VW’s Jetta Diesel Models Eligible for $1,300 Tax Credit

The Internal Revenue Service – IRS for short, has issued a certification letter affirming that Volkswagen’s new Jetta TDI diesel-powered Sedan and Sportwagen models qualify for the Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit. Money-wise, that means that buyers of the specific vehicles are eligible for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit. -Continued

“The $1,300 tax credit provides an even greater value to the upcoming Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America. “Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers the fuel efficiency that they’re looking for while providing power, utility, performance, safety and excellent value.” Now, if VW could only find a way to drop diesel prices in the U.S. to the same level as gasoline...

2009 VW Jetta SportWagen Available from $18,999

The new station wagon variant of the Jetta, or as Volkswagen calls it in the U.S., the SportWagen, is now available in dealer showrooms with prices starting at $18,999 for the base version fitted with a 2.5-liter, 5-cylinder engine that produces 170 horsepower and 177 lbs.-ft of torque.

For those wanting more power, the 200Hp 2.0-liter TFSi engine (same as the GTI) will be available later this year while those in search of a more frugal alternative, VW will offer the 40 MPG Jetta SportWagen TDI equipped with a 140Hp 2.0-liter turbo diesel unit. The latter will be available this fall at a starting price of $23,590.

40MPG VW Jetta TDI Priced from $21,990

Volkswagen has announced that pricing for its 2009 diesel powered Jetta TDI Sedan and SportWagen models will start from $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates, the Jetta TDI is rated 29 mpg in the City and 40 mpg on the Highway. However, VW said that they hired a third-party certifier, AMCI, who found that the Jetta TDI performed 24% in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway. Well, unless we test it, we’ll hold onto the EPA estimates. -Continued

Both Jetta TDIs come standard with six airbags (with optional rear side airbags) and Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP). Also standard for 2009 is VW’s carefree maintenance program. With this program VW promises that there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance as described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty - three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Video Fuel Economy Test: Prius vs Jetta Diesel vs Smart vs Focus

The lads over at Edmunds organized a “mini” fuel economy marathon by comparing some of the most gas efficient cars available in the North American market: the 2008 Toyota Prius 1.5 Hybrid, the 2005 VW Jetta 2.0 TDI Diesel, the 2008 Smart Fortwo 1.0 and the 2008 Ford Focuse SES Coupe 2.0. The smackdown included tests on the highway and in the city along with measuring the cars’ CO2 footprint. Check out the video after the jump. –Continued

Via: Edmunds

60 MPG / Highway VW Jetta BlueTDI Coming to the US this Summer

The production version of VW's clean BlueTDI engine was unveiled today at the International Vienna Motor Symposium (24-25 April). Developed especially for the North American market, the Jetta BlueTDI features an advanced 2.0-liter common-rail turbo diesel engine that produces 140 Hp and 320 Nm or 236-lb/ft of torque.

Based on the high-tech TDI, which was first introduced in Europe in 2007 with the Tiguan, this four-cylinder diesel engine was redeveloped with internal engine modifications and a NOx trap in order to meet specific operating conditions in the U.S. But apart from being clean, VW supports that the new diesel engine helps the Jetta achieve a fuel economy of up to 60 mpg on the highway. The Jetta BlueTDI will go on sale in the States this summer. -Continued

“High fuel prices and a dramatic change in environmental consciousness means that diesel is becoming more and more attractive for American drivers every day.” said Dr. Ing. Jens Hadler, Director of Volkswagen Powertrain Development.

“This is why many customers, especially in California, have been waiting for a super-clean diesel like our BlueTDI. I think this motor will help the diesel get its big break in America because it consumes so little and yet can go such long distances on a single fill-up. And in a country as big as the United States, this is a priceless advantage.”

2008 Volkswagen Wolsfburg Edition Jetta 2.0 Turbo

Volkswagen USA announced today the launch of the 2008 Wolfsburg Edition Jetta that will be produced in approximately 12,500 units. Unlike the 2007 Wolfsburg Edition Jetta (pictured above), the 2008 model dumps the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter inline-five for the GTI’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 ft-lbs. of torque. -Continued

The special edition Jetta gets unique “Wolfsburg Edition” badging on both front quarter panels along with 17-inch alloy wheels and leatherette seats. It is available in the following color schemes; Reflex Silver, Black, Salsa Red, and Platinum Gray. Prices are set at $20,875 with a six-speed manual transmission, and $21,950 with the optional six-speed DSG automatic transmission.

Volkswagen Jetta TSI Racer Debuts at Autosport Show

Volkswagen unveiled its latest track challenger, the supercharged and turbocharged Jetta TSI Sport at the Autosport International racing car show at Birmingham’s NEC. The Jetta TSI Sport will take to the track for the first time on Easter Monday (24 March) in the opening round of the Hankook-backed Volkswagen Racing Cup, at Oulton Park. In the UK, the Volkswagen Racing Cup expands to 14 rounds this year and the Jetta TSI Sport will be raced by selected motoring and motor sport journalists. -Continued

In road-going form the Jetta’s 1.4-litre, 16-valve engine produces 170 PS but the engineers at Volkswagen Racing UK, with the help of their technology partners at Superchips, Milltek Sport and Turbo Dynamics, have boosted this to 230 PS. The race track Jetta features several other upgrades like a limited slip differential, roll cage, Recaro seats with six-point harness, racing suspension and brake system.

