Autoblog

Video: The ridiculous heights automakers like VW go to launch a new car

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta being hoisted into launch position - Click above to watch video after the jump

It's said, by America's postmen at least, that nothing will stop them from delivering your mail. Comparable dedication is found in carmakers, who will do everything that time, city permits and bagfuls of money will allow in order to put on a good show for the press.

Case in point: The 2011 Jetta launch is still going on in San Francisco right now, and to create the right impact, Volkswagen put a Jetta on the fourth floor of the St. Regis hotel. It took halting a few lanes of traffic and a ol' big crane to make it happen, but nothing succeeds like excess, right? Maybe next time the can do like Porsche did with the Panamera and just use the elevator... Follow the jump for the video.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: First Drive

Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2010 AOL

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: The ridiculous heights automakers like VW go to launch a new car

Video: The ridiculous heights automakers like VW go to launch a new car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jul 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW shows off hotted-up 2011 Jetta at Waterfest

Zach Bowman — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Volkswagen, Design/Style

2011 Volkswagen Jetta wearing factory accessories

Oh so tasty. Few things on this planet push our buttons like a cleanly modified car, which is exactly why we're still drooling over the shots of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta that VW Vortex spotted at this year's Waterfest. Ze People's automaker graced the crowd with one squeaky example of its new four-door, complete with a host of new look-faster parts, presumably pulled straight from the Volkswagen Accessories Catalog. Look closely and you'll spot a smattering of aero additions, including a reworked front bumper, sculpted side skirts and similarly sexy rear fascia. The company also threw a lip spoiler on the rear deck and bolted up a set of blacked-out wheels.

As far as we know, VW didn't lay a finger on the car's engine bay, which means that even if the Jetta is packed with the company's most potent turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, we're still looking at around 200 horsepower. If it were us, we'd be hunting up an ECU reflash to eek out a few extra ponies to match the menacing looks. If you want to put your eyes on a few extra shots of the car, head on over to VW Vortex for the full monty.

[Source: VW Vortex]

VW shows off hotted-up 2011 Jetta at Waterfest originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

First Drive: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta gets with the (American) program

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Volkswagen, First Drives

2011 Volkswagen Jetta - Click above for high-res image gallery

For Volkswagen of America, it doesn't get more brot-und-butter than the Jetta. Forced into the shadow of the best-selling Golf, VW Germany's refrain was "Sell more Golfs!" To which VoA would steadfastly reply, "Americans don't want hatchbacks!"

This went on for over two decades until the corporate mothership finally recognized that its compact sedan was what the people wanted Stateside. So for 2011, the Jetta has been restyled, reformed and reinvigorated with a new purpose: to take on the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla, not to mention the Mazda3.

How? This story begins and ends with price. A 2011 Jetta in "S" trim will set you back just $15,995. Compare that to the 2010 model, which starts at $17,735, and the Civic and Corolla which clock in at $15,655 and $15,450, respectively. The "German premium" has finally been addressed. But at what cost? We trekked to San Francisco to find out.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: First Drive

Continue reading First Drive: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta gets with the (American) program

First Drive: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta gets with the (American) program originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

2011 Volkswagen Jetta live from its Times Square debut

John Neff — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta live - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen of America descended upon New York City this morning and, much to the chagrin of native New Yorkers, plugged up Times Square with the world premiere of its 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. For being inconvenienced, Manahattanites were treated to a free Katy Perry concert on VW's Urban Oasis stage after the sheets were finally yanked from three sixth generation Jettas. We had a man on the scene who battled the crowd for live shots, which you can view in the high-res image gallery below, as well as video of the car's reveal after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta: Times Square reveal

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Continue reading 2011 Volkswagen Jetta live from its Times Square debut

2011 Volkswagen Jetta live from its Times Square debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BREAKING: New 2011 Volkswagen Jetta leaks ahead of official unveiling

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:12:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta leaked images - Click above for high-res image gallery

Thanks to a leak from the boys at Auto Express in the UK, we can show you these few shots of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, along with a couple of salient details. Unlike all previous versions of the compact sedan, Volkswagen didn't just graft a trunk to the Golf hatchback to create the Jetta; instead the platform was stretched between the wheels to create a roomier package and more real estate for distinctive styling.

Our European friends will reportedly be getting their choice of a 104-horsepower 1.2-liter TSI, a slightly larger 1.4 TSI with 121 horses or a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter TSI, all burning gasoline. On the diesel front, a 104-horsepower 1.6 TDI kicks things off, followed by a 2.0-liter TDI with 138 ponies.

Stay tuned for more information as VW officially releases the rest of the details on its next-generation Jetta, and in the meantime check out the three leaked images in our gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta leaked images

[Source: Auto Express]

BREAKING: New 2011 Volkswagen Jetta leaks ahead of official unveiling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta caught nearly uncovered

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 24 May 2010 20:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen Jetta - Click above for high-res image gallery

A cameraphone-wielding member of GMInsideNews has caught what looks to be a pair of Volkswagen prototypes in Michigan, and while it's hard to tell the full extent of the changes or the size of the sedans, he appears to have snagged the next-generation Jetta undergoing testing.

Even with the Ford Fusion and Chrysler minivan providing a bit of scale, it's hard to pin down the dimensions of the prototypes. However, we're more inclined to assume that the VWs are the refreshed Jetta, particularly based on the roofline, greenhouse and overhangs, as well as the previously released official renderings of the forthcoming 2011 NMS, which looks markedly more assertive than what we see here.

While the odd Toyota-like badge on the boot is a nice touch, don't expect that element to make it to production. Instead, the 2011 Jetta will finally replace the current model's ovoid headlamps with the more angular, aggressive units found on the refreshed Golf and GTI. Out back, the trunk benefits from a subtle lift and tuck, with new rectangular taillamps and slightly blistered fenders finishing off the refresh. Assuming our product cycle prediction hats are on straight, we can expect to see the new Jetta in person later this year, with sales beginning in early 2011.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

[Source: GMI]

Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta caught nearly uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 May 2010 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Sedan, Volkswagen, Rumormill

It seems that we'll be getting a new Jetta sedan next June, and it apparently won't be a slightly restyled Golf with a trunk grafted to the rear end. According to Car and Driver, VW's so-called New Compact Sedan, which will be built at the same Mexican plant that assembles the current Jetta, will indeed retain the Jetta nameplate.

Following its June debut here in the States, Volkswagen will prep the car for its European launch later in the year, and it may or may not be called Jetta overseas. A sportier GLI variant will continue to be offered on the new model. Looking farther down the model-range totem pole, there's a decent chance that VW will bring the Polo to the U.S. market to rival the new Ford Fiesta, possibly as both a sedan and a hatchback.

Lastly, we're told that we should expect to see a new U.S.market-tailored two-door notchback coupe concept on the show circuit in short order. If public reaction to it is positive, there's a good chance VW will greenlight the car for series production.

[Source: Car and Driver]

REPORT: VW confirms Jetta name for small sedan, upcoming coupe concept could enter production originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments