GREEN CAR JOURNAL'S TOP 5 FOR 2009™ ANNOUNCED – ONE TO BE NAMED 2009 GREEN CAR OF THE YEAR® AT LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Winner to be Unveiled at a Nov. 20 Press Conference

LOS ANGELES – Oct. 30, 2008 — Green Car Journal's Top 5 for 2009™ – the year's best-of-the-best 'green' vehicles - have been identified by the magazine's editors. These vehicles are the five finalists competing for the Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year® award: the BMW 335d, Ford Fusion Hybrid, Saturn Vue 2-Mode Hybrid, smart fortwo and Volkswagen Jetta TDI. The 2009 Green Car of the Year will be unveiled at a morning press conference on Nov. 20 during Press Days at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

The five models are important milestones for their manufacturers. The VW and BMW clean diesels are leading edge models signaling the advent of highly efficient, advanced diesel sedans that meet emissions certification in all 50 states. Ford's Fusion Hybrid, a full hybrid, is this automaker's first hybrid sedan. Saturn's Vue 2-Mode is GM's first application of its two mode hybrid system in a V-6 front-drive platform. The smart fortwo is a new-for-the-U.S., fuel efficient micro car with a small eco footprint.

"This is an exciting year for 'green' cars because of the many innovative and advanced models now emerging," said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and editor of GreenCar.com. "In fact, this year's selection of nominees was more challenging than in years past because of the auto industry's greater emphasis on greener vehicles and the number of potential vehicles to consider. For the first time, we've also seen a pair of clean diesels and a small gasoline model giving hybrids serious competition."

Green Car Journal's Green Car of the Year program focuses on recognizing new model vehicles that provide real answers for new car buyers looking for a personal stake in lessening environmental impact. This may be through substantial improvement in fuel efficiency, lower emissions, use of an alternative fuel, or an overall lower environmental load.

Green Car Journal editors perform an exhaustive review of vehicle models to identify those that merit consideration for the Green Car of the Year program. Vehicles using all types of technologies, fuels, and powerplants are eligible. To qualify for consideration as a nominee in the 2009 Green Car of the Year program, a vehicle must exhibit characteristics that substantially raise the bar in environmental performance and be in production by January 1 of the award year. Plus, a potential nominee must be driven by Green Car Journal to allow first-hand evaluation of driving dynamics.

The 2009 Green Car of the Year will be selected by a jury comprised of nine jurors. These include Carl Pope, executive director of the Sierra Club; Frances Beinecke, president of the Natural Resources Defense Council; Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; automotive expert and "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno; and automotive icon Carroll Shelby. Four Green Car Journal editors round out the jury.
About Green Car of the Year®

The Green Car of the Year® award is an important part of Green Car Journal's mission to showcase environmental progress in the auto industry. Since 1992, Green Car Journal has focused on the intersection of automobiles, energy, and environment, first with an industry newsletter and then with an award-winning auto enthusiast magazine. Today, the magazine is considered the premier source of information on high fuel efficiency, low emission, advanced technology, and alternative fuel vehicles. Green Car of the Year® is a registered trademark of Green Car Journal and RJ Cogan Specialty Publications Group, Inc.
About the Los Angeles Auto Show

For the third year in a row, the Los Angeles Auto Show will be held in the fall. Green Car Journal has been unveiling the Green Car of the Year® winner at the Los Angeles Auto Show every year since it initiated the annual award in 2005. The show opens for media only Nov. 19-20. Media registration is now open and the deadline to register online and still receive credentials in the mail is Oct. 31. Online registration will remain open until Nov. 6 but credentials must be picked-up on site. Public days run from Nov. 21-30. For general information visit www.LAautoshow.com.

[Green Car Journal]

Volkswagen’s all-new clean diesel is right for the times and now available in all 50 states

HERNDON, Va.—Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced that their all-new, and highly anticipated 50-state compliant clean diesel Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen are now available for customer delivery.

“We’re proud to be the first manufacturer to offer a clean diesel vehicle for sale in all fifty states,” said Stefan Jacoby, CEO/President, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We believe our Jetta TDI’s truly offer a no compromise alternative fuel driving experience, that provides the customer the best of both worlds—excellent fuel efficiency combined with a dynamic driving experience.”

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg City and 40 mpg Highway. Volkswagen went a step further to evaluate the real world fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway.*

EPA research has concluded that if diesels were to power one third of all light duty vehicles in the United States, the shift would save approximately 1.4 million barrels of oil a day—equal to the daily shipments from Saudi Arabia to the U.S.

