Autoblog

Officially Official: Volkswagen confirms new engine plant in Silao, Mexico

Zach Bowman — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:22:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has officially announced plans to construct a new powerplant facility in Mexico. Designed to crank out a total of 330,000 engines a year, the Silao plant will cost the company $550 million to build and will bring around 700 jobs to the area. VW says that the new factory is key to its strategy for expansion, and it will help provide engine components for both the new Jetta, which is built in Puebla, Mexico and the company's New Midsize Sedan (NMS), which is slated to be built in the company's Chattanooga, Tennessee plant starting in 2011.

The new facility also underscores the VW decision to redouble its focus on the American market. The manufacturer says that the new plant is part of its plan to create vehicles that are more tailored to American tastes in a quest to go after a larger market share.

In addition to having an ample work force, the 60-hectacre piece of land already features transportation options and had been previously developed. The full press release can be found after the jump.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading Officially Official: Volkswagen confirms new engine plant in Silao, Mexico

Officially Official: Volkswagen confirms new engine plant in Silao, Mexico originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 17:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rally 'Round the Family: VW shows off 2011 CrossTouran

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Europe, Crossover, Volkswagen

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

Volkswagen has now started taking orders for the new "outback" version of its European-market Touran MPV starting at €27,700 in Germany (that's around $35,500 USD). The CrossTouran joins the joins the CrossPolo and CrossGolf in the high-riding flared wheelarch segment. Longer springs lift the CrossTouran about 0.8 inches further off the pavement, letting driver and children play rally driver that much more convincingly.

Like its lower-riding siblings, the CrossTouran has an array of gas and diesel TSI and TDI inline-fours to choose from along an optional bi-fuel natural gas version. If Ford finds success with its similarly sized Grand C-Max next year and the slow-selling Chrysler-in-drag Routan is canceled, perhaps VW will bring over the Touran instead to flesh out its lineup. If the seven-seat Touran could be produced in Mexico along with the Jetta to bring the price down, such a move could have potential.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen CrossTouran

[Source: Volkswagen]

Rally 'Round the Family: VW shows off 2011 CrossTouran originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Recycling Gone Wild: Turn your VW Jetta TDI into a Smyth Performance G3F [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST

Smyth Performance G3F concept - Click above to watch the video after the jump

Reduce-Reuse-Recycle is the tri-directive that could help us become more sustainable as a society. Soon, a kit for the G3F from Smyth Performance - a new venture by Factory Five Racing co-founder Mark Smith - will follow those guidelines, enabling you to convert a previously-enjoyed Volkswagen Jetta into something you can really look forward to driving. The finished product will be lighter, faster and burn less biodiesel than the original vehicle, offering up to 60 miles per gallon and boasting a very naughty top speed of 140 miles per hour. All for about $10,000 and less than 100 hours of labor.

It's a simple recipe. You start by procuring a TDI diesel Jetta four door sedan. Cut away about 800 lbs of metal, reusing a large chunk of the chassis, including the entire safety structure. The engine gets chipped, modded and moved from in front of the driver to behind. Add the body, seats, wheels and all the other included bits from the kit and voila! You now own a recycled VW that increases your joy of driving while reducing the amount of petroleum product you'll need to pump.

Okay, maybe we're making it sound a little easier than it actually is, but Smith is confident there is enough interest to make a go of it with a line of depositors already being formed. Despite deliveries (optimistically) planned for September, the original prototype is still under construction. The operation doesn't have an official website either - that's coming this fall - but you can follow the progress of both car and company on both Facebook and the unofficial Factory Five forum. Hit the jump for video of Mr. Smith explaining his concept and tell us what you think.

[Source: Boston.com]

Continue reading Recycling Gone Wild: Turn your VW Jetta TDI into a Smyth Performance G3F [w/video]

Recycling Gone Wild: Turn your VW Jetta TDI into a Smyth Performance G3F [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition: Supreme steering but awkward shifting

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel, Long-Term Garage

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Since we took delivery of our 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition - henceforth know as the Jetta TDI Cup, for the sake of brevity - we've managed to rack up a little over 1,100 miles on our long-term Salsa Red tester.

