Autoblog

Mythbusters test the lumber-hauling prowess of a Jetta

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Videos, Volkswagen, Celebrities, Humor

Remember the old saw about German cars being "over-built?" Well, if this doesn't lend it some credence, nothing will.

MythBusters decided to try its hand at debunking the decade-old "Lumber Car" photo. You know you've seen it at least a dozen times by now - the Volkswagen Jetta with the giant stack of plywood and two-by-fours on the roof? So the guys found a Jetta III, bought some 3,000 pounds of building supplies, and... Well, we can't tell you exactly what happens, as that would spoil the ending, but you can clearly see that they at least managed to get the car loaded.

Maybe VW ought to try something like this with its "Great For The Price of Good" Jetta to convince the faithful it is still building them in the German tradition?

Watch the whole four-and-a-half minute "MiniMyth" after the jump.

Continue reading Mythbusters test the lumber-hauling prowess of a Jetta

Mythbusters test the lumber-hauling prowess of a Jetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fender teams up with Panasonic for Volkswagen audio systems

Noah Joseph — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Volkswagen

Ask a car guy what a fender is and he'll point to the front corners of a car. A musician, meanwhile, will show you his guitar. (A sailor will toss a rubber bumper over the side, but that's neither here nor there.) But now the two are coming together as reports indicate that the iconic guitar company is getting into the auto industry.

Well, almost. That'd be one bridge too far, but they are closing the divide by developing car stereos. The project is reportedly being undertaken with Panasonic, and developed specifically for Volkswagen.

The Fender-Panasonic systems will reportedly be deployed first on the Jetta, then the New Beetle and finally the new Tennessee-built Passat. Whether the VWs carrying the new audio systems will be special editions with unique "fender badges" remains to be seen.

[Source: Automotive News - subs. req'd]

Fender teams up with Panasonic for Volkswagen audio systems originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Volkswagen Jetta headed to Europe

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Europe, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has announced that the 2011 Jetta will make the 'trip' to its homeland next year and will start at €20,900 ($28,941 U.S.) in Germany. Promising to inject "a new dimension of quality to the saloons of the compact class," that opening gambit price will get you the 103-horsepower, 1.2 TSI model in Trendline trim. Big spenders can get in at the top of the pile by choosing the Highline trim with the 2.0 TDI DSG for €29,950 ($41,473 U.S.).

Trendline is the lowest of three trims on offer, yet while it sits on 16-inch steel wheels the rest of the car isn't totally spartan: climate control, heated outside mirrors, Hill Climb Assist and trailer stabilization. Next up is Comfortline, starting at €22,600 ($31,296 U.S.) with the same 1.2-liter engine, and adding chrome accents up front and 16-inch, five-spoke Mambo alloys, plus 8-way seats, an upgraded stereo, leather trimming on the steering wheel, gearshift knob and parking brake, and Park Pilot. The top tier is called Highline, and that starts at €24,575 ($34,031 U.S.) with a 120-hp, 1.4-liter TSI. It gets 17-inch, ten-spoke Porto wheels, more chrome, fog lights and a headlight cleaning system.

Five engines are available throughout, three gas and two diesels, all of which can be paired with either a manual or DSG dual clutch transmission except for the 103-hp 1.2-liter gas. VW is also touting its BlueMotion Technology (BMT) tech available on one of the gas and two of the diesel lumps, such as the 1.6 TDI BMT that sips 4.2 l/100 km, or 56 miles per gallon in U.S. parlance. You'll find all the info on the Euro-spec Jettas in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading New Volkswagen Jetta headed to Europe

New Volkswagen Jetta headed to Europe originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Volkswagen building engine plant in Mexico to supply U.S. factory

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:32:00 EST

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen

2011 Volkswagen NMS Sketch - Click above to enlarge

Reports streaming out of Mexico indicate that Volkswagen will announce a new plant about 250 miles northwest of the Mexico City in the central Mexican state of Guanajuato. If true, this facility is expected to produce engines for both VW's new plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, along with the already up-and-running plant in Puebla, Mexico.

