Volkswagen Delays U.S. Introduction of Clean Diesel Jetta TDI

via Edmunds

In what will be a major disappointment for consumers anxious to get their hands on the new clean diesel Jetta TDI sedan and wagon, Volkswagen informed its dealers this week that the vehicle launch has been delayed from April to late summer 2008.

"This situation is due to a technical issue that was found during the later stages of durability testing," said VW's Adrian Hallmark in a memo to Volkswagen dealers. Hallmark is the former Volkswagen of American executive vice president who left the U.S. arm in late October to return to a new post at the automaker's home base.

The issue may have been triggered by the critical 50-state test here. The U.S. has strict emissions standards for diesel vehicles and it must meet them in every state, most notably California, with its tough standards.

"For image and competitive reasons, we are now working hard to bring early promotional cars into the country in order to give you the chance to pre-sell the production arriving in October during the summer months," Hallmark said in the dealer memo. "We are investigating a number of actions to make up a portion of the TDI shortfall, such as but not limited to, obtaining additional production of high demand product, ramping up the launch production, and speeding up shipment times of the new TDI, bringing in special edition cars, etc."

Hallmark noted that the launch of other new models planned for 2008 "are on time." Those vehicles include the Jetta SportWagen, Tiguan, Passat Coupe, M-Van and Touareg 2 with V6 TDI.

Volkswagen Develops Touareg TDI For Famous Baja 1000

via Paddock Talk

In the 2008 motorsport season, Volkswagen of America, Inc. will start contesting the popular U.S. off-road racing series SCORE with a Touareg TDI. The Touareg TDI will be developed specifically for the extremely tough demands of the Mexican peninsula Baja California, which, since 1967, has been the annual venue of the most famous event of this kind – the Baja 1000. The Volkswagen prototype will be prepared for the "SCORE Trophy Truck Open Production – Unlimited Class".

"Volkswagen’s history in off-road racing dates back to the first Baja 1000 in 1967," stressed Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "In the world famous Dakar Rally, which at a length of 9,000 kilometres over 15 legs is the most demanding offroad competition of all, as well as in the Pikes Peak Hillclimb Race and in the Baja 500 in June 2007 Volkswagen achieved remarkable results. These experiences, which we gained with innovative diesel engines in the various offroad vehicles, are helping us to build a Touareg TDI prototype that will master the very special challenge of a Baja and thrill the enthusiastic American audience."

Sal Fish, President and CEO of SCORE International, who recently paid a visit to Volkswagen Motorsport in Germany, welcomes the commitment: "Over the past 40 years, Volkswagen’s vehicles and technology had a significant impact on how the SCORE Baja events basically developed. We look forward to the future of this partnership and also to clean diesel technology making its way into our sport." With 13 victories since 1967, Volkswagen has shaped the Baja 1000 as one of the leading engine manufacturers, particularly in the first two decades. To this day, several classes of the non-stop race across the Baja California peninsula are specifically reserved for Volkswagen models as well as for vehicles with Volkswagen components.

The driver line-up for the Touareg TDI prototype that is supposed to make its début at the end of 2008 has been determined already: Mark Miller from Arizona, Volkswagen factory driver since 2005, who, in fourth place overall finished the Dakar Rally in January 2007 as the best of the factory drivers, is part of this motorsport programme, as is his compatriot Ryan Arciero. In addition, Miller at the wheel of a Volkswagen Race Touareg was the best driver of a diesel-powered vehicle at the Baja 500 in June. Arciero in a production-derived Touareg V10 TDI in the "Alternative Fuel Diesel Truck High-Performance Showroom Stock division" set a new record in the world famous Pikes Peak Hillclimb Race in July.

SCCA, Volkswagen announces new TDI series

via Motorsport.com

Volkswagen and SCCA Pro Racing to Feature Clean Diesel Power in Jetta TDI Cup

LAS VEGAS, Nev. (November 1, 2007) -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced at the 2007 SEMA Show 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 Ltd., 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 Bob 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.

SCCA Pro Racing Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sports Car Club of America, Inc.-a 55,000-member organization dedicated to motorsports events. SCCA Pro Racing sanctions four separate professional racing series: the SPEED World Challenge Championships, SIRIUS Satellite Radio Mazda MX-5 Cup, Formula Russell and F2000 Championship Series. Each series holds events on high-profile race weekends and annually crowns champions. On the web at www.sccapro.com.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com.

Thousands of VW staff halt work amid Porsche spat

Thousands of workers at Volkswagen AG's western German plants temporarily downed tools on Wednesday amid a labour row with Porsche AG, the biggest shareholder in Europe's biggest carmaker.