Providing even more value to the Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen, a $1300 Federal Income Tax Credit was recently announced. The Internal Revenue Service issued a certification letter affirming that both vehicles qualify for an Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle income tax credit.

The Jetta TDI’s come standard with Volkswagen’s Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of numerous standard safety features. Jetta TDI’s include six airbags, with optional rear side airbags, and like all 2009 model year Volkswagens, Jetta TDI’s also feature standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) for added safety.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen’s carefree maintenance program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance 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.

Recently Volkswagen announced pricing for their Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen would start at $21,990 and $23,590, respectively.

THE PEOPLE WANT BETTER FUEL ECONOMY WITH NO COMPROMISES HERNDON, Va.—Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for their eagerly anticipated Jetta TDI sedan and SportWagen starting at $21,990 and $23,590, respectively. Fuel efficiency, performance and convenience all come standard with the 50-state compliant Jetta sedan and SportWagen TDI, which meet the most stringent emissions standards in California and the world. Both models will be available this August.

"Our clean diesel vehicles offer consumers a true value with the fuel efficiency that drivers are looking for while providing power, utility and performance," said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. "The Jetta TDI's offer a no compromise alternative fuel driving experience."

While the Environmental Protection Agency estimates the Jetta TDI at an economical 29 mpg City and 40 mpg Highway, Volkswagen went a step further to show the true fuel economy of the Jetta TDI. Leading third-party certifier, AMCI, has tested the Jetta TDI and found it performed 24 percent better in real world conditions, achieving 38 mpg in the City and 44 mpg on the Highway.*

The Jetta TDI's come standard with Volkswagen's Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of numerous standard safety features. Jetta TDI's include six airbags, with optional rear side airbags, and like all 2009 model year Volkswagens, Jetta TDI's also feature standard Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) for added safety.

Also standard for 2009 is Volkswagen's carefree maintenance program, with this program there are no charges for the scheduled maintenance 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.

[Source: VW]

The popular VW-Audi fourbanger is available only in SEL trim level, available with either a 6-speed manual ($25,990) or the 6-speed DSG ($27,090). The SEL is loaded top-to-bottom with every feature you'd find on the top-level Jetta. While we don't have a price yet on the TDI, we think we've figured out how VW is going to make it price-competitive. If you stroll through the features list, you'll notice the TDI doesn't get the dual-zone climate, the 17-inch alloys, premium sound or other features as standard. We're guessing the price of the TDI is going to fall somewhere between SE and SEL trim in the $23-$26K range. Still interested?

[Price, Spces via Motive Forums]

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: Yes
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: No
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: Yes
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: Yes
Working Stiffs: Yes
Technogeeks: No
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: Yes
Nascar Dads: No
Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Also Consider:
• VW Jetta SportWagen TDI
• VW Jetta SportWagen 2.0T
• Mazda6 Wagon, if you can find one
• Subaru WRX
• Audi A3

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Volkswagen
• Model year: 2009
• Base Price: Good Question
• Price as Tested: Better Question
• Engine type: 2.5L DOHC I5
• Horsepower: 170 @ 5,700 RPM
• Torque: 177 @ 4,250 RPM
• Transmission: 5-Speed Manual
• LxWxH: 179.3" x 70.1" 57.4"
• Wheelbase: 101.5"
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 21/29
• NHTSA crash test rating: ****/**** (Driver/Passenger)

Also see:

• 2009 Jetta Sportwagen, Part One
• 2009 Jetta SportWagen, Part Two

Acceleration:**
We can't wait to see the performance numbers for the wagon with the new 2.0-Liter TDI four banger, which looks to put out 235 lb/ft of torque. This is my nice way of saying that while the 170-horsepower 2.5-Liter I5 provides enough power to keep up with your neighbors, you'll need a little more to outpace them.

Braking:***
Despite the added heft of the wagon, its four-wheel disc brakes provide easy and predictable stopping power. This came in handy when driving through Wrigleyville, with its high concentration of bars, and playing my favorite game: dodge the drunk. I didn't run over anyone who didn't deserve it.

Ride:***
It is a testament to the designers that the SportWagen maintains the sportier-than-thou handling that Volkswagens are known for without sacrificing ride quality. Though the suspension is tuned stiffer than your dad's Country Squire, you'll still be able to apply EZ Cheese to your pretzels without making a mess as you cross the country on the way to your family reunion.