Such an announcement has been expected, as executives from the German automaker have publicly stated that the company will spend $1 billion on additional production facilities in Mexico over the next three years.

The engines from this plant would be destined for North American-bound Volkswagen Jetta sedans and the upcoming New Midsize Sedan that we've all been waiting so patiently for over the last couple of years.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req'd]

Report: Volkswagen building engine plant in Mexico to supply U.S. factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 17:32:00 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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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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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 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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Autoblog Podcast #156

Dan Roth — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Podcasts, Etc., Aston Martin, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Volkswagen

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Editor Chris Paukert has apparently been bitten by the podcasting bug, and he once again joins Shunk and Roth for Episode #156 of the Autoblog Podcast. We dive right in to reminiscence about the recently finished Los Angeles Auto Show. Moving on from there, we talk about Audi's new A7 Sportback and its extreme gorgeousness, as well as the new A8 and all its massive awesomeness. Speaking of awesomeness, Shunk thinks that the $199,950 Aston Martin Rapide is one very attractive four-place supercar. Going to the other end of the spectrum, rumors about Volkswagen's upcoming Jetta replacement gets some head scratches from us before we moved on to prognosticating about a unibody Dodge Dakota replacement. We wrap up a chewy hour-and-forty-five minutes by addressing some of your questions and calling it a night.

Don't forget to check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget, and let us know what you think of our podcast by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #156

Autoblog Podcast #156 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street edition arrives in January

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST

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

When we were in Germany last month for the launch of the 2010 Golf, VW product planner Andres Valbuena told us that a special street replica of the Jetta TDI Cup race car would be launching in January 2010. We just got the first photo of the new limited edition model along with further details. The TDI Cup "Street" edition gets the same deeper front fascia, rocker panel and rear bumper extensions used on the race cars. Unfortunately, the replica keeps the standard 140-horsepower engine rather the uprated 170-hp diesel used in the track cars... but it does get some functional upgrades.

The replica won't be any quicker off the line, but it will stop and turn better than standard TDI models. The brake calipers are larger than standard and painted red to let observers know they are special. The suspension gets thicker sway bars and the retuned springs and dampers from the Jetta GLI along with 18-inch wheels. Inside, the Cup car gets a paddle shift steering wheel to go with the 6-speed DSG gearbox. The Cup Jetta starts at $25,000 and will be available in January.

Gallery: Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street edition arrives in January

2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street edition arrives in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta gets a facelift

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volkswagen

For 2010, Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagens in North America will get a new face courtesy of the MK VI Golf that will also debut here in a few weeks. The sedans, on the other hand, will keep the MK V-style oversize chrome grille for another year. Not everyone is enamored with the older and more audacious grille, and one reader at VWVortex broke out the Photoshop and went to work. Based on recent spy shots, next year's Jetta sedan will get the face and fanny lift and this image provides a hint as to what it might look like.

Overall, the front fascia is a no-brainer based on what we've seen of the Golf and Sportwagen. Where the sedan image is likely to be in error is the character line across the front fenders. As seen on the previous images of the wagon, the crease actually blends into the wheel arch lip at the top rather cutting so high across it. Either way, we'd guess many will think it's an improvement over the current style. Thanks to Kent for the tip!

