Engines & variants

Engines and variants

From the G60 supercharger to the VR6 — the Corrado was offered with several powertrains during its production run. Here's an overview of the key versions and what set them apart.

Teknisk illustration av 1.8 16V

1.8 16V

A smaller naturally aspirated 16-valve four representing the more accessible four-cylinder Corrado options.

Displacement
1,781 cc
Years
1988–1992
Market
Europe
Valvetrain
16-valve DOHC
Engine type
Inline-four, naturally aspirated

Why it matters

An interesting entry point for anyone who wants the Corrado coupé feel without committing to the flagship powertrains.

Teknisk illustration av 1.8 G60

1.8 G60

The G60 was the early performance engine in the Corrado range and the version most strongly associated with the model's first years.

Displacement
1,781 cc
Power
118 kW / 160 PS
Torque
225 Nm
Years
1988–1993
Market
Europe
Valvetrain
8-valve SOHC
Engine type
Inline-four, G-Lader supercharger
Signature detail
Mechanical G-Lader scroll supercharger

Why it matters

What makes the G60 special is the mechanical G-Lader supercharger, which gave the Corrado its own identity at the end of the 1980s.

Teknisk illustration av 2.0 16V

2.0 16V

The 2.0 16V gave the Corrado a more classic high-revving character and became an important option after the early G60 years.

Displacement
1,984 cc
Power
100 kW / 136 PS
Torque
180 Nm
Years
1991–1994
Market
Europe
Valvetrain
16-valve DOHC
Engine type
Inline-four, naturally aspirated

Why it matters

This engine is interesting for anyone who appreciates the traditional 16V feel with a smoother, more linear power delivery.

Teknisk illustration av 2.0 8V

2.0 8V

The 2.0 8V broadened the Corrado line-up in the final years with a simpler, more accessible powertrain.

Displacement
1,984 cc
Power
85 kW / 115 PS
Torque
166 Nm
Years
1993–1995
Market
Europe
Valvetrain
8-valve SOHC
Engine type
Inline-four, naturally aspirated

Why it matters

It wasn't the top version, but it gave the Corrado a more everyday-friendly powertrain late in the model's life.

Teknisk illustration av 2.8 VR6

2.8 VR6

An early VR6 variant for certain markets that preceded or complemented the European 2.9 VR6.

Displacement
2,792 cc
Years
1992–1995
Market
Select markets
Engine type
VR6, narrow-angle six-cylinder

Why it matters

For anyone interested in the VR6 concept, the 2.8 is part of the story of how Volkswagen packaged six cylinders into a compact front-drive coupé.

Teknisk illustration av 2.9 VR6

2.9 VR6

The 2.9 VR6 became the most powerful European Corrado version, and for many enthusiasts it remains the most iconic powertrain.

Displacement
2,861 cc
Power
140 kW / 190 PS
Torque
245 Nm
Years
1991–1995
Market
Europe
Valvetrain
12-valve SOHC
Engine type
VR6, narrow-angle six-cylinder
Signature detail
Narrow V-angle with a single cylinder head

Why it matters

The VR6 combined compact packaging, six-cylinder sound and strong performance — making it one of the Corrado's most sought-after versions.

Quick comparison

The key engine options side by side.

EnginePowerCharacterKnown for
1.8 G60160 PSSupercharged, torqueyThe G-Lader supercharger
2.0 16V136 PSHigh-revving NA fourClassic 16V character
2.0 8V115 PSSimple and everydayAccessible late-run entry
2.9 VR6190 PSSix-cylinder GTThe most iconic Corrado