Handling:***
Speaking of the Country Squire, this Jetta could drive circles around it with an independent suspension up front consisting of McPherson struts and a rear multi-link rear setup. It is genuinely fun to toss the SportWagen about and doesn't suffer from a case of the leans in heavy cornering. The steering response is wonderful, providing a level of feedback much higher than you'd expect from a car in this class.

Gearbox:***
The five-speed manual transmission, like much else on this vehicle, provides predictable and precise performance. Even with sloppy shifting and some experimenting with the throttle I never felt the threat of slippage. Fourth gear felt a touch tall given that fifth gear is setup for highway driving, but that's a minor complaint given how much we enjoy the novelty of having a fun manual transmission in a wagon for sale in the US.

Audio:***
The standard eight-speaker stereo provides great sound throughout the open cabin. Chicago is a nightmare for people who listen to non-satellite radio but the Diversity Antenna, which switches between two physical antennae, never let me down. All that's separating this system from that extra star is the fact that the base audio system in this model features an input for an iPod but no discernible way of using it. Pod teases.

Toys:***
This particular model isn't heavy on toys but there are a few nice additions, including three power outlets, fully automatic windows for all passengers, integrated turn signal mirrors and dual reflector headlights that feature tiny VW logos.

Value:***
Yesterday I hinted that the base price was going to be somewhere near $20,000. Though I don't have an "as tested" price for this model, it looks like the base price could be as low as $19,900 and as high as $24,500. I still believe this is a reasonable amount to pay for the product (especially at the lower end), but the real value may come with the TDI model.

Overall: ***
Though not a knockout in either performance or looks, I was sad to see the SportWagen go. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for that extra pillar and being able to enjoy a wagon designed to the higher standards of our snooty European brothers and sisters without a slush box is a rare treat. Paired with a clean turbodiesel capable of an EPA estimated 41 mpg highway (though we expect a higher real world experience), the SportWagen could be a real contender.

Also see:

• 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Part One
• 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Part Three

Though I find this move disappointing, the indistinctness of the Jetta is mostly inoffensive and in SportWagen form the car loses the dorky symmetrical greenhouse for a slightly angled beltline that finishes with a thick pillar a la Cayenne. If you're into the sort of thing. And even if you aren't, as with the houses, you'll be spending more time inside enjoying it than outside staring at it. In my case this "enjoying" means the fun of toying with solid German engineering and not the pain of trying to lounge in the specially designed though miserably uncomfortable Wright furniture.

The inside of this car is a comfortable place to be even though this particular SportWagen was the basest of base models, equipped with a five-speed manual transmission and the 2.5-liter inline-five engine. Volkswagen likes to tout the fact that this engine is half of a Lamborghini V10 (they share a head-design) which is true in the way that ELO Part 2 was half of ELO. Despite its over-hyped origin the 170 horsepower and 177 lbs-ft of torque provide sufficient power. Those not content with sufficiency will have the option of the 2.0-liter turbo or 50-state legal TDI fourbanger when the car goes on sale in a few months.

Driving home from Target with a load of soymilk, toilet paper and the assorted basic needs of a modern life the VW encouraged confidence with enough power available to get me from stoplight to stoplight without worrying I'd find a lead-footed cabbie in the spacious hatch. However, while trying to sprint up a long highway onramp I nearly ran out of room before having to give way to a Compact SUV. Racing down the highway to reclaim my manhood, in a wagon no less, I was able to smoothly guide the quickly yielding shifter into third before it ran out of breath. I guess I could take comfort in the fact that with nearly 67 cubic feet of storage space the Jetta could easily haul more gear than the SUV.

I felt better when the Jetta reached the outer limits of Cook County along a stretch of road leading up to the aforementioned Glencoe, one of the locations used by John Hughes in Ferris Bueller's Day Off to represent upper-class comfort. All of a sudden the monotonous straightness gives way to a patch of road that doesn't stay straight for longer than 60 yards and includes a number of blind curves. Though there was a suggestion for lower speed, the Jetta shrugged it off. This generation features an independent suspension at all corners, including a rear multilink setup "borrowed" from Ford's capable C1-platform (they hired the same designers), which I was easily able to put to good use charting a sharp, fast line like a caterer late for a Junior League tea.

