Showing posts with label Volkswagen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Volkswagen. Show all posts

Saturday, October 3, 2009

2011 VW Touareg caught Test Driving on the Roads of Germany - Spied!

2007 Volkswagen Touareg

Price Range
$38,110.00 - $59,020.00
Fuel Economy
14 city / 19 highway
Base Engine
350-horsepower V8
Value Rating

Excellent
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THE NEXT GENERATION Volkswagen Touareg, expected to land late next year as a 2011 model, has been spied testing on the roads of Germany this week.


The new 2011 Touareg will address the the current model’s lack of space for seven passengers, despite being slightly smaller in overall dimensions than the current outgoing model...


Read more inside The Motor Report

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Loose Spoiler forces Volkswagen Touareg Recall

Volkswagen is recalling about 14,000 Touareg SUVs built between 2007 and 2009 due to a defect that could cause the Touareg's spoiler to detach while driving, possibly striking a pedestrian or another vehicle.



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Volkswagen says Goodbye to 2011 volkswagen Touareg V8 Engine

Volkswagen is preparing a new Touareg SUV for European launch next spring, with U.S. sales months later as a 2011 model. Targets for the new model are better economy -- both through significantly more efficient powertrains and lighter overall weight --



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Thursday, June 25, 2009

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is, again, a Cool Car under $18,000

HERNDON, Va., June /PRNewswire/ -- Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced that the Rabbit has once again been named one of the "Top 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000" by Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com), a top rated consumer web-site that provides vehicle pricing and information.


The annual accolade acknowledges automakers for producing vehicles that emphasize performance, safety, fuel economy, interior size, and comfort. This year the editors also selected vehicles with a growing emphasis on personality, versatility, and technology.

"Volkswagen of America is thrilled that our Rabbit has once again been recognized by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com as one of the Coolest New Cars Under $18,000," said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America. "The Rabbit truly embodies the Volkswagen Brand--affordable German engineering in a stylish and fun-to-drive package," added Barnes.

Since 2003, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com has announced the "Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000" to provide consumers a list of affordable and stylish vehicles. The editors at kbb.com compiled the list of qualifying vehicles using Kelley Blue Book's New Car Blue Book Values, which reflect real-world transaction prices and provides a useful comparison point as compared to the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

"The fun, refined and versatile Volkswagen Rabbit has found its way onto our Coolest Cars list yet again. This will be the last year, though, as a new, sixth-generation version of Volkswagen's venerable hatchback is set to show up for the 2010 model year and will again sport a 'Golf' nametag," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

The 2009 Rabbit comes standard with a fun-to-drive 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine that delivers 170 horsepower and 177 lbs.-ft. of torque. The engine can be mated to either a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic®. Adding to the Rabbits fun-to-drive DNA is a multi-link rear suspension and an electro-mechanical power-assisted steering system that contribute to the vehicles agility and nimbleness. Regardless of which transmission is selected, the Rabbit's performance and fuel economy numbers add up to guilt-free fun. With the manual the Rabbit gets 29 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway, and the automatic gets 30 mpg on the highway.

The Rabbit, like all 2009 model year Volkswagen's, is included in the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program all of the Rabbit's scheduled maintenance, as described in its maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the new vehicle warranty--three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

For more information about the 2009 Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000 by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, visit www.kbb.com/coolcars2009.


Source: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Scirocco Remis courtesy of HS Motorsport Posted Yesterday 10:10 AM by staff Filed under: Aftermarket, Volkswagen, Hatchbacks The sporty

The sporty Volkswagen Scirocco, a top star in this year’s Wörthersee tour, just emanates fun.



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Friday, May 1, 2009

Volkswagen R32 Fans to race at New Jersey Motorsports Park

HERNDON, VA – Volkswagen of America, Inc., in collaboration with both VW Vortex and Track Daze High-Performance Driving, announces the premier of an all inclusive east coast track event for Volkswagen R32 aficionados Friday, June 19, 2009.



Inspiration for this event generated from the popular SoCal GTG, FASTIVUS. An established hit in Southern California, R32 enthusiasts have migrated annually to the west coast to show their support for the iconic product. This year, New Jersey Motorsports Park (www.njmotorsportspark.com) has been selected to host east coast R32 owners, giving them the opportunity to show their Volkswagen pride a bit closer to home. Event highlights include an exclusive preview of celebrated Volkswagen products, including the new Golf and GTI MkVI.

This renowned track offers fun for everyone. Home to the Thunderbolt Raceway Circuit, this signature course is comprised of 14 challenging turns, a one and half mile straightaway, and several high speed areas. Volkswagen is excited to have reign of the 40 acre facility for the gathering.