We've bounced around the Bay Area, made it out to the coast, logged several trips into San Francisco and made the trek to Infineon raceway. In the process, we've experienced the normal post-delivery phases: honeymoon, discovery and finally, annoyance. On the whole, however, the Jetta TDI Cup has proven to be a perfectly balanced package, with a smattering of tech-rich amenities and a surprisingly sporty demeanor - diesel or not.

We mentioned in our review that the Jetta's offers one of the best tillers in the compact sports sedan segment. The electric power assist steering feels like it's been slightly tweaked compared to past Jetta models we've driven, although the 18-inch wheel package is surely helping the matter. While it's not as communicative as the GTI's, you get a good sense of what the tires are doing both on-center and while loaded up, and the rate of return when powering around corners is perfectly matched to the 236 pound-feet of torque being channeled to the front wheels. Our only gripe remains the number of buttons on the wheel and the placement of the paddle-shifters. Read on to see what we mean.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

Continue reading 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition: Supreme steering but awkward shifting

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition: Supreme steering but awkward shifting originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen Routan might not be back for an encore

Dan Roth — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:32:00 EST

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

Volkswagen Routan - Click above for high-res image gallery

"No decisions have been made regarding the Routan." This according to a source from Volkswagen. Unsurprisingly, the re-branded Chrysler minivan is rumored to be receiving less-than-enthusiastic support from Volkswagen's current management, and the ambivalence might spell doom for the Routan. Volkswagen's sales are down, though it's not necessarily the Routan's fault. The people mover has a consistent four percent of the minivan market and Volkswagen thinks that can be grown.

For now, Volkswagen's concentrating on launching its latest Jetta and building a factory in Tennessee to assemble the majority of its U.S.-market cars. The Phaeton will also be returning to the U.S. market, indicating an intent to foster growth on the top and bottom of its model offerings. Volkswagen has set a goal for itself of tripling U.S. sales numbers, and the Routan puts the brand in a segment it would not otherwise be in here in the U.S., though its small market share may not make it worth the effort.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Routan

[Source: Wall Street Journal]

Report: Volkswagen Routan might not be back for an encore originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The $16,000 Question: Jetta, Cruze or Focus? [w/poll]

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Sedan, Chevrolet, Ford, GM, Volkswagen

Just after we flip our calendars to the year 2011, we'll have three new sedans on the street, all poised to compete against one another and priced from around the $16,000 mark - the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta, 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 2012 Ford Focus. Each car has a lot of positives and we're sure the automotive media will be lining up comparison tests as soon as each are ready. But right now, we want to know what you, the reader, thinks has the makings of the best $16,000 sedan. Read the details and vote for your pick below.

2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Dimensions (inches): length: 182.7, width: 70.1, height: 57.1
Engines: 2.5-liter inline-five with 170 horsepower, 177 pound-feet of torque; 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four with 140 hp, 236 lb-ft; 2.0-liter turbocharged four with 200 hp, 207 lb-ft; six-speed automatic, dual-clutch and manual transmissions will be available
Fuel economy: Over 40 mpg for TDI diesel models
Available features: Navigation, Bluetooth, 60/40 split rear seat

2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Dimensions (inches): length: 181.0, width: 70.7, height: 58.1, wheelbase: 105.7
Engines: 1.8-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with 138 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque; 1.4-liter turbocharged four with 138 hp and 148 lb-ft; six-speed manual and automatic transmissions available
Fuel economy: 40 mpg for Eco models
Available features: Bluetooth, USB connectivity, OnStar support