Weaving my way past the carefully manicured lawns and opulent homes it struck me that any shortcomings could be easily forgotten if you consider that this is a well-built, well-handling and attractive station wagon with German heritage and a manual transmission that should sell for somewhat less than most of these people spend to send their bratty kids to preschool (we hear close to $20K when it goes on sale).

Say what you will about the relatively bland new look, the 2009 Jetta SportWagen feels both unique and structurally sound. That's more than we can say for all of Wright's work. The famous Fallingwater may be one-of-a-kind, but the property has been saddled with problems ranging from rampant mold to balconies that started to bend due to insufficient reinforcement. That small detail and the general progression of taste meant the enclave of Prairie-style design in Glencoe is a historic neighborhood, no longer replicated. And with the impending demise of the Mazda6 wagon in North America, the SportWagen could be the last of a dying breed of fun, relatively cheap wagons.

Also see:

• 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Part Two
• 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Part Three

What is it with Volkswagen Jetta owners and Craigslist?. Though we have to give the GLI owner credit, he got a commenter account (The_Honest_Joe) and started commenting in response to our jokes and questions. We're sort of hoping this person shows up as well. (h/t Braff) [Craigslist]

We suspect the Jetta will be used to make soccer balls any day now...

[Ananova via Spluch]

Volkswagen Announces Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T, Value Priced Special Model Now On Sale

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Feb. 12 - Volkswagen of America,
Inc. today announced the Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T. Volkswagen will
produce approximately 12,500 of these special edition models. This new
version Jetta 2.0T follows last year's highly successful Wolfsburg Edition
Jetta 2.5 L.

Staying true to the Wolfsburg Edition heritage, the Wolfsburg Jetta
2.0T will offer customers a value priced version of the sporty and spacious
Jetta sedan, equipped with the highly acclaimed four-cylinder turbo-charged
engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 ft-lbs. of torque. Each special
edition Jetta 2.0T includes unique "Wolfsburg Edition" badging on both
front quarter panels. The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T features 17-inch
alloy wheels, leatherette seats, and is available in the following color
schemes; Reflex Silver, Black, Salsa Red, and Platinum Gray.

Like the rest of the Jetta model line, the Wolfsburg Edition comes
standard with many safety features. Content that includes: six standard
airbags, a crash optimized front end, and anti-intrusion side door beams.
For additional safety, two rear side airbags are also available as an
option. The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T also comes with an array of
vehicle control safety features. These features include a four-wheel ABS
anti-lock braking system, Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution, Hydraulic
Brake Assist, Electronic Stabilization Program, and Anti-Slip Regulation.
The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T also comes standard with an
electro-mechanical power steering system for added control.

The Wolfsburg Edition Jetta 2.0T is value priced at $20,875 with a
six-speed manual transmission, and $21,950 with an optional six-speed DSG
automatic transmission.

[Source: VW]

VOLKSWAGEN JETTA TSI RACER MAKES DEBUT AT AUTOSPORT SHOW

Volkswagen's latest track challenger, a supercharged and turbocharged Jetta saloon, was unveiled today (Thursday) in Britain.

The Jetta TSI Sport made its debut at the Autosport International racing car show at Birmingham's NEC, taking centre stage on the British Racing and Sports Car Club stand. The new machine 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 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 TSI power unit was proven in competition last season under the bonnet of a Golf; Volkswagen Racing UK's Melissa Wright believes that the Jetta TSI is a potential race winner: 'We learned a lot about the engine during the course of 2007 and we have incorporated that knowledge into the new installation,' she said. 'In the right hands and with some development mileage under it, the new car will be a front-runner, I am sure.'

The TSI features an engine-driven supercharger and an exhaust gas powered turbocharger, arranged in series; the supercharger operates at lower engine speeds and the turbo cuts in as revs rise. The result is excellent driveability and performance throughout the rev range, with no turbo lag and high maximum torque.

It's not only in Britain that the Jetta will be cutting a dash this season - the Sports Car Club of America is to stage a championship for turbodiesel-powered machines. The Jetta TDI Cup will launch in May.
In the UK, the Jetta TSI Sport will be raced by selected motoring and motor sport journalists. The Volkswagen Racing Cup expands to 14 rounds this year and will once again be the chief saloon-race support to the British Formula 3 and British GT Championships.