[Source: VWVortex]

Rendered Speculation: 2011 Volkswagen Jetta gets a facelift originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Beijing mall builds its own Transformer out of VW Jetta

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST

Filed under: China, Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

The Jettabot -- Click above for high-res image gallery

We know the Chinese love their Transformers - or perhaps it's just Bumblebee. To promote its new movie theater, a mall in China created its own Transformer out of a Volkswagen Jetta. The best part about the sculpture is that it hasn't been painted to look like Bumblebee, and it's been posed in a way that makes it look like it's either speed skating, or finishing up a dance number, or doing aerobics. Oh, and it has no head. But it's still cool, and you can check it out in the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: Chinese Jettabot

[Source: China Car Times]

Beijing mall builds its own Transformer out of VW Jetta originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jetta TDI buyers to get $1,300 back from the IRS

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Government/Legal, Green

Now that Toyota has sold so many Priuses that the popular hybrid no longer qhalifies for federal tax credits, and they are essentially sold out until the new generation cars show up next year, people might be wondering where to go for a high mileage vehicle. Volkswagen's new 50-state legal Jetta TDI is going on sale around about Labor day and our good friends at the IRS have decreed that people who purchase one will be able to get a check back from the feds for $1,300. The clean diesel Jetta qualifies under the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit. That would bring the price premium for the diesel to only $700 over a comparable Jetta with a gas engine. The EPA has rated the Jetta at 29/40mpg city highway with a 6-speed DSG gearbox. Real world numbers are likely to be closer to the low 40s for most drivers, but we'll be finding out for ourselves soon. At the first drive of Mercedes new BlueTec diesels last month, company officials expressed hope that those vehicles would also qualify for the credit. Thanks for the tip, Conner!

[Source: VWvortex]

Jetta TDI buyers to get $1,300 back from the IRS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official EPA numbers posted for the '09 Jetta TDI - 30/41mpg

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:27:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Green, Volkswagen

When we got our first chance to sample the new Volkswagen Jetta TDI last summer, VW of America CEO Stefan Jacoby indicated that the new compact diesel would achieve mileage in the 40mpg range. More recently, VW has been indicating that the Jetta TDI is capable of up to 60mpg on the highway. The first of the new 50-state legal Jettas were recently spotted on their way to dealerships and now the EPA has published official mileage numbers. Unfortunately,wrong those numbers don't quite match up with what VW has been claiming.

According to the official listing at FuelEconomy.gov, the 6-speed manual 2009 VW Jetta TDI managed 30mpg on the city cycle and 41mpg on the highway cycle, making its combined number 34mpg. Now those numbers are certainly respectable and nothing to sneeze at, but they fall well short of VW's predictions. Nonetheless, the TDI rates 41.7-percent better than the 2.5L five cylinder and 36-percent better than the 2.0 TFSI four cylinder. The big question is what will a diesel Jetta do in the real world? According to VW spokesman Keith Price, Volkswagen's diesels typically do better in real world mileage than the EPA sticker values. VW, you know where to find our garage so we can judge for ourselves. Thanks for the tip, Conner and Jason!

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen

[Source: FuelEconomy.gov]

Official EPA numbers posted for the '09 Jetta TDI - 30/41mpg originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 May 2008 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 04 May 2008 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: Wagon, Volkswagen, First Drives

2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen - Click above for high-res gallery

While we were in Virginia attending the inaugural race of the Jetta TDI cup series, Volkswagen provided us hacks with a some new Jetta Sportwagens with which to make the 45 minute morning and evening commute between the Berry Hill Inn and the race track. Like the last generation Jetta Wagon, the new Sportwagen is branded as a Jetta in North America because Jetta is Volkswagen's top-selling model here. The rest of the world, however, knows this estate-bodied Volkswagen as the Golf Variant. No matter, because the Golf/Rabbit and Jetta share all their important hardware and are, for all intents and purposes, the same car.

In typical fashion, the new Sportwagen has grown since the previous model was retired and is now nearly as big as the last-gen Passat wagon. My first impression upon climbing into the Sportwagen was how it felt nearly as roomy as the 2000 Passat wagon that resides in half of my garage at home. VW provided an assortment of cars with both 5-speed three-pedal and 6-speed two-pedal transmission arrangements. Unfortunately, all were paired with the base 2.5L inline five-cylinder engine. Check out my impressions of the new Jetta Sportwagen after the jump.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 VW Jetta Sportwagen

Continue reading First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen

First Drive: 2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 04 May 2008 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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