The VW works council said 40,000 staff at its main plant in Wolfsburg alone stopped work to be briefed on the dispute over workers' rights at a new holding company being set up to hold the Porsche and Piech family's stakes in the two companies.

VW workers want more say at the holding company in case Porsche increases its 31 percent VW stake to a majority, now that a German law capping voting rights at VW has been struck down. Porsche has rejected the demand.

"There is great disquiet and insecurity among the staff," deputy VW works council head Bernd Wehlauer said, adding some workers worried that Porsche may try to break up Volkswagen should it gain control, something Porsche has denied.

Volkswagen said it would be able to make up lost production from the one-hour work stoppages.

Volkswagen Showcases Clean Diesel and Personalized Performance at SEMA

Three New Specialty Vehicles Highlight Personalization, Performance and Clean Diesel

Volkswagen of America, Inc. is showcasing its commitment to clean diesel performance and unique vehicle personalization with three new concepts on display at the 2007 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show.

Volkswagen's Dieselution Tour, a mobile marketing exhibit showcasing clean diesel, will be staged outdoors in the plaza and will provide the backdrop for the latest in clean diesel performance and unique Volkswagen personalization.

For the 2007 SEMA show, Volkswagen blends concept car design, aftermarket tuning and creativity to illustrate how their already exciting line-up can be transformed into unique high-performance, one-of-a-kind vehicles.

2009 Jetta TDI SportWagen
Powered by the 2.0L Clean Diesel TDI, delivering 140 horsepower and 235 ft.-lbs. of torque, the new Jetta SportWagen does not conform to old station wagon stereotypes.

Using readily available body components and finished in custom paint and graphics, this Jetta TDI SportWagen demonstrates what can be done to personalize a Jetta. To reinforce the sport in this wagon, the Jetta's underpinnings were upgraded by H&R Springs to lower its ride height, and make its handling razor sharp.

The Jetta TDI SportWagen remains firmly planted with 19 inch Sportec Wheels and Yokohama Tires wrapped around an upgraded Brembo brake kit, providing high performance stopping power. Hella provides up-level lighting components that add a unique flair to the styling.

2008 Passat Station Wagon
With the North-American debut of the Passat Wagon Hi-Def styling package, Volkswagen shows that the need for practicality doesn't mean sacrificing an enthusiast's desire for personalization. The exterior Hi-Def styling package is complemented with European specification Hella lighting and 18-inch Velos wheels wrapped in Nitto performance tires.

Demonstrating that your kids can live the enthusiast lifestyle along with you, Recaro child seats help provide a safe seating environment in the event their parents decide to responsibly explore the performance of Volkswagen's fantastic 2.0 L TFSI engine, rated at 200 horsepower and 207 ft-lbs. torque. This concept Passat shows how an enthusiast can have their cake, and carry it, too.

2007 GTI 4 door
Using the GTI high-performance 2.0 L TFSI engine with 200 horsepower and 207 ft.-lbs. torque mated to a six-speed transmission, the team mounted R32 brakes and rotors, Volkswagen lowering springs and a custom Vibrant Performance center exit exhaust. With the availability of both Thunder Bunny and R32 components, the GTI was dressed with a new Thunder Bunny front bumper, flared side skirts, and R32 rear valance, creating a sporty and aggressive street style. Completing the exterior styling is custom Hella lighting, darkened tail lamps, and soon to be introduced 18-inch Karthoum wheels finished in black with machined highlights. The wheels are wrapped in Nitto high-performance tires.

The interior was upgraded with styling and protection accessories meant to highlight the GTI's sporty interior. Leaving the original head unit intact, Rockford Fosgate integrated a new powerful sound system in the GTI. To capitalized on the GTI's new audio equipment, Volkswagen's Electronic Research Laboratory installed its latest iPod(R) adapter system which easily installs into most Volkswagen models with satellite radio. This new plug and play adapter allows users to control iPod(R) functions through their factory radio, and see artist, song, and playlist information.

Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.

For the lowest local dealer prices on this car, go to PriceQuotes.com, where one fast form can provide you with up to four competitive quotes from local dealers. Recommended by The Auto Channel.

Volkswagen Eos: The new breed of convertibles

via Chicago Sun Times

Retractable hardtop convertibles used to be found only in the garages of the well-heeled. In recent years they have become widely available and affordable for the masses of mobile sun worshipers. Each year a different manufacturer introduces a new and better version of the all-season convertible. This year both Chrysler and VW introduced hardtop four passenger convertibles.

I recently tested two versions of the VW Eos: a 2.0-liter version and the beefier 3.2 liter six cylinder model.

