VW IROC Concept: Paris: VW IROC Concept
VW's new IROC coupe concept marks a new push to 'funk up' its range with cars that arouse passion and headlines
Behind the razzamatazz of the IROC concept’s launch at Paris – it is, you might already know, the basis for a new Scirocco coupe – lies the message that VW has realised it needs to get funky again.
Despite the initial success of the Beetle and Jetta in the States, quality problems and an ageing, staid model line-up have seen VW’s sales and image whither then die. Insiders admit what the company needs are cars that arouse emotions and passion to effect a turn-around.
So in addition to going to Paris with headline grabbers like the IROC, the company is attending SEMA, the massive American tuning show held in Las Vegas later this year.
In 2005 VW showed up with a 550bhp Jetta and a 650bhp Passat; this year’s tuned EOS coupe/convertible entry won’t boast such crazy power upgrades but is said to have mods that young owners have a chance of aspiring to.
