VW Scirocco R – WTAC/Track Prepared Weapon

In standard guise, the VW Scirocco R is no slouch. Capable of sprinting from 0 to 100kph in 6.0 seconds, its 4 cylinder 2.0L turbocharged engine produces 252hp at 6,000 RPM and boasts 330Nm all the way from 2,500 RPM to 5,000 RPM. So what happens when you turn the wick up and the experts at Harding Performance are let loose to really see what the 2.0 FSI engine is capable of...? How does 450hp at the hubs on 98 octane sound (or 550hp on race fuel) courtesy of its dual ECU maps?

That is exactly what you are looking at with this epic 2012 VW Scirocco R now offered for sale.

Using a brand-new shell with fewer than 600kms on the odometer, Harding Performance have created what would have to be one of the most powerful Sciroccos in the country. Built to WTAC Clubsprint class specification and with a replacement cost well in excess of $120k, the VW was intended to showcase what Harding Performance is all about: quality, experience and expertise. And there is no doubt that the Scirocco represents those values perfectly.

The 2.0L FSI engine is fully built to withstand its much higher power and boasts an Inconel race manifold and Garrett GTX3076 turbocharger in place of the factory K04 unit. As you can see from the image gallery, a custom Mabotech intercooler and radiator has been setup in TCR style, as well as a radiator fan and water pump controller. As you would expect, the fuel system has also been upgraded including larger high and low pressure pumps, as well as a PM3 fuel pump controller module. The VW’s DSG transmission features wheel-mounted shifters (with integrated shift lights) and benefits from a plated differential and upgraded clutch pack.

A lightweight battery has been installed and relocated to the boot of the car, with kill switch. Should the new owner wish to run at Lakeside or Wakefield Park, they can rest assured knowing that sound limits are well and truly adhered to via a 3-inch exhaust setup with compliant mufflers.

The Scirocco’s braking and suspension setups have been greatly enhanced using only the very best components available. At each corner you will find carbon ceramic rotors and TBS Racing custom calipers with Endurance pads, at an approximate cost of $30k for the entire system. And from a suspension point of view, 3-way adjustable RacingLine remote coilovers, alloy control arms, TTS hub uprights and custom sway bars (and links) front and rear ensure that the VW handles and sticks to the road in all conditions. And to ensure its power is put to the ground effectively, the Scirocco runs Team Dynamic wheels (18x10 front, 18x9 rear) wrapped in Yokohama Advan Neova AD08R performance tyres all round.

Inside the cabin, the Harding Performance team have absolutely excelled. A comprehensive Motorsport Australia welded cage ensures driver safety (Serial Number 69049) as do twin Cobra FIA-spec seats with five-point RPM harnesses. The steering wheel is a Works Bell RAPFIX quick release setup with an AIM Evo 4 datalogger (with GPS and CAN interfaces).

The VW’s aero package is nothing short of a work of art. Up front, a fully customised bar with foam core composite carbon splitter has a quick release system and extensive brake ducting. Whilst at the rear, the APR Swan Neck GT-250 wing comes with two sets of uprights (WTAC rules and open rules) as well as a chromoly support frame built into the hatch.

A comprehensive spares package is offered with the car, including a spare engine, spare gearbox and another set of wheels.

To build something like this, not only would you be looking at a considerable cash investment but it is near on impossible to quantify the IP and “know how” that has gone into the car’s development. However, another project car beckons for the team at Harding Performance and therefore the Scirocco is being offered for sale via auction at a very realistic reserve price. So if you’re looking to get involved in time attack, sprints, hill climbs or perhaps you’d like a dedicated track-day weapon, then this could be the car for you.