Volkswagen of America, Inc. Debuts 2003 Jetta Wolfsburg Edition in New York
AUBURN HILLS, Mich., 16 April --
- 2003 Volkswagen GTI 20th Anniversary Edition Also Center Stage at New York Auto Show
Volkswagen of America, Inc. is expanding the appeal of its top-selling model with the debut of the 2003 Jetta Wolfsburg Edition at the New York Auto Show. Volkswagen will also give New Yorkers a look the 20th Anniversary GTI.
2003 Jetta Wolfsburg Edition
The 2003 Jetta Wolfsburg Edition is specially equipped for serious drivers and value priced for the frugal. At the heart of this model is Volkswagen's rev-happy 180-horsepower 1.8 T turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a standard five-speed manual transmission (optional automatic transmission with Tiptronic(R) available) and sports-tuned suspension.
Volkswagen has equipped the Jetta Wolfsburg Edition with stiffer shocks and springs using the German automaker's proven independent McPherson struts and an integrated stabilizer bar up front, and a track-correcting torsion-beam rear axle with stabilizer bar in the back.
This edition comes with all-season tires on 16-inch sporty BBS alloy wheels giving it a more aggressive low-profile look and a performance ride. The Jetta Wolfsburg Edition with the five-speed manual transmission makes the trek from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 7.7 seconds. Fuel economy is impressive, too, at 31 Highway/24 City miles per gallon for the manual transmission and 29/22 mpg for the automatic transmission with Tiptronic clutchless shifting and floor-mounted kick-down switch.
Handling is seat-of-the-pants, courtesy of power-assist rack and pinion steering, traction control and anti-lock, four-wheel disc brakes. An optional Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP(R) corrects undesirable over- and understeer.
Distinguishing exterior touches include Wolfsburg Edition badges on the right and left sides of the vehicle, a new rear spoiler and dual stainless steel exhaust pipes. Inside, this special edition offers a three-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, one-of-a-kind Bandchen cloth sport seats and unique electric-blue gauges with red indicators. A power glass sunroof and Monsoon(R) Sound System are optional.
Specially priced for the spring and summer car-buying season, the Jetta Wolfsburg is $19,500 for the five-speed manual transmission, and $20,575 for the five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic.
2003 GTI 20th Anniversary Edition
Also appearing at the New York Auto Show is Volkswagen's special celebratory version of the original "pocket rocket." The GTI 20th Anniversary Edition comes with a lowered suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels and cannon-size chrome exhaust pipe signifying its performance.
Red script GTI badges front and back, a classic polished-metal Rabbit on the hatch, a golf ball-shaped gearshift knob with red GTI logo, Recaro(R) "GTI LeMans" sport bucket seats and ubiquitous grab handles are all reminiscent but uniquely updated from the first 1983 version.
The 20th Anniversary GTI jets from 0-60 mph in just 7.4 ticks with Volkswagen's proven 180-hp 1.8 T four-cylinder engine and a quick-shifting six-speed manual transmission. Still, with all that power, it gets 30 mpg Highway and 23 mpg City.
The GTI 20th Anniversary Edition sport suspension is lowered to a road-hugging ground clearance. Independent McPherson struts and integrated stabilizer bar keep the business end pointed where you want, and an independent track-correcting torsion beam rear axle with integrated stabilizer bar keeps the back end in line.
Power-assist rack and pinion steering helps drive Z-rated ultra high performance summer tires on 18-inch light alloy rims, housing big vented brake discs highlighted by red-painted calipers. Power-assist four-wheel anti-lock brakes, traction control and an optional Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) help when needed.
Unique seat cloth features gray stitching and horizontal stripes with red striped safety belts. Alloy foot pedals and footrest are textured with black grip nubs, and instrument panel gauges are aluminum and black with chrome surround. An in-dash, brushed aluminum "20th Anniversary GTI" plaque authenticates each production number.
Other exterior highlights include new Jazz Blue and Imola Yellow paint colors, integrated halogen projector lens front fog lamps; black surround headlights and darkened taillights; body-color bumpers, lower side skirts and hatch-top spoiler; and chrome exhaust tip.
Standard features include a power glass sunroof, Monsoon Sound System with in-dash single CD, dual front second-generation airbags and Volkswagen's Side Curtain Protection(r) system.
The new pocket rocket-the Volkswagen GTI 20th Anniversary Edition-arrives this spring. With only 4,000 available at a price of $23,225, you'd better hop to it.
"Tiptronic" is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG.