Volkswagen Corrado

Volkswagen Corrado is a sports car released from 1988 to 1995. The car was manufactured at Volkswagen plant in the city of Osnabruck, Germany.

The name "Corrado" breaks long-term tradition of concern to call the models in honour of winds or the atmospheric phenomena. The initial name of the project of a new sports car was "Taifun". Nevertheless, marketing specialists have considered that the typhoon is associated only with destructions therefore the name was changed. "Corrado" comes from the Spanish word "correr" that means "to run".

Volkswagen Corrado I generation

The model was developed by designers of the concern as cheaper competitor of the popular Porsche 944 car. The phrase became the main slogan at promotion of the model in Europe: "The European sports car with distinctive features of Volkswagen".

Production of the Volkswagen Corrado model started in 1984. The car was developed on the VW A2 platform. The model can be recognized by a characteristic profile and a retractable back spoiler which automatically extends at the speed of 120 km/h (in modifications for the American market this index was 75 km/h). The spoiler can also be lifted by means of the button at the dashboard.

Volkswagen used a system of engine configuration that was new to the brand - working cylinders were placed at an angle 15 °. Nevertheless, modifications with classical V-shaped and in-line engines also were popular.

The set of basic features of the car was very wide: anti-lock brake system (ABS), adjustable sports seats, fog lights, electrically adjustable and heated side mirrors.

Volkswagen Corrado I generation restyling

Developers carried out small face lifting of Volkswagen Corrado cars in 1991. Fenders were enlarged, the radiator grille was new, shape of the rear bumper was slightly changed. Besides, new fog lights were installed and indicators on dashboard of the car were completely replaced. In the interior, the central console and the materials used in design were considerably changed.

In 1991 there was a special modification of the Volkswagen Corrado - VR6 model - where running gear of the car, the suspension and brakes were modified completely. Besides, modification had a little changed shape of fenders, wheel arches and bumpers.

The improved model got great popularity therefore developers have created two more special modifications - Volkswagen Corrado G60 Jet and Volkswagen Corrado 16VG60. They were sold in the German market only.

The automobile magazine "Auto Express" called Volkswagen Corrado "One of the best Volkswagen cars". The British magazine "Car" included this model in "25 Cars You Must Drive Before You Die" list.

In 1995 sales of the Volkswagen Corrado model have considerably decreased, and the management made the decision to stop production of this car.

Volkswagen Corrado in the market of the different countries

Specially for the market of Great Britain the concern produced the limited series of Volkswagen Corrado Storm configuration in 1995. Technical characteristics were based on Volkswagen Corrado VR6 modification, but the design was cardinally changed. In total, 500 cars were released, a half of them was manufactured in Classic Green style with a leather interior of cream colour, and the second half — in Mystic Blue style with a similar black interior.