Scirocco GT24, while we're on the subject

I can't tell you how pleased I am to finally have a Volkswagen racer as successful at its task as the the Scirocco GT24. A superb performance on all accounts, both in the preparation of the cars and the performance of the drivers. Of course, when you have the one and only Hans-Joachim Stuck on your team at the 'Ring, the driving talent equation is not in doubt.
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It's been a long time coming too. Too often Volkswagen seems content to allow the Audi brand to take the glory and the racing budget, leaving the flagship brand -for me anyway- drifting in the wind with semi-obscure Rally machines. Either entry level Super 1600 machines like the Polo kit car, or completely off the chart desert racers like the Touareg, which has little to do with the production model. Not that I don't love the Polo rally cars, but where was the GT3 for us VW fans? Where was the link between the track and the street? Finally it is here.

The Scirocco GT24 is a purpose built, no expense spared racecar, don't doubt that for a second, but the base car and its key components are essentially what you get with a new VW GTI. 2.0t TSi engine, DSG transmission, the works. The fact that they chose a DSG transmission and even more so the fact that all three cars not only finished the race, but claimed the top two spots in class really proves that when they put their mind to it, VW can go racing as well as anybody.

Sure it has a carbon fiber body, massive 362mm, 6-piston front brakes, an upgraded clutch package and limited slip differential to cope with increased output of 325hp and 296lb/ft of torque, and so on, but the DNA is there. It's the same uni-body construction, plus you can get most all of those upgraded items in the aftermarket. It feels good. Should you chose to upgrade your own VW 2.0t, you can even buy the same fuel pump used on the GT24 from APR here in the USA. No joke!

The only thing that would make me happier would be for VW to keep these cars in action and race them in a series. Preferably over here in the states. Granted, in this economy that may be asking a bit much, but a man can dream.

Also, VW, please sell this car in the USA. I've heard about the 20R model in the works. All wheel drive, DSG, S3 motor (same as the one used at the ring!). That would be enough for me to sell off my first born to get one on order.

As a bonus, check out this uber-cool clip from sportbilen.com of in-car footage at Sturup raceway in Sweden. In the rain no less!