SEMA 2008: Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition Street Concept so close to production
by Jonathon Ramsey on Nov 5th 2008 at 1:59PM 
Click above for a high-res gallery of the Jetta TDI Edition Street Concept
The Jetta TDI Cup Series did so well this year that Volkswagen is expanding the series from eight to ten races next year. And now non-racers may have a chance to live the diesel racing dream, and if they do, it will look very similar to the Jetta TDI Cup Edition Street Concept unveiled at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas today. The diesel-powered sport sedan gets upgraded sway bars and brakes from the Euro-spec Jetta GLI and a "European sport-tuned suspension", along with some cosmetic enhancements like a three-spoke steering wheel, sill plates, and Interlagos sport seats. This is one of those, "If we get the right response we'll might make it" deals, but VW is so open to producing this sport version of the Jetta TDI that it even has a price point already established: under $30,000. So have look at the high-res gallery of images below and let VW know what you think. We say build it.
PRESS RELEASE
2008 SEMA: VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TDI CUP "STREET" EDITION
The performance of the Volkswagen Racing Jetta TDI is now available
LAS VEGAS – With the conclusion of the successful 2008 Jetta TDI Cup Volkswagen of America is bringing the race car to the people with their Jetta TDI Cup "Street" edition special model unveiled at the 2008 SEMA show.
The similarities to the race car are evident at first glance – the Jetta TDI Cup edition features the front bumper, side skirts and rear valance that are on the Jetta TDI Cup cars. However, the upgrades on the Jetta TDI Cup "Street" edition go beyond cosmetic with the addition of the brakes and sway bars found in the performance-oriented GLI sedan combined with a European sport tuned suspension.
The TDI Cup "Street" is powered by Volkswagen's powerful 2.0L clean-diesel TDI producing 140 hp and 236 lbs. ft. of readily available torque, mated to the six-speed DSG transmission with Tiptronic® and Sport mode. The TDI Cup Street edition rides on Yokohama 225/40R18 ADVAN sport tires and 18-inch multi-spoke wheels.
The TDI Cup "Street" will be available in similar GLI colors and feature "TDI Cup Edition" appliqué for the vehicle side and branded door sill inserts. The interior brings upgrades that include a race-inspired three-spoke steering wheel with the TDI Cup logo and interlagos cloth sport seats.
Based on consumer feedback, the Jetta TDI Cup Edition may be available as early as 2010 with a price starting under $30,000.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Torrent 2:03PM (11/05/2008)
I can't tell how much better it looks without that chrome on the front.
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Jesse Thoresen 7:01PM (11/05/2008)
+1
srDRIVEN 2:21PM (11/05/2008)
WANT
fast, frugal, and eco friendly; sounds like a winner.
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vdk 2:24PM (11/05/2008)
build it off the GLI though... :)
give me a GLI looking grill (not this big mouth)
oh.. and btw.. you can do all that 'upgrading' much cheaper..
pair of swaybars, H&R springs, koni yellows, GLI brakes, and goddammit... chip it!!!!!! make that diesel go...!
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Fox 2:24PM (11/05/2008)
Absolutely VW, you would have a winner with this car...
A sportier version of your TDi with that good looking front bumper, I like it...
Now sell this in Wagon form, and you have got yourself a customer...
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Bad Mojo 2:35PM (11/05/2008)
Too funny I was thinking the same thing. Especially after watching one of the races.. I was like, "yeah... I want one.... but need the space."
Doubt it would happen, but grocery getting racer dreams live one forever.
RxMadness 2:25PM (11/05/2008)
I can't see spending 5-8k over the regular TDI for what boils down to an appearance and brake kit, but VW owners love special editions of everything so they'll probably build it.
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turnerc7 2:27PM (11/05/2008)
I bet it wont have the R8 brakes like the race cars do...
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TerpFan 2:29PM (11/05/2008)
Looks good. And sounds good... But a few suggestions to VW before they make the decision to proceed:
(1) get your supply of TDIs (base model) sorted in the US before you go and introduce another TDI variant
(2) have a chat with your dealers about TDI markups before launch. VW dealers charging over MSRP on a volume car is ludicrous and will only cost sales down the road
(3) make the Cup Edition available with the Sportwagen. The reason "wagons" haven't caught on in the US is because they aren't cool -- this would help.
One way auto manufacturers can turn things around is by hiring people like myself -- those with common sense and those who actually car about the cars driving on the roads.
Off my soapbox...
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Nick Sells Honda 2:43PM (11/05/2008)
build it! I'll buy one
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GAuto 3:16PM (11/05/2008)
I dig it...a lot. Cosmetically, it looks mean. I love the TDI engine, and its efficiency is a definite plus. Don't know if I would take it over the GTI with that price, though...
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happy_penguin 3:56PM (11/05/2008)
I can't believe how people constantly pan on so-called shoddy American cars and then fall over themselves for this eurotrash garbage. Volkswagen can't even make it out of the bottom ten in quality.
http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2008115
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JDMlover 4:03PM (11/05/2008)
Waste
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Axis 4:54PM (11/05/2008)
Interesting design from the stock, but it seems like a bit to much grille for my taste, I'd assume this is good for the intercooler and radiator but a quarter of the grille doesnt even have holes, They should remove that and fill it with fiberglass.
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Bofa 10:56AM (11/06/2008)
Fix the "Oops, I pooped my pants" front bumper and this is goes from boring to mildly interesting. Of course, I can't even get a regular TDI from my dealership, so I won't hold my breath.
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anthony 2:55PM (11/06/2008)
What an awesome looking Jetta.
I would buy one to replace my 2007 regular Jetta,which has been a fantastic car in every sense.
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Marshall 2:12AM (12/28/2008)
Why would building this even be an issue?
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