As part of the event, Volkswagen will be on hand to indulge its enthusiasts with giveaways, demonstrations, and hospitality. Attendees will be given the chance to take advantage of professional driving instruction, test track ride-alongs in the GTI MkVI, and “low speed” touring laps. Complimentary event t-shirts will be distributed to the first 300 VW R32 attendees.

“Volkswagen is extremely lucky to have such loyal enthusiasts,” said Robert Gal, Accessories Development Manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our customers and fans are what make this brand so special. We’re thrilled to be a part of the first ever east coast R32 enthusiast event.”

Space for the driving portion of the event is exclusively limited to the first 170 R32 owners. R32 owners interested in this portion of the event must register online to confirm participation. Registration opens 7 am EDT, April 15, 2009. For more information, visit www.trackdaze.com.

Contact(s): TrackDaze High-Performance Driving

Eric Campbell Jeremy Jens
540-539-2548 540-539-2546



Source: Volkswagen

Friday, April 17, 2009

New 2009 Seat Ibiza Cupra and Ibiza FR 1.4T Information

The Ibiza FR and the León CUPRA boost the sporty range



* 150 hp twin charger 1.4 TSI engine for the FR version
* The León CUPRA 2009 features revamped interior and exterior styling
* XDS self-blocking mechanism as standard on both models


SEAT will be one of the main attractions at the upcoming Barcelona International Motor Show, which is taking place from 9 to 17 May, where two of the Spanish brand’s sportiest models will be making their world debut – the new Ibiza FR, which combines design and sporty character with top-notch performance; and the new León CUPRA 2009, distinguished by increasingly imposing looks and significant changes on both the interior and exterior...The full story

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

2010 Volkswagen GTI gets more powerful VW Golf R20T

Here are some new spy shots of the upcoming VW Golf R20T, the GTI's big brother.


The cross-hatched front air dam, twin-line grille, lowered suspension and twin central exhaust pipes are all the clues you need to identify this as a car that will be called the R20 when it lands in Australia in early 2010.

The new-generation R-badged Golf gets a name change because it is swapping the current 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine for a turbocharged 2.0-litre four as part of the car maker’s engine-downsizing program.


Read More at GermanCarBlog.com

Thursday, April 9, 2009

Volkswagen puts General Motors in Third Place among World's Largest Automakers

According to market research by R.L. Polk Germany, Volkswagen will overtake General Motors as the world’s second largest automaker by volume in 2009.


Polk says that global production of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles is expected to fall 19 percent, or by two million units, to 52.8 million units this year. That’s the lowest output since 1998.


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Confirmed: Volkswagen Scirocco Not Coming to the U.S. for Now

It’s been rumored for some time now that Volkswagen is considering the Scirocco for the stateside. At the end of last year, we even heard reports that the Scirocco may come to the U.S. as a limited-edition high-performance hatchback so it doesn’t hurt the sales of the Golf or the GTI.


Unfortunately, according to Tom Wegehaupt, Volkswagen of America’s PR coordinator, plans to bring the Scirocco to the U.S. have been canceled.


Monday, April 6, 2009

Volkswagen Golf among Top Three Contenders for World Car of the Year

HERNDON, VA — The new Volkswagen Golf has been selected as one of three finalists for the 2009 World Car of the Year title.


A jury comprised of fifty-nine international automotive journalists from twenty-five countries around the world chose this year’s three finalists. The World Car of the Year will be named April 9th at a news conference during the New York International Auto Show.

“It is a tremendous honor for Volkswagen to have its global best selling model, the Golf, nominated as a finalist for World Car of the Year,” said Stefan Jacoby, President/CEO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “This is a great way to kick-off the new Golf here in America. We’re excited for the arrival of the sixth generation Golf, which will be in Volkswagen showrooms later this year. Simply put, we believe this is the best Golf ever.”

The Golf, a perennial favorite in the Volkswagen line-up, has sold more than 26 million units in 120 countries, making it one of the top selling vehicles of all-time. The new sixth generation Golf first debuted at the Paris Motor show last fall, and will make its U.S. debut at this year’s New York International Auto Show. The Golf has been designed to be quieter, sportier, fuel efficient, present a clean, distinctive appearance, and — staying true to Volkswagen — fun-to-drive.

The new Golf embodies Volkswagen’s product strategy aimed to sharpen the brand design in all classes and apply greater global consistency among model names, steps intended to leverage the offerings of the world’s third largest automaker as it looks to increase sales and market share. The 2010 Golf will be available in dealer showrooms across the U.S. this fall in gasoline and TDI versions.

