and featured petrol engines. The Corrado debuted with two engine choices: a 1.8 litre 16-valve inline four with {{convert|136|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} (KR),{{Cite book | title = Quattroruote: Tutte le Auto del Mondo 1990 | editor = Mastrostefano, Raffaele | publisher = Editoriale Domus S.p.A | ref = TAM90 | date = 1990 | language = it | page = 1137 | location = Milano }}{{cite web|url=http://www.parkers.co.uk/cars/reviews/facts-and-figures/volkswagen/corrado/coupe-1989/2870/ |title=Volkswagen Corrado (89-96) 1.8 16V 3d - MPG, Dimensions & Performance |publisher=Parkers |date=1 January 1992 |access-date=25 May 2012}} and a supercharged 1.8 litre eight valve inline four, marketed as the G60 and delivering {{convert|160|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}}.

The Corrado G60 is named for the G Lader with which it is equipped, a scroll-type supercharger whose interior resembles the letter "G". Sales were initially slow, as the Corrado was considerably more expensive than the Scirocco it was meant to replace. Volkswagen United States stated that they had "overequipped the Corrado" when first introduced, leading to sluggish sales.{{cite journal | journal = Ward's Auto World | volume = 26 | number = 4 | publisher = Ward's Communications | date = April 1990 | page = 10 | title = Ward's Wrapup | editor-first = Edward K. | editor-last = Miller }}

There were also two special models of the G60. The G60 Jet was an economy version for the German market only, thought to be a run out model before the introduction of the VR6. This model was only available in four colours and featured a colour coded interior. Volkswagen could not confirm production numbers for the Jet model.

Another variant is Volkswagen Motorsport (VWMS) Corrado 16V G60. Although the 16-valve engine combined with the original G-Lader was appreciated within the enthusiast community, the model never saw series production. It is generally believed that only two factory built examples were manufactured, both in Nugget Yellow.

Volkswagen introduced two new engines for 1992. The first was a naturally aspirated 2.0 litre, 16-valve {{convert|136|PS|kW hp|0|abbr=on}} inline-four, basically a further development of the 1.8-litre engine; this engine was never made available to the North American market.

The second was the 12-valve VR6 engine, which came in two variants: a 2.8-litre {{cvt|178|hp|kW PS|0}} model for the United States and Canadian markets, and a {{convert|2861|cc|L CID|1|abbr=on}} producing {{convert|190|PS|bhp kW|0|abbr=on}} at 5,800 rpm and {{convert|245|Nm|0|abbr=on}} at 4,200 rpm of torque version for the European market, fuel feed by Bosch Motronic 2.7 fuel injection.{{cite web|url=https://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=17545|website=carfolio.com|title=1992 Volkswagen Corrado VR6|access-date=July 24, 2018}} In the United States, the VR6 model was announced in October 1991 but only arrived during the 1992 calendar year and was marketed as the Corrado SLC (Sport Luxury Coupe). 3,500 examples were brought in for 1992; 1,500 leftover G60s were also sold after the SLC had been introduced.{{cite magazine | magazine = Car and Driver | title = Corrado SLC: Hot enough to Fahrverg your nügens | url = http://www.xjamiex.com/mk2resource/brochures/1992/cd92corrado/source/cover.jpg | first = Larry | last = Griffin | date = June 1992 | page = }}

Upon revising the engine, Volkswagen updated the styling with a new front grill and foglamps.{{cite web | url=http://consumerguide.com/used/1990-94-volkswagen-corrado/ | title=1990-94 Volkswagen Corrado | date=28 July 2014 }} With the introduction of the VR6 engine, the G60 engine disappeared from the North American market after 1992 and European market in 1993. The VR6 engine provided a compromise between both V-shaped and straight engines by placing the two cylinder banks at an angle of 15°, with a single cylinder head.

This design allowed engineers to fit a six cylinder engine into roughly the space previously occupied by four cylinder engines, while closely approaching the smoothness of a straight six design. 1994 was the last model year of the Corrado in the United States.