2012 Ford Focus

Dimensions (inches): length: 179, width: 72, height: 58, wheelbase: 104
Engines: 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four with 155 horsepower, 145 pound-feet of torque, mated to a five-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic; 2.0-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four reportedly in the works with 240-plus hp and a six-speed manual
Fuel economy: 40 mpg highway targeted for base 2.0-liter model
Available features: SYNC, active park assist, navigation

View Poll

Note: Official specifications for the 2011 Jetta and 2012 Focus have not been released as of this writing, but these are the details that Autoblog has learned through industry sources.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

Gallery: Quick Spin: 2011 Chevrolet Cruze

Gallery: 2012 Ford Focus

The $16,000 Question: Jetta, Cruze or Focus? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Review: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition juggles fun and frugality

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:02:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen, New Car Reviews, Diesel

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Station attendant: "You sure you wanna put diesel in that?"

Me: "Yeah."

Attendant: "It doesn't look like a diesel."

Me: "That's kinda the point."

And so it goes. That wasn't the first time and it wouldn't be the last that we got quizzical looks when grabbing a plastic glove and topping up the 14.5-gallon tank on our Salsa Red 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition tester. After all, when you think diesel, a body-kitted sports sedan doesn't spring to mind. Particularly in the U.S., where (Cliche Alert!) old-school oilburners conjure the soot-covered nostalgia of smoke-belching Benzes, dirty shoes, smelly hands and searching for the appropriate pump at truck stops.

But in the 21st century - and throughout Europe for the last several decades - the modern diesel is a mainstay. Nearly half of all new cars sold across the pond swill ultra-low sulfur diesel, and after years of being hamstrung by California bureaucrats and the Feds, the high-mileage misers have finally returned to our shores.

But can a diesel really be sporty?

Volkswagen obviously thinks so, and after fielding "numerous inquiries" about offering a replica of its TDI Cup cars for the road, V-Dub has begun offering a kitted-out version of its diesel-powered Jetta to the fraction (of a fraction) of enthusiasts who want a more entertaining way to burn through a tank of ULSD.

So the Cup Edition certainly looks the part, but how's it get on? Let's find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

Continue reading Review: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition juggles fun and frugality

Review: 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Edition juggles fun and frugality originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta offers Teutonic titillation for around $16k [w/video]

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:32:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel

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

The sixth-generation 2011 Jetta is a pretty big deal for Volkswagen. The automaker has developed a completely new platform for the new model (instead of simply relying on Golf architecture), and the end result is a car that is 3.5 inches longer than its predecessor. This should mean that much more passenger room will be on deck, enabling the Jetta to really compete within the midsize sedan segment (as well as the compact class). As for the design, it's admittedly a bit predictable, but we're glad to see the Jetta no longer being styled as a Golf sedan. What's more, we can see hints of the NCC concept car from this year's Detroit Auto Show, and while it's not overly sexy, it still looks clean and crisp.

One place where there isn't much news, however, is under the hood. The 2.5-liter inline-five and 2.0-liter turbo-diesel four are carried over from the current car, and we'll see a return of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four for the Jetta GLI. Both manual and automatic transmissions will be on hand, including Volkswagen's well-liked DSG on TDI and 2.0T models.

An all-new interior is similar to what Volkswagen has done with the Golf and CC cabins. We're sure that cloth and leather will be available, as well as a host of interior upgrades like navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and so on.

Volkswagen hasn't released the official pricing as of this writing, but it is saying that the car will start around $16,000 when it arrives at North American dealerships this October. For now, hit the jump to read the full details in VW's press release and scroll through the gallery below to see the 2011 Jetta in high-resolution glory.

Gallery: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta offers Teutonic titillation for around $16k [w/video]

Officially Official: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta offers Teutonic titillation for around $16k [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jun 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Report: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta starting under $15k

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen

According to a well-placed source at VWVortex, Volkswagen is set to release official photos of the new 2011 Jetta in about two weeks' time, and while the new compact sedan won't go on sale until sometime this fall, we'll be learning all about the new model over the course of the next month.

