The Corrado initially came with 2 engine choices, a 1.8 16V 4 cylinder and a supercharged 1.8 4 cylinder (G60) delivering 158 bhp. The G60 is named after the G-Lader, a supercharger whose interior resembles the letter "G". The G60 engine was also available in limited numbers in the VW Passat and the VW Golf. A similar, but smaller G40 equipped engine was available in the VW Polo. The G60 supercharged engine was also produced through 1992, but in limited numbers.
In 1992 2 new engines were introduced; a 2.0 16V which basically is a further development of the 1.8 16V, and the VR6, a revolutionary design because it combines the benefits of a V-shaped and a straight (Reihen) engine. This is achieved by two cylinder banks with an angle of 15 degrees and a single cylinder head. The design allows the 6 cylinders to be packed into roughly the space required of 4 cylinders. Compact, but smooth in operation similar to an inline 6 cylinder, the VR6 engine was a technological tour de force for Volkswagen. Successors of the VR6 are still used in VAG products today, including the Golf R32, Passat W8, Phaeton and Touareg. Porsche has a Cayenne with a VR6 based engine as well. Even the 16 cylinder, 8 liter W16 engine of the future Bugatti Veyron is based on the VR6 concept.
The Corrado VR6 produced for the European market has a volume of 2.9 liters and 190 bhp, its North American version comes with 2.8 liters and 174 bhp.
The Corrado is considered by most critics as the best handling front wheel drive car of the late 80's and early 90's, and was listed as one of 25 "Cars you must drive before you die" by the British magazine 'Car.' Many owner clubs exist around the world and owners still enjoy its prodigious capabilities.