click above image for more high-res pics of the Jetta TDI Cup Racer
Racing diesels are the thing to have nowadays, and VW will get into the game next year with its Jetta TDI clean diesel cup racer. The Jetta TDI will form the basis of a 1-make series in the U.S. run at up to 8 venues and sanctioned by the SCCA. The Jettas will all be owned, prepared by, and maintained by Volkswagen. Each will have the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 170 HP and close to 300 lb-ft when kitted for racing. Shifting will also be handled by a 6-speed auto with DSG. And not only will the race series be diesel clean, it will also be carbon free. Follow the jump to read the press release and be sure to check out the gallery of hi-res pics below.
[Source: Volkswagen]
PRESS RELEASE
LAS VEGAS – Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that it will bring TDI clean diesel technology to select North American race tracks starting in May 2008. The Jetta TDI Cup series will be sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Pro Racing Inc., and will appear at up to eight major racing venues in North America during 2008.
"The Jetta TDI Cup racing series will celebrate Volkswagen's diesel technology and heritage in motorsports as good, clean fun," said Stefan Jacoby, CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "Not only will the young drivers gain real-life track experience in a factory-prepared race vehicle, it will allow them to develop their own mindset of today's clean diesel technology, and foster increased awareness of its advantages in this new era of environmental sensitivity."
The Jetta TDI Cup shifts gears from the previously announced GTI program, allowing Volkswagen to showcase the power and performance of its new clean diesel technology, available in the upcoming 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen. With up to 30 Jetta TDI's competing in the hands of aspiring, young drivers, this unique motorsport offering will highlight a new, exciting platform of racing that does not currently exist – a full field of clean diesel powered vehicles.
"With the Jetta TDI Cup, Volkswagen has created an amazing platform to develop young drivers and expand their knowledge about clean and quiet diesel technology," said Robert Wildberger, president and CEO, SCCA Pro Racing, Inc. "We look forward to the series in hopes that it will attract more attention to the drivers and advantages of diesel power."
The Jetta TDI Cup racecars will be optimized for track performance and safety. To focus on the skill of the young drivers and to ensure performance parity, proper maintenance and safety standards, all vehicles will be owned and maintained by Volkswagen. The heart of the Jetta TDI Cup racing vehicle will be the all-new, high-tech 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine rated at 170 horsepower and nearly 300 ft.-lbs. of torque in racing trim. The Jetta TDI race vehicles will be outfitted with a six-speed automatic DSG® transmission, electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, and advanced multi-link fully independent race-tuned suspension, driver airbag supplemental restraint system, and four-wheel ABS racing brakes.
Signifying Volkswagen's environmental commitment, the Jetta TDI Cup series will be certified as CarbonFree by Carbonfund.org. Additional program details will be available at www.vwmotorsportusa.com by mid-November 2007.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dean @ Oct 31st 2007 7:41PM
Would like to get that power on a non-racing Jetta.
For racing, why wouldn't they just make it a Rabbit? You know, something smaller and lighter?
zamafir @ Oct 31st 2007 10:36PM
um... then buy the TDI next year when it goes on sale :).
cc0b07f6 @ Nov 2nd 2007 5:26AM
Hi Dean,
That power is available with that engine here in ireland in vw golf, passat, jetta and audi a3, a4, and a6 and skoda octavia and seat leons etc etc they could chip 200 bhp no problem, it has already being done. Bmw have a 2.0 l diesel with 204bhp in the 1 series.
why not the LS2LS7? @ Oct 31st 2007 9:13PM
Did you see the TDi Jetta try to race in the KONI Challenge this year?
Yeah, it definitely needs its own one-make race.
If you can't win, redefine the game.
chewy @ Oct 31st 2007 9:59PM
Finally a SEMA car that has a purpose. Should be a great economy racer.
66coronet @ Nov 1st 2007 5:28AM
It seems the races I've seen on TV the TDI never finished above 30th.
racer_41 @ Nov 2nd 2007 4:19PM
Give the ChiliPepper team some credit for pushing the technology on the OLD TDi. The new engine has little to do with the new 50 state Blue Motion Diesel.
ME @ Nov 1st 2007 10:30AM
I wonder if this will actually happen, unlike the GTI series they announced last year.