The Volkswagen Racing Cup in association with Hankook is further supported by Augustus Martin, Castrol, ECM Vehicle Delivery, Milltek Sport, Mondial Assistance, KW Automotive, Superchips, TNT Logistics, Turbo Dynamics, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles and Volkswagen Financial Services UK.

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
[Source: VW via World Car Fans]

They're Mechanics, and holy crap are they Popular. So popular, in fact, that they've gotten a first ride in Volkswagen's first clean-diesel Jetta. It won't be in dealerships until January '08, but the previews will likely begin in earnest before you can say "thiophene doped n-hexadecane." – Mike Spinelli

2008 Volkswagen Jetta Diesel: Video Test Drive [Popular Mechanics]

Related:
Digging for Oil: Volkswagen Seeks Oldest Running VW Diesel [internal]

Chinese Car Market Explodes [sema.org]

Related:
Skoda Arrives in China! [Internal]

The Car Company of the People will be sending out recall notices in April to 790,000 American purchasers of their product. The reason? A brake-light switch that may either leave the lights on or never illuminate them in the first place upon depression of the wide pedal. Affected? Glad you asked. Follow along and see if you won the lottery: 1999-2005 Golf and GTI; 1999-2005 Jettas and '02-05 Jetta wagons on the Mark IV platform; 1998-2007 New Beetles and '03-07 New Beetle convertibles, plus the '04 R32. Dang ol' dang, that sure is a mess o' switches. – Davey G. Johnson

Volkswagen recalls 790,000 U.S. cars [Monsters and Critics]

Related:
Recall Party! VW Brake Lights, Corvette Roofs [Internal]

Say hello to the Jetta wagon it took Volkswagen two years longer than its sedan variant to introduce. But cut V-dub some slack; it just wanted to get everything right so you'll like them again. It's being unveiled as the Golf Estate in the land of Europe next week at the Geneva show. It'll come with a choice of four engines, including the Twincharger TFSI that sports both supercharger and turbo, and two diesels producing 105 hp and 140 hp, respectively. No word on US release, but expect a launch in New York, according to those who say they know. – Mike Spinelli

[via Motor Authority]

Related:
Over the Back Fence: Jetta Wagon Coming to Geneva Show [internal]

According to Carscoop, Volkswagen will show its long-awaited Jetta (Golf) Wagon at the Geneva show next month. Earlier rumors indicated the blown-deadline wagon would be unveiled at the Frankfurt show in September. But a VW press rep reportedly confirmed the debut would happen on Swiss time. A US launch will likely happen later this year, possibly at the New York show, with the first cocker spaniels bounding inside by fall '07. – Mike Spinelli

VW to unveil 2008 Golf Variant at the Geneva Show [Carscoop]

Related:
Spy Photos: More on the Volkswagen Jetta Wagon [internal]

What's VW doing in the Great White North to stem the tide of new, entry-level cars coming from Nissan, Toyota, and soon Citr en? No, not a new model; they're offering the previous-generation Jetta and Golf, stripped barer than Britney's babymaker, at a major discount over the new models. It's the City Jetta and City Golf, which are the Mk4 versions of those cars, fitted with all the stone-age accouterments that's aged them worse than Best of Bread. Still, it's a brilliant, cheap-o DIY strategy that's typically v-dub. – Mike Spinelli

Volkswagen's Day Old Bread [Automobile]

Related:
Spy Photos: Volkswagen Jetta Wagon [internal]

Related:
Ad Watch: The Beetle Is A Wonderland In John Mayer's First Act VW Ad; You Can't Dust For Vomit: Nigel Tufnel Shills For VW; Ad Watch: Move Over Stormare, Slash's Representing VW, Deutschland Now! [internal]

Red or white? Ford or Chevy? Coke or Pepsi? Blond or Brunette? And of course, Lambo-style scissors or Mercedes-ish gullwings? Why not both? For one very special Jetta owner that difficult decision is no choice at all. And we can't stop laughing. Or is that crying? Though we do dig the massive wheel arches. And the steering wheel in back for the wives is a smart touch. More weepy joy after the jump. – Jonny Lieberman

Related:
Try Not to Smirk: The P00 1 [Internal]

The gossip mongers who said Volkswagen would debut its Jetta wagon at the Paris auto show turned out to be more wrong than Britney Spears' life coach. But the long-awaited successor to the previous model is reportedly on the way to pre-production in, wait for it, mid-2007. That means it'll likely be a 2008 model. Here's a doctored shot of a test subject being baked somewhere in the Mojave. Don't get too attached. – Mike Spinelli

SPY PHOTOS: New VW Golf Wagon [World Car Fans]

Related:
Volkswagen to Release New Jetta Wagon Later than Expected [internal]

* display the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of the owner's Volkswagen vehicle
* come with custom colored pick guards complementing the exterior of the car
* feature the traditional Volkswagen logo and "V Dub" inlay
* have a guitar strap made of safety belts
* come with VW knobs, a prominent blue indicator light that matches the trademark instrument panel lighting of Volkswagen vehicles.
* VW logo guitar picks and a carrying case to take the music anywhere.