In 2009 the Volkswagen Group will launch some 60 new models, product enhancements and successors in markets worldwide. The Group will direct its resources to continue to add innovative and environmentally friendly vehicles to its lineup, while further looking for ways to build its brand across geographic boundaries.


Source: Volkswagen

Volkswagen's Seat brand releases Ibiza ST wagon Drawing

Few days ago we revealed you the fact that Seat is preparing the Ibiza ST, a new estate version of the small vehicle that will go on sale in 2010.


Following that report, the first sketch with the upcoming vehicle was revealed today in order to tease us until the real version will come.



Read MORE

Sunday, April 5, 2009

2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI: Automobile Magazine reviews new VW Compact Hatchback

Recent developments at Volkswagen have sent some enthusiasts praying for their beloved brand.


A sacrilegious VW badge on a Chrysler minivan and plans for watered-down, cost-cut, U.S.-specific models (see the NMS and Jetta on page 78) are an effort to attain VW's ludicrously optimistic U.S. sales target of 800,000 cars per year. But those cars come at the risk of undermining Volkswagen's brand image - that of a premium, sporty product with superior driving dynamics.

Then again, most enthusiasts won't care what VW sells - as long as it continues to make a real GTI. Without those three little letters in its lineup, VW is nothing but another appliance manufacturer. And so, despite disappointing sales of the last, fifth-generation GTI, the Wolfsburg crew has developed Number Six. Gott sei Dank.

That means "Thank God" in German, and it's exactly the phrase you'll sigh the moment you start driving the 2010 GTI. Whether it's God or Volkswagen's engineers who need to be thanked depends on your own religious beliefs, but the prayers of devout worshippers at the church of GTI have been answered.


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Friday, April 3, 2009

Volkswagen Golf R32 Gas Tank/Fuel System Recall in Effect

VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 5,000 year 2008 R32 (5TH GENERATION) VEHICLES. WHEN CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS ARE ACCOMPANIED BY HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES, THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE MAY NOT REMAIN FULLY CLOSED. IF THIS HAPPENS, LIQUID FUEL MAY ENTER THE FUEL TANK VENTING SYSTEM AND MIGRATE INTO THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM, SATURATING THE CARBON CANISTER. SHOULD THIS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE MAY EXPERIENCE PERFORMANCE ISSUES (I.E., VEHICLE JERKING) AND THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER COULD ILLUMINATE. FUEL COULD LEAK FROM THE EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION PUMP FILTER.


Consequence: A FUEL LEAK, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, CAN LEAD TO A VEHICLE FIRE.


Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK VENTILATION VALVE WITH AN IMPROVED VALVE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING APRIL 2009. OWNER MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.


Notes: VOLKSWAGEN RECALL NO. S2. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .


Source: NHTSA

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Volkswagen Transporter Tuning - 600hp Porsche-Powered T5 Multivan by TH Auto!

For drivers looking for something that's not the average high-performance car: Have you considered a Volkswagen T5 Multivan? We're not talking about the typical Multivan, of course; we refer to the creations of Berlin-based TH Automobile, whose modus operandi consists of hanging Porsche engines in Volkswagen vans. The TH2 Multivan has had a Porsche 996 GT2's 3.6 liter twin-turbo engine Frankenstein-ed into place behind the fuel tank, resulting in a 558PS, 807 Nm rear-drive people-hauler. A choice of rear- or all-wheel drive is available. If you want to go truly wild, TH Automotive will leave the standard 150PS diesel in place up front, for double-engined goodness. Hmm.


The full scoop of this monstrous motoring van

Volkswagen creates VW iPhone Website with Emergency Roadside Assistance

Fans of ‘Das Auto’ will be very pleased to know that VW has launched a mobile site optimized for viewing on the iPhone. You can check it out from your desktop at http://www.vw.com/mobile/iphone. For best results on your desktop, you may want to shrink your browser window to roughly the size of an iPhone display to get the true effect. On the iPhone the site looks great in both portrait and landscape orientations.


The site allows you to browse all current cars, including galleries and feature lists for each. You can also use it to find a dealer by entering a ZIP code (sorry Canada and rest of the world!).


Read More at IntoMobile.com

Monday, March 30, 2009

2010 Mark VI Volkswagen GTI Initial Review by Motor Trend

Remember how the Rabbit Cup cars of the early '80s would lift an inside rear wheel in tight corners? How the first imported '83 Volkswagen GTIs would dance around that tight road course in the commercials set to "Kleine GTI," the German version of the Ronnie and the Daytonas song? Sure, the original Rabbit GTI's live rear axle is long gone. Still, there's something in the character of the GTI that suggests an affordable, yet well-balanced hot hatch -- the original hot hatch -- that leaps about corners with an attitude defying and yet celebrating its front-wheel-drive.


