Volkswagen Corrado G60: History of the Supercharged Coupé

The Volkswagen Corrado G60 arrived in 1988 as a compact coupé built around one of Volkswagen’s most unusual production engines. Its G-Lader supercharger gave the 1.8-litre four-cylinder 160 PS, while an active rear spoiler and Karmann-built body set it apart from the Golf-based coupés that preceded it.

1990 Volkswagen Corrado G60 front three-quarter view. Photo: DestinationFearFan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Quick answer: the Corrado G60 was the original flagship Corrado, using a 1,781cc G-Lader engine with 160 PS and front-wheel drive. It remained in production until the broader-nosed VR6 era, when the G60 was discontinued in 1993.

A successor with greater ambition

The Corrado replaced the Scirocco as Volkswagen’s more sophisticated sporting coupé, although the two overlapped for several years. Built by Karmann at Osnabrück, it combined platform elements from the Golf and Passat families with a body created specifically for the model. Volkswagen originally considered a shooting-brake form before settling on the compact 2+2 coupé.

1991 Volkswagen Corrado G60 side profile. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

How the G-Lader works

Instead of a conventional turbocharger, the G60 used a belt-driven scroll supercharger. Its internal spiral compressed intake air without waiting for exhaust gas, creating immediate response and the distinctive G-Lader designation. In production form the 1,781cc eight-valve engine produced 160 PS. Correct maintenance and rebuild history are crucial because wear, contamination and unsuitable modifications can damage the charger.

Volkswagen Corrado G60 rear three-quarter view. Photo: Kieran White, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

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Chassis and active aerodynamics

The Corrado remained front-wheel drive throughout production. Its chassis aimed for stability and precise road behaviour rather than straight-line drama alone. A speed-sensitive rear spoiler rose automatically at speed and retracted again, an unusual feature on an affordable late-1980s coupé and part of the car’s technical identity.

Volkswagen Corrado G60 showing its supercharged identity. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

The 1991 changes

The arrival of the VR6 required a wider, redesigned front structure, larger fuel tank and visual revisions that affected the wider Corrado range. In August 1992 Volkswagen also revised the dashboard, centre console and door trim. The G60 was discontinued in 1993, leaving the VR6 as the performance flagship.

Why the G60 matters

The G60 represents Volkswagen at its most experimentally mechanical: a compact coupé powered by a proprietary scroll supercharger rather than an industry-standard turbo. It also links the Corrado to the Rallye Golf and Golf G60 while retaining a distinctive shape and grand-touring character.

Versions at a glance

Version	Engine	Output	Production role
Corrado G60	1.8-litre supercharged four	160 PS	Original performance model
Corrado 16V	2.0-litre sixteen-valve	136 PS	Naturally aspirated alternative
Corrado VR6	2.9-litre narrow-angle six	190 PS	Later European flagship

Frequently asked questions

Is the Corrado G60 turbocharged?

No. It uses a mechanically driven G-Lader scroll supercharger, not an exhaust-driven turbocharger.

Is the Corrado G60 four-wheel drive?

No. Every production Corrado was front-wheel drive. The Rallye Golf combined G60 power with Syncro four-wheel drive.

When was the Corrado G60 discontinued?

Volkswagen ended G60 production in 1993 as the engine range changed and the VR6 became the principal performance model.

What does the active spoiler do?

It rises automatically at speed to alter rear aerodynamic behaviour and retracts at lower speed. Its mechanism and manual switch should both work correctly.