Jetta TSI Sport racing version

Engine capacity (litres / cc)

1.4 /1390

Configuration

4 cyl, 16v, turbocharged and supercharged

Engine management

Volkswagen Racing mapping

Power output (PS)

230 (standard model 170)

Drive

Front-wheel drive

Gearbox

Six speed sport ratios, limited slip differential

Clutch

Sintered metal plate

Exhaust system

Bespoke race system with race catalyst

Shell

Production shell, fully stripped
welded-in multi-point roll cage to FIA standard

Safety

Recaro HANS racing seat, six-point harness, plumbed-in extinguisher system

Steering

Power assisted rack and pinion

Brakes

360 mm VWR ventilated front discs,
12 pot calipers
VWR ventilated rear discs,
ABS disabled
Adjustable bias

Front suspension

VWR two-way adjustable race dampers
Adjustable anti-roll bar
Solid bushes

Rear suspension

Multi-link production suspension, VWR two-way adjustable race dampers
Adjustable anti-roll bar
Solid bushes

Wheels

18 in BBS alloy wheels

Tyres

Hankook slick/wet
225/40 ZR18

Weight objective

1223 kg

Lubricants

Castrol

VW Golf Variant RaVe 2.0T 270 HP Concept Unveiled In Essen

Who’d ever think that the all-new Golf Variant could actually, look quite good. But before you get your hopes up, the Golf Variant RaVe 270 is just a concept study, or at least for the time being. Presented at the Essen Motor Show which opened up its portals today (Nov. 30, 2007), the RaVe 270 gets a sporty outfit along with a powerful 1,400 Watt high-end sound system and supped up version of the Golf GTI’s 2.0 Turbo engine enhanced to 270 Hp. -Continued after the jump

Developed and built by Volkswagen Individual GmbH, the Golf Variant RaVe 270 combines the Golf GTI engine and the 4Motion all-wheel drive of the Golf R32 while power is distributed via a DSG dual clutch transmission. VW supports that it can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.8 seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to at 250 km/h (155 mph). Despite its impressive specs, average fuel consumption of the Golf Variant RaVe 270 is 9.1 lt/100 km or 25.8 mpg.

The standard Golf Variant’s body parts -bumpers, radiator grille, side skirts, taillights, headlamps, and even the mirrors – were all modified. For example, the new bumper features three large air inlets while the xenon headlamps got a new look by extending the engine hood and fenders and adding new special caps. At the rear end, there are two twin-fluted tailpipes on the left and right. Between them is a diffuser that provides for additional traction. The RaVe 270 sits on 19 inch "Zaragoza" alloy wheels while the sport chassis was lowered by 20 millimeters.

Inside, the most important add on is the new 1,400 Watt high-end sound system. The basis for this system is the new RNS 510 radio-navigation system. A total of 13 loudspeakers are supplied via three powerful output amplifiers. A strong 880 Watt subwoofer and two other 250 Watt subwoofers in chrome promise to make quite a bang.

The 880 Watt subwoofer – just like the output amplifiers – is located so that it is visible on the cargo floor. Also integrated in the rear were two 12-inch monitors. Among other features, the interior is characterized by leather sport bucket seats with R-Logo and painted door handle recesses.

SEMA: 2009 Jetta TDI SportWagen

It’s all about diesel models for Volkswagen who not only announced the launch of the Jetta 2.0 TDI racing series (see here) but the German carmaker also showcased a slightly modified version of the 2009 Jetta SportWagen. Powered by a 2.0L Clean Diesel TDI, delivering 140 horsepower and 235 ft.-lbs. of torque, the SEMA Show station is finished in custom paint and graphics.

The SportWagen also sits on 19 inch Sportec Wheels and Yokohama tires wrapped around an upgraded Brembo brake kit while its underpinnings were upgraded by H&R Springs. Nice try, but despite the upgrades, we still can’t digest the duller than dull rear end. -Image gallery after the jump

VW To Bring Diesel-Powered Jetta TDI To North American Race Tracks

Volkswagen is attempting to showcase the power and performance of its new clean diesel technology by bringing diesel-powered Jettas to selected North American race tracks. Starting from May 2008, up to 30 Jetta TDI’s competing in the hands of young drivers will appear in eight major racing venues across North America. Powering the race-prepped Jetta is VW's new 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI clean diesel engine rated at 170 Hp and nearly 300 ft.-lbs. of torque in racing trim. The diesel unit is matted to a six-speed automatic DSG transmission.

The race vehicles will be outfitted with electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system, multi-link fully independent race-tuned suspension, driver airbag supplemental restraint system, and ABS racing brakes. -Details after the jump

VOLKSWAGEN TO FEATURE CLEAN DIESEL POWER IN JETTA TDI CUP RACING SERIES

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.