Volkswagen's Mark V GTI recaptured that spirit, despite its independent rear suspension, after two generations of hot hatches that were well-mannered in their benign understeer too the point of feeling overweight and uninteresting. Good news, hot hatch fans. The Mark VI GTI on-sale this fall as a 2010 model, just like its immediate predecessor, does not feel overweight and it's not the least bit boring. While VW says it has reworked its front strut/rear multi-link suspension, it feels pretty much just like its predecessor, with much of the Mark V carried over but with new sheetmetal and a more refined interior. Mark V to Mark VI GTI, and its Golf basis are much like the difference between C5 and C6 Corvette. Dimensions are virtually unchanged, though all the sheetmetal below the daylight opening is new and slightly more angular, with wider taillamps and the right-side dual tailpipe moved to the right side of the underbody to make the GTI look lower and wider...Continued

Friday, March 27, 2009

New VW Golf GTD - Thrifty, but Sporty

The new Golf GTD Volkswagen presents sporty new model at the AMI in Leipzig.


Wolfsburg/Leipzig, 27 March 2009 - Following the Polo, the BlueMotion initiative and the Golf GTI, Volkswagen is now spanning its next arrow in the bow: this time, the Golf GTD. With a powerful 125 kW (170 PS) TDI engine, it is aimed at diesel drivers who value the maximum in dynamics. The new GTD is extremely thrifty but at the same time extremely sporty. The GTD tag already has a tradition at Volkswagen: the first Golf GTD - the GTI among diesels - was built in 1982.


The new GTD is powerful and can boast of outstandingly low fuel consumption: the common-rail engine requires just 5.3 litres fuel per 100 kilometres. That corresponds to CO2 emissions of only 139 g/km. On the other hand, the car has a top speed of 222 km/h and accelerates to 100 km/h in 8.1 seconds.

vw golf gtd interior leather


Like the GTI, the GTD will also offer, in addition to the 6-speed manual gearbox, an optional 6-speed DSG - the most efficient automatic gearbox of our time, in the opinion of many experts. Equipped with sport suspension and 17-inch alloy "Seattle" wheels, the GTD demonstrates that it shares GTI DNA on one hand through its extremely agile handling and, on the other, through parallels in appearance and equipment. The exterior announces unequivocally that it the sportiest diesel-powered Golf. The designs of the front bumper, the radiator grille and the headlights are identical to those of the GTI. However, the typical horizontal red strips in the GTI's grille are chromed on the GTD.

Volkswagen's GT philosophy has shaped the interior as well: top-of-the line sport seats in black and white as standard; a three-spoke steering wheel flattened along the bottom edge, a brake handle with a leather gaiter as well as light-grey seams to accent the leather handle; and a black moulded headliner are just a few of the GTD's distinguishing features. The base price in Germany is 27,475.00 Euros.


Volkswagen will be presenting the new Golf GTD as well as the entire Volkswagen range in Hall 1 of the AMI in Leipzig through 5 April. The show is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.


Source: Volkswagen

Wolkswagen Golf to Return to US, replacing VW Rabbit Namesake

We couldn’t be happier to hear this.


According to CARandDRIVER Volkswagen has decided to ditch the “Rabbit” nameplate when the six-generation version of the hatchback arrives later this year. That’s right - the 2009 Volkswagen Golf will keep its original, worldwide successful name when it hits U.S. shores.


Read MORE

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup: VW Names Sponsors

HERNDON, Va. (March 23, 2009) – Volkswagen of America, Inc. has announced the car sponsors for the 2009 Jetta TDI Cup series, in preparation for its season-opening SCCA Pro Racing sanctioned events at VIRginia International Raceway on April 25 and 26.


The sponsors include a variety of automotive, lifestyle and other companies.

“Given the challenging nature of the current economic climate for motorsports, we are extremely grateful to have the support of so many internationally respected companies, some of which are participating in our series for the first time,” said Clark Campbell, motorsports manager, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Heading into our second season as a series, I’m encouraged by our sponsor growth and their belief that the Jetta TDI Cup can help them accomplish their business goals while we work together to develop young drivers into true racing professionals.”

