Volkswagen Takes Wraps Off Special Edition GTI

NEW YORK, March 27 -- At the New York International Auto Show, Volkswagen of America, Inc. unleashed a new, very limited 2002 enthusiasts' version of its famous GTI called the GTI 337 Edition.

Volkswagen said it will build and sell just 1,500 GTI 337 Editions. The 337 is loosely based on the very rare GTI 25th Anniversary edition sold exclusively in Europe last year to commemorate that continent's silver anniversary of this famous sports hatchback.

``The 337 name comes from the code name for the Golf model back in the early 1970s,'' said Frank Maguire, vice president in charge of sales and marketing at Volkswagen of America, Inc. ``The GTI is the sport version of the Golf and since we didn't begin selling the GTI here until 1983, the name 337 seemed like a nice way to recognize the history of this vehicle and make it meaningful to our most enthusiastic drivers. This is a very unique car for the Volkswagen lover.''

The GTI 337 comes loaded with the necessities demanded by Volkswagen's modern driving purists. One of the most striking exterior features is the 337's special 18-inch alloy wheels that offer a glimpse of the braking power of the car's 16-inch discs with red calipers, a first for a factory equipped GTI in the U.S. These wheels come wrapped with special Z rated (225/40) performance tires. Envious drivers will also note a subtle but sporty use of a front chin spoiler, rear valance, darkened taillamps, matching side skirts and rear spoiler that does its air splitting just above the hatch. In the rear, the sounds of the engine play from a single polished stainless steel exhaust pipe.

To mark the 25th European anniversary, the GTI 337 is available only in Reflex Silver and will be priced at $22,225.

Inside, in addition to the more than 40 standard items in a GTI, the 337 offers the Monsoon® Sound system, a special three-spoke perforated leather- covered steering wheel with red stitching, a leather-covered hand brake with the same red accent, special shift knob with GTI design, alloy interior touches such as subtle trim treatments, alloy treated pedals, foot rest and door sills. The inside's sporty look is all encompassing with black interior panels and matching safety belts and floor mats, which come with a red embroider. Most importantly to the true driving enthusiast will be matching front Recaro Sport seats designed for the most demanding curves.

The 1.8 T engine propelling the 337 has always been known for its six- cylinder like performance in an economical four-cylinder package. This upgraded 1.8 T was first launched last year and provides substantial low- and high-end power and performance, employing a turbocharger, an intercooler and Volkswagen's innovative five-valve technology. The 1.8 T's latest ECU software optimizes air intake, ignition timing, and fuel mixture.

Volkswagen's exclusive five-valves per cylinder technology provides for excellent top-end breathing in the 1.8 T, and the double overhead camshafts provide for optimal valve control. All of this is built into a compact and efficient long-stroke 1.8 liter four-cylinder package. The result: 180 horsepower at 5,500 revolutions per minute and 174 lbs. ft. of torque all the way from 1,950 to 5,000 rpm -- an extraordinarily long and flat torque curve that provides plenty of pulling power from the low end through the top. It is also a refined four-cylinder, with the sophistication normally associated with six-cylinder powerplants. All this power and refinement is able to propel the GTI 337 from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just over seven seconds.

This ample four is mated to a driver's only six-speed manual transmission. No automatic drivers need apply.

Also in New York, Volkswagen is bringing back its popular Jetta GLI-a model that first appeared at Los Angeles and is designed to appeal to the true Volkswagen driving enthusiast who wants the power, performance and dynamic style of the automaker's best engineering but does not necessarily want to buy a long list of standard luxury equipment.

The Jetta GLI will soon hook up with the upcoming GTI VR6 to become Volkswagen's highest powered V6 car ever. Using the highly acclaimed VR6, Volkswagen has added four valves per cylinder to this engine, boosting its output from 174 hp to 200 hp. Just as importantly, the engine creates 195 lbs. ft of torque at 3,200 rpm.

Both the new higher-powered Jetta GLI and GTI, which both go on sale this May, offer the first six-speed manual transmission in the Jetta or GTI model line up. Built for ultimate driver control, the six-speed manual allows the driver to pick the perfect gear and rpm range for his or her driving style or situation. Uniquely, the six speed offers two final drives allowing for optimal performance control and economy.

ESP is also standard in this GLI model and the GTI VR6 to come.

As you would expect, the Jetta GLI is dressed for performance, coming standard with special 17-inch alloy wheels, dual chrome exhausts, GLI badging, special cloth sports seats, a three-spoke leather steering wheel, leather shift knob, boot and handbrake.

Colors will include Black Uni, Reflex Silver, Galactic Blue and Tornado Red. It will be priced at $22,950.