World Debut Of All-New 2011 Jetta

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced the world debut of its   all-new 2011 Jetta, delivering style, precision German engineering and Carefree Maintenance, all at an extremely accessible price.  At a starting price point of around $16,000, the all-new 2011 Jetta offers best in class rear legroom, a premium interior and Volkswagen essentials.

Unveiled for the first time today at an unexpected urban oasis in Times Square, New York, the all-new 2011 Jetta features clean lines, refined side architecture and premium style combined with Volkswagen's trademark precision German engineering.  The all-new 2011 Jetta sets a new standard in its class and will be available in the U.S. this October.

"Today marks the beginning of a new era for Volkswagen and for Jetta," said Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "The all-new 2011 Jetta is a class-up driving experience with the kind of styling, design and power under the hood normally found in more expensive luxury cars. At an extremely attractive price, this car is sophisticated, fun to drive and practical."

Engine and Transmission
The North American version of the all-new 2011 Jetta features the powerful and efficient German engineering drivers have come to expect from Volkswagen.  Four engines will be available in the U.S. and Canada, including a 2.0-liter turbodiesel direct injection (TDI) Clean Diesel featuring common rail injection with 236 lbs-ft. of torque (320 Newton-meters).  The engine runs as quietly as a gasoline engine, but yields the power of a sports car achieving 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds.  Additional engines include the 2.0, 2.5 R5, and as of 2011, the 2.0 TSI.  All Jetta engines will be offered with a manual transmission as standard equipment.  An automatic transmission will also be available with each engine version as an option.  On the new 2.0-liter TDI and 2.0-liter TSI, Volkswagen will offer the 6-speed DSG - one of the most advanced and efficient automatic transmission systems in the world.  In the U.S., S, SE, SEL and TDI versions of the Jetta will be available, as will a 2.0-liter GLI.

Exterior
The all-new 2011 Jetta has been completely overhauled, inside and out.  Its new wheelbase and exterior length are significantly bigger than its predecessor - resulting in superior performance, more space and greater comfort.  At 182.7-inches long, 57.1 inches tall and 70.1 inches wide, it is more than 3.5 inches longer than its predecessors.  The interplay of exterior dimensions leads to a powerful balance of proportions.  In parallel, the new Volkswagen 'design DNA' sharpens the car's styling.  This has resulted in clear, precise lines and athletically muscular surfaces, which lend a timeless elegance and dynamic styling to the sedan.

On the front end of the car, the prominence of horizontal lines defines the design.  The high-gloss black radiator grille combines with the car's trapezoidal headlights to form a styling unit.  Under this is the fully painted bumper, which is designed as cleanly as a sculpted surface.  Below that, another cooling air intake and the tray-shaped front spoiler gives the car a sporty finish.  The upper front end section shows a powerful transition from the v-shaped engine hood to the fenders on the sides; the shoulder section realized here derived from the NCC concept car, and provides dynamic and muscular styling.

The styling characteristics in the side profile of the Jetta meld into yet another interpretation of the 'design DNA' conceptualized by Walter de Silva, the Italian Head of Design for the Volkswagen Group and the German Head of Design for the Volkswagen Brand, Klaus Bischoff.  A great example of the unique styling characteristics is found in the shoulder or 'tornado' line and the powerfully emphasized arches of the wheel wells. Formally, they intersect the large homogeneous surfaces, conveying a strong dynamic image. Thanks to wide track dimensions, the wheel arches also form a precise transition - as though cut with a knife - up to the tires, which could be as much as 18-inches.

With integrated turn signal indicators, the styling of the outside mirrors emulates the larger CC.  Compared with the previous model, the all-new Jetta has grown in clarity and pre-eminence in its side profile.  Harmonized surfaces and sporty shoulders dominate the rear section.  Powerful in illumination and visually distinctive, the taillights are split into two sections, extending on either side from the fender into the tailgate.