Our music-loving brother/sister site has more details on the ad campaign and a couple more pictures, we'll have a link up to that momentarily.

Related:
But Somehow Dodge's iPod Connection Is Made; Ford's Flash Fusion Concerts in the Blogosphere; Noooooooooooooo! Jacques Villenueve Song Up on Myspace [internal]

What if the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety was taken over by Pixar? The boys at Rideroom brought to our attention this bit of online-media V-dubbery that explores the possibilities for such digital madness. It's a set of CGI-enhanced videos depicting crash tests involving a Jetta and sundry animals, vehicles and plant life (note particularly the Humpty Dumpty wall test, or the UFO t-bone, above). Consider it a light-hearted take on the company's jarring ads featuring Jettas unexpectedly slamming into things, leaving their drivers and passengers unhurt, directed by the ghost of Salvatore Salvador Dali.

Volkswagen Jetta Crash Tester [via Rideroom]

Related:
Ad Watch: Holy Safe! Sh*t Happens.

Volkswagen to cut U.S. price for Jetta car - paper [Reuters]

Related:
Rabbit Run: Volkswagen's New Entry-Level Golf [internal]

Not wanting to kick out a hastily rebodied version of the sedan, the folks at Volks have taken their sweet time releasing the new generation Jetta wagon. Now, keeping with the soonest estimates churned from last year's rumor mill, The Car Connection reports the hauler — which members of the press got to see at the company's Wolfsburg studio — may enjoy its coming-out party at the Paris show in September of this year. A massive retooling effort at the company's Puebla, Mexico plant has been cited as another reason for the delay, which had left a hole in the company's Jetta line since the latest-generation model arrived in the US last year.

Related:
Volkswagen to Release Jetta Wagon Later than Expected [internal]

As you can see from the video, the Today Show totally had an oh-my-God-asm all over the new VW ads. But it wasn't just them. Good Morning America and every other candy-pop talk show news programs this morning profiled the new "Crash" ads too. Just remember where you saw them first! Also, we've dropped them into this post after the jump, just in case you're antsy for a second viewing:

The w-holy jarring ad, "Movie" is here, and the second just-as-jarring ad named "Like" is after the jump.

Related:
Volkswagen Chooses Crispin Porter as Ad Agency of Record, Ray Enjoys Stroking His Fast In Detroit [internal]

In his latest Sunday Times column Clarkson reveals his impatience with bores, include one unidentified acquaintance, members of the Aston Martin owners club and the Volkswagen Jetta.

I came to London yesterday in the Volkswagen Jetta, and tomorrow I must go home in it. Which will be like spending an hour in a coma.

...I d like to meet the man who simply didn t bother at all with the interior. Because looking at that dashboard gives you some idea of what it might be like to be dead...

...To give you some idea of how dull and featureless life is in there, put a cardboard box over your head. And leave it there for 10 years.

Jeremy Clarkson: Volkswagen Jetta, Well done VW, it's the most boring car in history [Times UK]

Related:
Jeremy Clarkson on the New Mustang [internal]

German tuning haus Abt Sportsline recently launched its go-go package for the Volkswagen Jetta 2.0 TDI, which boosts the oil-burner's horsepower by 30 to 170 and torque by 37 lbs.-ft to 273 total. The extra juice comes by way of engine software tweaking, and cuts the Jet's zero-to-60 time into the mid-eight-second range from the base model's time of forever.9. A set of progressively actuated sport suspension springs show get tighter when pushed hard, and involves a 40 mm drop floorward. A body kit and a set of Abt alloys over Continental meats complete the package, the price of which has yet to be announced.