A lower cost, 2.0-litre 8-valve model with {{cvt|115|PS|kW hp|0}} was produced for Europe from 1993 until 1995. A limited edition only for the United Kingdom, the Corrado Storm, was also sold. Some discreet "Storm" badging, a colour keyed front grille, an additional Storm badge on the gear gaiter surround (an upgrade from the standard Karmann badge), 15 inch BBS "Solitude" alloy wheels, and standard fitment of some previously optional items (such as the leather heated front seats) differentiated this model from the base Corrado VR6.

Only five hundred were produced: 250 in Classic Green with a cream leather interior, and 250 in Mystic Blue, a colour unique to the Storm, with a black leather interior.

An extremely rare special edition based on the VR6, named the Corrado Campaign was launched and produced in 1992. Only six cars were produced with just four cars surviving as of 2022.{{cn|date=March 2024}} The Campaign model was unique with Dusty Mauve Pearl Effect paint and a red brick leather interior. They were built as a prize as part of a dealer incentive to sell the most Karmann-produced vehicles and all six cars were given to the top six dealerships in the United Kingdom as a bonus.

The Corrado was offered in Japan at Yanase dealerships that specialize in North American and European vehicles, offering the 1.8 L engine with either the automatic or manual transmission. The larger VR6 would have been considerably more expensive to tax, as the engine was over two liters' displacement.

File:VW Corrado 16 V (2010-04-12) ret2.jpg|Volkswagen Corrado 16V (Europe)

File:1993 Volkswagen Corrado SLC in Black, rear left.jpg|1993 Volkswagen Corrado SLC (US VR6; rear view)

File:1994 Volkswagen Corrado VR6 2.9.jpg|1994 Volkswagen Corrado VR6 (Europe)

File:Corrado VR6 interior.jpg|Volkswagen Corrado VR6 interior

File:Techno Classica 2018, Essen (IMG 9669).jpg|The 1993 Volkswagen Corrado Cabriolet concept

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Auto Express magazine describe it as "Regarded as one of VW’s best ever drivers’ cars".{{cite web|url=http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/usedcartests/217353/eighties_classics.html |title=Eighties classics | Used Car Tests | Car Reviews |publisher=Auto Express |date=20 February 2008 |access-date=15 March 2012}} The VR6 model was listed as one of the "25 Cars You Must Drive Before You Die" by the British magazine Car, and 'By far the most desirable version of the Corrado' by Auto Express.

In MSN Autos 'Cool Cars We Miss' feature they listed the Corrado among the top eight "Gone but not forgotten: a short list of cars once loved, still missed", describing it in the following manner: "The VW Corrado VR6 is coveted because of its seductive styling, road handling capabilities and its role as trailblazer, introducing the VR6 to the American market."{{cite web |last=Griffey |first=Evan |url=http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=434398 |title=Cool Cars We Miss - MSN Autos |publisher=Editorial.autos.msn.com |date=22 August 2011 |access-date=15 March 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111002165117/http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=434398 |archive-date=2 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}

In 1988, in the first incarnation of the BBC television show Top Gear, racing car driver and presenter Tiff Needell reviewed the Corrado in G60 form, giving it a positive review and stating that "Handling wise, the Corrado is classic front wheel drive, and it's really very, very good indeed." In November 2003, in Series 3 of the relaunched Top Gear, Richard Hammond identified the Corrado as a future classic, "a kind of classic waiting in the wings... I think it's really rather special... the result is fantastic," but countered with the comment that it "was too expensive, and nobody bought it."{{cite web|url=http://www.topgear.com/uk/tv-show/series-3/episode-5 |title=The one with... the unbreakable Hilux - BBC Top Gear |publisher=Topgear.com |access-date=15 March 2012}}

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Corrado

Category:Sport compact cars

Category:Coupés

Category:Hatchbacks

Category:Front-wheel-drive sports cars

Category:Cars powered by VR engines

Category:Cars introduced in 1988

Category:1990s cars

Category:Cars discontinued in 1995