Iroc... you rock!

Ever heard of the Volkswagen Scirocco? It was a stylish Golf-derived coupe that earned a solid following in Europe and the US during its 19-year (1974-92) lifespan.

Unfortunately, the suave Giugiaro-styled Scirocco was never offered here officially, although a few grey imports have managed to sneak in.

Perhaps amends will be made by Volkswagen Group Australia if the local subsidiary decides to sell the eventual production version of the Iroc concept (no relation to the 1985-90 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z).

The futuristic design study -- whose name was arrived at by abbreviating 'Scirocco' -- is scheduled to make its world debut at next month's Paris motor show, and those in the know suggest the car will launch internationally in 2008.

It will join the growing list of Golf spin-offs by sharing its underpinnings with the accomplished hatchback, thus adding to the overall economies of scale.

The Iroc's slinky proportions are the result of added length and width compared with the Golf (it's 4240mm long and 1800mm wide), and a wheelbase of 2680mm means there will be seating for four (and they allegedly won't have to be pygmies).

VW makes a song and dance about the Iroc's practicality as luggage space can be boosted by folding the rear seats flat. That said, cargo capacity is said to measure 300 litres even with the full complement of pews in place.

However, the more interesting aspect nestles in the other end of the car: specifically, a Twincharger engine (it's both turbocharged and supercharged) that belts out 157kW, which is channeled to the front wheels by VW's excellent DSG sequential transmission.

Production versions are likely to also be offered with less powerful, more affordable powerplants. In VW's own words: "In principle, a large range of supercharged engines are conceivable for the Iroc that could start significantly under 150bhp (110kW). But there's one thing every engine theoretically employed in the Iroc has to guarantee: driving fun."

Interesting novelties include a gear lever that lies flush in the centre console until the ignition is fired up, at which point it reportedly sprouts forth.

Volkswagen's official line for now is that the Iroc is "a possible series-production vehicle" that will be "very attractively positioned in terms of price."

However, take it as read that a less radical version of the car will indeed blast into VW showrooms by 2008.