Related:
Abt s Next-Gen Volkswagen GTI: VS4-R [internal]

Volkswagen hopes that, if it can't sell its Passats and Jettas outright, it'll at least be able to loan them out to people for a couple of years. Following a 21.4 percent year-on-year drop in VW brand sales this past October, the company is offering new, subsidized lease deals with the intent to stimulate a pickup in sales. According to AutoWeek it's a change in attitude from "profits first" to move some freaking product, now. The 39-month deals — through January 3 — are no-money-down offers with monthly payments set at $249 for the Jetta and $299 for the Passat.

Volkswagen of America subsidizes leases of new Passat, Jetta in effort to help stem sales slide [AutoWeek]

Related:
Is Volkswagen Pulling Phaeton From US Market? [internal]

"WTF!? Those cars aren't Japanese," SEMA said under its breath, as Volkswagen unveiled its Passat, Jetta and Touareg R-GT tuners yesterday. As legend has it, VW holed up its project team in a California hotel room and wouldn't let them leave until they'd mastered the vagaries of the Japanese-American small-car scene. Then, they sent them over to Canada's HPA-Motorsports, which transformed their narrow-angle V6s into 500+hp monsters using twin-turbos, twin-intercoolers and performance exhausts based on the Los Angeles subway system. The result? You're looking at them.

More at VW Vortex.

Related:
VW Launches New Passat Worldwide [internal]

Volkswagen released press info and photos of its 2006 Jetta GLI. The version gets a raft of sporty accoutrements, from the tip of its black honeycomb mesh grille to rear GLI badge on the passenger side. Interior enhancements include metal-alloy pedals and trim, special seat fabric, and a three-spoke, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel with audio and telephone controls. Extending out from the swank helm are shift paddles that work the optional DSG automatic transmission; 18" alloys are optional too. Two options packages — onw with a power sunroof and satellite radio (XM or Sirius) and the second with Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control, top-level front sport seats with leather seating surfaces, heated front seats, and heated windshield washer nozzles — will be available. No pricing info has been released, but in 2005, the GLI edition added around $6,000 to the Jetta's base price. [Update: The GLI will get VW's 2.0-liter turbo four, producing 200hp (@5,500 to 6,000rpm) and 207 lbs./ft of torque (@1,800 to 4,700rpm). With standard six-speed manual transmission, VW says the new GLI accelerates from zero to 60 in 6.7 seconds.]

Related:
Volkswagen Jetta to Get GTI Power [internal]

With the Jetta accounting for 40% of VW's North American sales last year, getting the new version right is hugely important for the company — especially in its current state of business dispepsis. As for the Jetta's wagon version, it seems the folks at Volks are taking their time to create a distinctive new generation, rather than kicking out a hastily rebodied version of the sedan.

VW executives recently admitted to Reuters that they have no idea when the wagon will be launched. Estimates vary from late 2006, with the first models arriving in early 2007, to a longer wait, possibly until 2008, to about five minutes before the Crab Nebula collapses in on itself. For one thing, a massive retooling effort is taking place at the company's Pueblo, Mexico plant, where all Golf models — North American and European versions alike — will now be built, along with the updated 2006 New Beetle. (European Golfs were formerly built in Wolfsburg.)

For another — and this is where things get interesting — the new wagon could be the long-awaited, all-wheel-drive "Crossgolf" that's been spotted several times in testing. Such a model would include 4Motion all-wheel drive (by Haldex) and a number of engine choices, including a 250hp 2.5-liter inline-five, the 2.0-liter FSI turbo inline-four, 100hp 1.9-liter TDI and 134hp 2.0-liter TDI.

To paraphrase Cheech and Chong, If they don't release it soon, we're gonna have to wait some more.

VW to Launch Jetta Wagon in 2007 or 2008 [Automobile.com]

Related:
Spy Photos: Cross Golf Spotted; Spy Photos: More on the Volkswagen CrossGolf; Volkswagen Releases First Pics of New Jetta; Volkswagen Could Produce Mild Hybrid Jetta; Volkswagen Jetta to Get GTI Power [internal]

A sport-tuned version of Volkswagen's new Jetta sedan will get a taste of GTI action. AutoWeek is reporting the Golf GTI's 200hp engine will be ported to a new Jetta model, likely to be called the Jetta 2.0T FSI in Europe, though in the US it could be badged GTI. The high-performance Jetta will debut in Frankfurt later this year, wearing 17" schuhe.

Golf GTI Engine Will Be Used on Souped-Up Jetta [Edmunds]

Related:
Volkswagen Releases First Pics of New Jetta [internal]