While the timing of the Jetta's release isn't a huge surprise (particularly considering the recent rash of spy shots), the real shocker could be the price. For the 2010 model year the cheapest Jetta will set you back $17,735, but word has it that the new model will start at just $14,950.

Volkswagen officials have long lamented how the dollar-to-euro exchange rate affects pricing of its wares, and recently, VW has been working to source more components and systems from dollar-zone suppliers. Hopefully, the drastically reduced price won't come at the expense of de-contenting and cheapening the interior of the new model. High-quality interiors have long been one of the hallmarks of VW products, so it's doubtful that V-Dub would go down market at the same time that Ford and GM are bringing serious competitive products to the segment. Expect more details to follow soon.

[Source: VW Vortex]

Report: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta starting under $15k originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Is VW looking to buy Malaysia's Proton?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 27 May 2010 17:29:00 EST

Filed under: Volkswagen, Earnings/Financials, Rumormill

It looks like Volkswagen may be continuing to raid the global buffet of lesser automakers. According to reports, Malaysian carbuilder Proton has been in talks with ze People's automaker in an attempt to establish some sort of alliance, thought for now details are sketchy at best. Proton has made it clear that it's more interested in upping its exports than anything else. Given that fact, it wouldn't surprise us to see Proton-built machines wearing VW badges in some far-flung corners of the globe.

On the other hand, reports have surfaced that claim that VW has already admitted to looking into sharing platforms and engines with Proton as part of some sort of agreement, and that both companies have already explored badging the current Jetta as a new-and-improved Proton Perdana. Either way, we're told to expect a more solid announcement to come from the two companies by early next month. We'll keep our ears to the ground until then.

[Source: Canadian Business | Image: David Hecker/AFP/Getty]

Is VW looking to buy Malaysia's Proton? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 May 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta ready for its closeup

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 26 May 2010 14:04:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel

The clearest images yet of the 2011 Volkswagen Jetta have turned up ahead of the compact sedan's launch this fall. Like the latest MK VI Golf, the Jetta is expected to be built on an updated version of the MK V platform, although the sedan is believed to be slightly longer and wider. This will allow it to be more competitive against the Chevrolet Cruze and next generation Ford Focus.

Under the hood, the 2.0-liter TDI diesel will carry over, but the unloved 2.5-liter inline-five will probably be replaced by a 1.4-liter TSI inline-four. The TSI is a direct injected and turbocharged gasoline engine already available in Europe with several versions from 120 to 180 horsepower being offered.

A hybrid version of the Jetta will join the lineup in 2012 with a full electric version rumored in 2013. The current Jetta Sportwagen, sold as the Golf Variant in Europe, will continue unchanged for at least several more years after getting the MK VI Golf nose and interior for 2010.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta ready for its closeup originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 14:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen releases details of new lithium ion e-Golf, Jetta plug-in coming

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 03 May 2010 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Electric

Today in Berlin, Volkswagen unveiled the first of 500 electric drive Golfs produced for a consumer test that starts next year. The battery powered Golf was shown at the launch of the National Platform for Electric Mobility, a public-private partnership to promote electric vehicles in Germany.

The e-Golf is propelled by an 85-kilowatt electric motor integrated with a single speed transmission and differential. The motor produces 199 pound-feet of torque from zero rpm which is sufficient to accelerate the Golf to 62 mph in 11.8 seconds. An air cooled 26.5 kilowatt-hour lithium ion battery pack is mounted under the rear seat and cargo floor and center tunnel. VW claims the Golf can go about 93 miles on a charge.