Car sponsors for the 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series include:

Pirelli – www.us.pirelli.com
With over 100 years of racing experience, Pirelli Motorsport is proud to be the exclusive tire supplier to the VW Jetta TDI Cup. Pirelli Tire North America designs, develops, manufactures and markets tires for passenger vehicles in both the original equipment and replacement markets as well as markets and distributes tires for motorcycles and motorsports. Located in Rome, Georgia, Pirelli’s Modular Integrated Robotized System (MIRS) employs state-of-the-art technology to manufacture tires for both export and domestic markets.

Bosch – www.bosch.com
As one of the largest North American automotive suppliers, Bosch develops, manufactures and supplies precision components and systems (including powertrain, body electronics and chassis support) for vehicle manufacturers worldwide. Since 1886, the company has helped to accelerate the progress of automotive technology through continued innovation.


ViON – www.vion.com
A small, veteran-owned corporation, ViON specializes in providing assured computing to high performance, enterprise-wide data centers throughout federal, state and local governments. Company solutions include disaster recovery to enterprise storage, server consolidation and business continuance, delivering the right data to the right people no matter what.

Castrol – www.castrol.com/us
BP Lubricants USA Inc. markets premium Castrol® lubricants directly to leading retailers, independent lube operators, service providers, OEMs and new car dealers. Company brands include: Castrol® GTX® – a premium conventional motor oil; Castrol® GTX® High-Mileage™ – designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles; Castrol® SYNTEC® BLEND™ – with an added level of synthetic protection; Castrol® SYNTEC® – a premium full-synthetic motor oil; Castrol EDGE – a new, advanced full-synthetic motor oil. Additionally, the company provides a range of commercial transport lubricants.

Oakley – www.oakley.com
Created for world-class athletes who see the limits of possibility as just another challenge, Oakley products represent their commitment to excellence and a passion that refines what is possible for those who defy their own limits. Oakley has a presence in 110 countries offering a full array of market-leading products including premium sunglasses, goggles, prescription eyewear, apparel, footwear and accessories.

defNder – www.defnderneckbrace.com
The recently launched defNder Team Issue is a SFI 38.1 approved head and neck restraint. The defNder stands out amongst the competition by way of its excellent side protection with lateral tethers providing superior 30-degree impact protection. The comfort of the device is unbridled, with form-fit belts taking the pressure off of the driver’s collar bone and shoulders. In addition, the adjustable rear piece allows drivers to adjust between approximately 20- and 40-degrees, making it helpful when buying a unit without knowing exactly how it will fit in your racecar. It’s also particularly useful for drivers who pilot more than one car.

Aggreko – www.aggreko.com
As the world’s leading supplier of temporary power and temperature control solutions and oil-free compressed air systems, Aggreko helps customers in many different industries to improve and safeguard their operations by solving problems, creating opportunities and reducing risk.

Red Bull – www.redbullusa.com

HYPERFUELS – www.hiperfuels.com
HYPERFUELS features racing fuels from Sunoco, Shell Racing Solutions and SynDiesel. Fuels can be purchased in individual 5 and 55 gallon pre-sealed drums. Race fuel can also run in regular cars and can be stored for up to two years, providing a quick and stable fuel source. Racing oils sold at HYPERFUELS include Royal Purple and Synergyn. Race fuels and oils are available in containers eligible for ground shipping on FedEx and UPS throughout the USA.

Safety-Kleen – www.safety-kleen.com
Safety-Kleen is a privately held company based in Plano, TX and is the largest collector and re-refiner of used oil and provider of parts cleaning services in North America and is a leading provider of other environmental services. The company’s 4,500 employees serve more than 400,000 customer locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. All of the Safety-Kleen employees and customers support the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Series and encourage everyone to recycle.

About the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup
2009 marks the second season of competition for the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup. During the season, 30 young, up and coming drivers (between ages 16-26) will compete in ten events on eight road courses around North America in identical factory-prepared clean diesel Jetta TDI’s. Each driver competing in the series will earn a Pro Racing license from SCCA at the conclusion of the season. In addition, the series champion will win $100,000.

The Jetta TDI Cup car is powered by a 2.0-liter, 170 hp, four-cylinder turbo direct injection (TDI) clean diesel engine mated to a six-speed, double-clutch, automatic DSG transmission. The car is only slightly modified from stock with Pirelli racing tires, race suspension and brake components, drivers racing safety seat, FIA roll cage and an on-board fire extinguisher system. Other series associate sponsors include: Ringer Gloves, Jim Russell Racing School and Trellis Earth.

Follow the Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup series action on: www.vwmotorsportusa.com
Volkswagen Online Newsroom: media.vw.com
Facebook: http://tinyurl.com/JettaTDICup
Twitter: http://twitter.com/VWJettaTDICup


Source: Volkswagen