The initial concept of the Vw Corrado was derived from the Mk2 Scirocco and was to be badged as such (Mk3 Scirocco). But in 1984 Volkswagen decided to continue production of the Mk2 Scirocco, and they did so for three years after the Corrado as we know it was first manufactured.
Notice the 'Scirocco' badge on the rear of the WOB-JH81 Corrado Prototype . You may like to ask a question by leaving a comment.

The Corrado, as with many Volkswagen models was 'supposed' to be named after a wind, Taifun (Typhoon in Spanish) but GM had already trademarked the name. So the term 'To Run' or 'Sprint' was associated with the project, the Spanish for this is 'Correr' and hence, say hello to 'Corrado'.

The chassis is mostly borrowed from the Mk2 Golf (A2 Golf in U.S terms), with track correcting rear axle beam mountings and a weight distribution of 55/60 front, 45/40. This meant it was destined to become one of the best handling front engined, front wheel drive cars of its time.

The Karmann Corrado G60

Manufacture of the Corrado G60 began at the Karmann Factory and Volkswagen was aiming to rival the likes of the Porsche 944, so from the off, the build quality that Karmann Coachworks offered was a good start. The main opening body panels were Zinc plated, and the shell was partly Galvanised. This along with being heavily waxoiled (A patented process), means that the Corrado G60 is still with us today. This being said, it wasn't easy for Vw.

Initially only left hand drive (Imports were minimal) meant that many dealers were awaiting the arrival of right hand drive versions, which came year end 1989/1990. 97,521 Corrado's were manufactured in total. 10,155 Corrado's (All models) were sold in the UK of which only 1,984 were G60 models. Around 50,000 Corrado's were sold in the United States/Canada. The reason for poor sales was a combination of a premium price tag, and what some reviewers considered a lack of performance for a supposed 'Sports car'.

The 0-60 time of the Corrado G60 was a major sore point for many, the reason being that a change into third gear is required to hit 60mph. Second gear was not long enough to hit 60mph, the 0-60 time would have been much more respectable otherwise.
One of the features of the Corrado G60 is the active rear spoiler which (In UK specification) raises at 45mph and lowers at 15mph automatically, it can also be operated via a button on the dashboard. Volkswagen claimed that the spoiler added downforce for increased stability at speed. Reviewers at the time were not completely convinced and saw it as a gimmick, but later wind tunnel and drag co-efficient information suggested otherwise.

The G-Lader Supercharger

The G-Lader Supercharger (Lader German for Supercharger) was patented by French Engineer Léon Creux, 3rd October 1905. Patent number: 801182. Originally developed as a rotary steam engine pump, the design required extremely high manufacturing accuracy and tolerances which could not be reliably achieved at the time, so the project was halted.

Two fixed spiral chamber housing halves compress air between a shaft driven eccentric Magnesium displacer, giving a 'G' shape and hence G-Supercharger or G-Lader. Self lubricating apex strips are used in contact with the displacer which create a seal, helping to produce an efficient compression of air. The G60 Supercharger used on the Corrado (PG Engine Code) has a displacer depth of just under 60mm, hence 'G60'. A timing belt is used on the crank driven displacer to ensure that there is correct clearance.

The G60 Supercharger was never given a maintenance schedule by Vw, but there are internal bearings (Including oil fed from the cylinder head) which do wear with time. Most G-Laders have been rebuilt at some stage with new bearings, seals and apex strips as they have been known to explode, especially with the use of smaller pulleys. You can view G-Lader Supercharger VS Engine Speed to note the difference that pulley size makes.

Corrado G60 Videos

Here are some Corrado G60 related videos, adverts, commercials.
I hope you enjoyed this article.

Last update: Sun, February 11. 2024