The consumer fleet test will allow Volkswagen to gather real world data before it launches three production EVs in 2013. The first production model with be the Up blue-e-motion city car followed by the next generation Golf blue-e-motion and finally the Jetta blue-e-motion.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen releases details of new lithium ion e-Golf, Jetta plug-in coming

Volkswagen releases details of new lithium ion e-Golf, Jetta plug-in coming originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 May 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition, CC R-Line and New Beetle Red Rock special editions hit dealers

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Volkswagen, Diesel

2010 VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen is rolling three new special edition vehicles into dealership showrooms as we speak, and at least two of them are worth a look. First, though, we have the New Beetle Red Rock Edition. A two-toned exterior comprised of Red Rock metallic paint and black roof, which is paired with an all-black interior. Other updates include 17-inch wheels and a full sport suspension. Only 750 will be available, all in the coupe bodystyle and priced at $20,390.

Now, on to something more interesting: The 2010 Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition. This car is patterned after the diesel racers that VW has been running its its TDI Cup for the past few seasons. Visual updates abound, starting with the same full body kit found on the TDI Cup racecars, which includes an aerodynamic front bumper, side skirts and rear valance. GLI-spec brakes with red-painted calipers and suspension settings should improve handling, as should the 18-inch Charleston wheels and stickier rubber. Inside there's not much to see, aside from the brushed aluminum door sills, and power is unchanged at 140 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque from the 2.0-liter turbo-diesel engine.

Finally we have the new CC R-Line, which also benefits from a full body kit with side skirts and a new front bumper that includes an integrated chin spoiler. Eighteen-inch Mallory wheels, R-Line badges on the front fenders and smoked taillamps complete the exterior upgrades while the interior gets (surprise!) brushed aluminum door sills. Power is provided by VW's ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed DSG gearbox with paddle shifters. See the complete details in the press release after the break.

Gallery: Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition, CC R-Line and New Beetle Red Rock special editions hit dealers

VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition, CC R-Line and New Beetle Red Rock special editions hit dealers originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next-gen Volkswagen Jetta could get R variant

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Volkswagen New Compact Coupe concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to an unnamed source from Volkswagen, Inside Line is reporting that the German automaker is currently considering whether it should offer a high-performance R version of its next-gen Jetta in America. Says the source,"We don't want to leave the affordable performance sedan market in the U.S. to our rivals, but importing sporting models from Europe is proving prohibitively expensive at the moment."

Fortunately for VW, the next Jetta will be built solely in Mexico, meaning that it won't be nearly as costly to build and sell in the States as models assembled overseas. Further, it seems that the R version could either be offered in both coupe (as previewed by the New Compact Coupe concept from Detroit) and sedan forms with simple front-wheel or with all-wheel drive as VW plans to offer AWD on the Jetta Wagon at a later date.

Power for the Jetta R would likely come from the same 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged and direct injected powerplant that's used in the Scirocco R and Golf R, where it delivers 265 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The final noteworthy fact reported by IL is that the next Jetta will be offered with two separate rear suspension designs, one with a simple (and cheap) torsion beam and a second, much more sophisticated multilink setup on sportier models. Intriguing, no?

Gallery: Detroit 2010: Volkswagen New Coupe Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: Next-gen Volkswagen Jetta could get R variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next Volkswagen Beetle to use Jetta platform

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Time keeps on slippin' into the future, and cars keep on gettin' bigger. The Volkswagen New Beetle was shown at the LA Auto Show in various Final Edition guises, and the second word on the next edition is that it will be built on the Jetta platform. The first word was that Volkswagen wants the bubbleback's next design to be more masculine, which probably means - and this is just a guess - you can kiss that flower vase goodbye.

All of this rumormongering comes out of the UK's Autocar magazine, who opine that an increase in size would also help up the masculinity factor and make for more room in that Leprechaun-sized back seat. The current Jetta's wheelbase is 101.5 inches, whereas the New Beetle measures up at 98.80 inches. Those 2.7 inches don't sound like a lot of extra room to play with - especially when considering the New Beetle's rainbow canopy - but with some imaginative design and innovative packaging, a noticeable improvement doesn't seem out of reach.

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Next Volkswagen Beetle to use Jetta platform originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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