The Volkswagen Corrado emerged in 1990, boldly announced by VW as their “first full-blooded sports car.” Stepping in as the successor to the Scirocco, the Corrado shared visual cues with its predecessor, yet aimed to elevate the sporty compact experience.
Initially, the Corrado maintained VW’s familiar front-wheel-drive layout and “hot hatch” sport compact philosophy, a design lineage tracing back to the Rabbit, Cabriolet, and Scirocco of the mid-1970s. However, it injected a potent dose of performance with a supercharged and fuel-injected 1.8-liter G60 engine. This engine delivered 158 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque, paired exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission for the inaugural model year.
Beneath the surface, the 1990 and 1991 Corrado models borrowed heavily from the A2 Golf/Jetta platform. A standout feature was its active rear spoiler, automatically deploying above 45 mph and retracting below 12 mph, enhancing stability at higher speeds. The Corrado also boasted four-wheel disc brakes, with optional anti-lock brakes available for added safety.
The Corrado continued into 1991 with minimal alterations. Then came 1992, a pivotal year that broadened the Corrado’s appeal. A four-speed automatic transmission became an available option, catering to a wider range of drivers. More significantly, 1992 saw the introduction of a revolutionary double overhead cam V6 engine. This VR6 engine produced 178 horsepower and 177 lb-ft of torque. Its innovative design featured a narrow 15-degree angle between the cylinder banks, allowing for a single cylinder head and camshaft set, a unique engineering feat. For the 1992 model year, both the G60 and VR6 engines were offered, providing buyers with a choice of performance characteristics. By 1993, the Corrado lineup streamlined to exclusively feature the VR6 engine, and it adopted the SLC (Sport Luxury Coupe) designation, emphasizing its upscale positioning. The 1992-94 Corrado SLC models aligned with Volkswagen’s evolving model range, drawing its core mechanical components from the contemporary A3 generation Golf/Jetta platform.
The Corrado represented Volkswagen’s peak performance offering of its time. The G60 variant could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a brisk 7.5 seconds, while the VR6 version achieved it in an even quicker 6.8 seconds. Top speed reached approximately 140 mph, placing it firmly in sports car territory. Fuel economy was reasonable for its class, though not exceptional. The G60 Corrado achieved around 21 mpg in city driving and up to 28 mpg on the highway. The more powerful VR6 model delivered 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
Production volumes for the Corrado in North America remained consistently low. From 1990 to 1992, approximately 3,000 to 4,000 units were produced annually. This figure decreased to just over 2,000 cars in 1993, and a mere 1,514 vehicles were imported to America in its final production year of 1994. The Corrado’s Achilles’ heel was its price point. Starting above $18,000 at its launch, it was considerably more expensive than other performance VWs. In the same year, a Golf GTI, also performance-oriented, was priced around $10,000. By 1994, the Corrado’s price had escalated to $25,150, roughly double the cost of a base Golf.
Despite its higher price and limited production, the Corrado possessed all the hallmarks of a future classic from its inception. Its scarcity, particularly compared to the mass-produced GTI and Cabriolet, combined with its advanced technology and impressive performance, make it a sought-after vehicle today. Well-maintained examples are increasingly recognized as collectible. The Corrado has always held a respected position among Volkswagen aficionados. For potential buyers, especially collectors, seeking an unmolested example is key. Focus on overall condition, with particular attention to interior elements and components that are not easily sourced as standard Volkswagen replacement parts. The 1992 Corrado Slc, in particular, with its VR6 engine, represents a significant milestone in Volkswagen’s sports car history and a compelling choice for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