Arguments eliminated
The biggest drawbacks to convertible ownership used to be noise, weather sealing, theft protection and safety/crash protection. All are eliminated in the Eos with the CSC (coupe-sunroof-convertible) five-panel roof that converts with the flick of a switch from a hard-top, with integrated sunroof and heated-glass rear window, into an open-air convertible. Another benefit is that a hardtop will not shrink, crack or fade noticeably.

How it works
The Eos' panoramic, tinted glass power sunroof is integrated into the folding roof. The externally guided, tilt-and-slide sunroof with automatic pinch protection gets "sandwiched" between roof panels as the hard-top is lowered via eight hydraulic cylinders with mechanical linkages. For about 25 seconds the top performs a mechanical ballet until it is completely lowered. The vehicle must be stopped and the ignition on for the top to be raised or lowered.

One of the test vehicles came with the optional Trunk Lid Assistance program featuring integrated bumper sensors that monitor up to 20-inches behind the vehicle and prevent the roof from operating if any object or obstruction is detected. Preserving the limited storage area (10.5 cubic-feet top up, or 6.6 cubic-feet top down) is a cargo cover that must be in place and latched for the roof to be lowered.
What really puts this car over the top is the highly integrated sliding glass roof panel that was great for letting fresh air and sunlight in during short hops.

Exterior has its charms
The short and fluid bodylines are accented nicely with chrome trim pieces and attractive alloy wheels. The Eos has a high "C" factor as in cute. My wife, numerous friends and passersby indicated that they thought the Eos was a "cute little convertible".

Open up to a nice interior
Spending time in both versions of the Eos was a pleasurable experience. A nice assortment of gauges and controls are handsomely displayed in the attractive dash and bordered by either chrome, walnut wood or simulated brushed aluminum trim. I liked the twelve-way power sport driver and front passenger seats. I was very impressed by the high quality of the materials used, the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the soft touch interior surfaces. There is also a high level of standard equipment in both models. Seating comfort is good and well bolstered. There is a decent amount of rear seat leg and shoulder room however this is not a four-door sedan and the high beltline of the Eos can make some feel like they're riding in a tub.

Two powertrain options
The test period began with the Eos 2.0T featuring 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 2.0T is EPA-rated (2007) at an estimated 23 miles per gallon in the city and 32 mpg on the highway. If you want to step up the performance level the Eos 3.2-liter V6 delivers 250 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque. The EPA rates this engine at 22/29 (2007), not too shabby for a V-6.

A six-speed manual transmission with hydraulic clutch comes standard with the Eos 2.0T. The Eos 3.2-liter V6 model features the double clutch DSG six-speed transmission with Tiptronic. The automatic is smooth, crisp and the gear ratios are nicely spaced, especially for the 3.2-liter models.

Drive response
Eos comes with a front McPherson strut concept with triangular wishbones and self-leveling shock absorbers. In the rear is a fully independent, four-link suspension.

You would naturally assume that the 3.2 out powers the 2.0 and it does, but off the line the 3.2 is a dog. Both versions are front wheel drive and torque steer is muted pretty well. Curiously the 2.0 model came with 18-inch alloy wheels and tires and the 3.2 had 17-inch wheels and tires. Available driver/safety aids include: four-wheel ABS (anti-lock braking system) and an Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with brake assist and brake-disc wiper system, Anti-slip regulation (ASR) and an electromechanical power steering setup. The ride was very smooth and predictable, the body remained tight and the suspension damped out the rough stuff without deleting road feel.

Top goes down; price goes up
The 2.0-liter Eos starts at $28,000 and $37,000 for the Eos 3.2-liter. The test car topped out at $31,700 and $40,000 respectively including destination charges. These figures are competitive with the Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible, the Volvo C70 and the hardtop Chrysler Sebring.

So will hardtop convertibles completely replace soft top convertibles-no. The old school charm of a ragtop may appeal to some, however I would only consider a retractable hardtop convertible for the reasons outlined earlier.

Volkswagen to price US cars more aggressively

via The Economic Times

Volkswagen plans to prices its vehicles in the US market more aggressively and drop costly features many customers there don't want, Chief Executive Martin Winterkorn was quoted as saying.

The idea is to narrow the sales gap that separates Europe's biggest carmaker from larger rival Toyota Motor Corp of Japan, a daily reported.

"We have definitely added too many technical items that (American) customers don't want to pay for," Winterkorn said.

By tailoring its cars more to US tastes, he said, it could offer future versions of its Jetta and Passat models below what they sell for now.

The Jetta starts at about $17,000 in the US market, while the Passat starts for roughly $23,900. Toyota's Corolla is priced about $15,200, while the larger Camry starts at about $20,000, the paper said.