2009 VOLKSWAGEN SCIROCCO; A strong wind blows a hot coupe into production.(News)

Byline: GREG KABLE

After months of internal struggles and arguments over its design, Volkswagen officials have finally given the low-slung Scirocco coupe the green light. Arguments over the car were heated: On one side were the pfennig-pinchers aiming to save cash; on the other, VW boss Wolfgang Bernhard and his plan to resurrect one of the most evocative models in the company's history. The score thus far: Car Guys, 1; Bean Counters, 0.

Depicted in this series of computer- generated images, the new Scirocco goes into production in early 2008 and on sale in North America by the end of that year as a 2009 model. Information for the illustration was pried from VW's Wolfsburg-based design studio. AutoWeek sources suggest prices for a base four-cylinder front-drive edition will start at E22,000, or nearly $28,000 and rise accordingly. The top model will have a 3.6-liter V6 and all-wheel drive.

While it would have been easy to tap into Scirocco's design heritage to launch this renaissance, Volkswagen instead chose a contemporary look. Though it boasts a family resemblance to the Golf (Rabbit), this Scirocco's shallow side glass and wide stance are similar to the Giorgetto Giugiaro-designed original launched in 1974.

Detailing, though, is borrowed from the low-slung EcoRacer concept unveiled at last year's Tokyo show, with tautly drawn surfaces, a steep windshield rake and short overhangs. Sources say the three-door hatchback stretches to around 167.3 inches-or 1.8 inches longer than today's Golf-with width and height at 70.5 inches and 54.7 inches, respectively.

Taking a page from Audi's book, design boss Murat Gunak created a distinctive grille (maw?) that replaces the V-shaped one on current VWs. Other features include prominent shoulder- and beltlines to avoid a slab-sided look. Scirocco will be offered only as a coupe, though VW toyed with the idea of a convertible; buyers will have the option of a full-length sunroof.

Scirocco's cabin strives for a sportier look while borrowing switchgear, seats and other bits from other VWs. One option: advanced 3D navigation with software from Internet giant Google.