Volkswagen Vehicles at the 2004 LA Auto Show

Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible
The United States is the largest market for the New Beetle convertibles, which are assembled at Volkswagen's plant in Puebla, New Mexico. For 2004, the New Beetle Convertible offers new combinations of paint and cloth top colors, as well as an optional 1.8-liter, 150 horsepower 4-cylinder engine. GL and GLS models are also offered with the 2.0-liter, 115 horsepower 4-cylinder engine.

Volkswagen Phaeton
Volkswagen is taking an unprecedented step into the luxury car market with the new 2004 Phaeton. A long-wheelbase model will be available first and is powered by a 4.2-liter, 335 horsepower V-8. The optional 6.0 liter, 420 horsepower W-12 engine accelerates the Phaeton from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Both engines will be mated to a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission that can also be shifted manually, and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is optional.

Volkswagen Touareg
The 2004 Volkswagen Touareg, pronounced “Tour-regg,” is the company’s first-ever SUV. “Touareg” literally means “free folk” and is the name of a nomadic tribe from the Sahara. It will be offered initially in two versions – one equipped with a 3.2-liter, 220 horsepower V-6 and the other with a 4.2-liter, 310 horsepower V-8. Both are mated to a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. Both versions can be equipped with optional air-suspension and computer-controlled shock absorbers.