2008 Volkswagen Scirocco
While I believe the Scirocco was one of Volkswagen’s greatest (water-cooled) cars of all times, I do feel that VW and a lot of car markers are running out of creativity. Recently we have seen many vendors try to cash out on popular brands from the past. Just to name a few, the New Beetle, Mustang by Ford, the Mini Cooper and recently the Dodge Challenger. Every year that I attend an auto show, I am impressed by concept cars that never make it to the showroom. If I am not driving my vintage Beetle, I expect to see things that are new and revolutionary of its time. While I think paying respect to the Vintage Beetle by re-releasing it is great, but at some point I feel that leaving the dead behind and thinking about the living is the best approach for auto makers.
Do not get me wrong. I had crazy passions for the Scirocco in the late 80’s. I am excited about its return, but it won’t be the same. I would feel a little better if Volkswagen called it a new name. One would not feel that VW is trying to profit of past emotions. Let me change my opening statement, they are not running out of creativity, they are being creative with new designs, but are lazy at building new brands.