Interior
A key benefit of the extended wheelbase is that it resulted in a more comfortable layout of the five-seat rear seating area.  Legroom is now a long 38.1 inches, a 2.6-inch gain from the previous model.  Customers looking for a more personalized touch can for the first time have interior accents changed out at a Volkswagen dealer.

Engineers went to work on the interior down to the finest details, providing a level of quality and perfection far beyond other vehicles in its class.  A common conceptual thread throughout the car is the intuitive controls and well-arranged instruments.  The new steering wheel designs impress both visually and to the touch.  The right hand rests ergonomically on the gear shift grip.  Further up on the center console are the newly designed and intuitive controls for climate, radio and radio-navigation systems.  This console section is slightly inclined toward the driver for ideal alignment of the cockpit.  Also in optimal view are the round instruments.  The multifunction display (trip computer) is located between them.

The rear bench seatback is split 40/60 and folds, increasing the car's versatility.  The tailgate can also be opened from inside the car by a remote unlock switch.  Up to six airbags (two front airbags, two side airbags in front, two window airbags/thorax airbags in the area of the front side windows) are also part of the equipment package.

Safety
Previous Jetta versions received accolades for safety with features like electronic stability control and tire pressure monitoring standard.  The all-new 2011 Jetta has been further enhanced with even more protections and crash safety improvements

source: http://www.vw.com

VW-Certified Collision Repair Facility Program

  Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced a VW-Certified Collision Repair Facility program for U.S. dealer-affiliated and independent body shops. This program provides VW-certification for collision repair facilities performing repairs in accordance with Volkswagen's high safety standards and specifications.

"Volkswagen is excited to partner with both dealer-affiliated and independent collision repair facilities to increase repair quality and customer satisfaction with the Volkswagen brand," said Matthew McCauley, Collision Program Manager for Volkswagen of America. "This program benefits Volkswagen owners by providing the peace of mind that comes from knowing that when a vehicle is involved in a collision, VW-Certified Collision Repair Facilities will maintain the brand's safety standards and specifications."

Volkswagen conducted a pilot with a group of fifteen repair facilities to maximize program benefits for body shops before launching the program nationally.

Technicians at Volkswagen Certified Collision Repair Facilities must undergo training in the proper use of the factory-approved repair equipment, tools, and technologies to meet Volkswagen's exact safety standards and specifications. Repair facilities must also use Volkswagen-approved tools. Volkswagen will visit repair facilities to provide annual program certification and will list VW-Certified Collision Repair Facilities as they become certified on www.vw.com.

Dealer-affiliated and independent collision repair facilities will benefit from the prestige, marketing, and increased customer retention benefits of being a VW-Certified Collision Repair Facility. Volkswagen will provide collision repair facilities access to marketing materials to promote their certified status, in addition to exclusive access to vehicle specific-, structural material-, and collision industry-training on a dedicated program website, http://www.vwparts.com/collision-parts/certified-collision-repair-facility-program/. Volkswagen will also provide customers with free 24-hour towing of vehicles under warranty exclusively to VW-Certified Collision Repair Facilities as part of the Roadside Assistance program, when they simply call (800) 411-6688.

This program benefits Volkswagen dealers by providing them with full service capabilities for customers. Volkswagen will allow dealers to either nominate their own collision repair facility to be certified by Volkswagen or to nominate an independent collision repair facility that meets Volkswagen standards. Additionally, dealers will benefit from additional genuine Volkswagen Collision Parts sales to their sponsored collision repair facility.

Repair facilities interested in participating in this program should contact Volkswagen of America at vwcollisionparts@vw.com. Volkswagen dealerships should nominate collision repair facilities by contacting vwcollisionparts@vw.com.

source: http://www.vw.com

2010 Volkswagen Touareg

 The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg is designed to tackle just about any type of adventure, all while providing the driver and passengers with a blend of German style, usability, and engineering.  With a comprehensive collection of standard features that can be enhanced by four available trim packages, and a starting price of $40,850, the 2010 Touareg goes beyond what drivers have come to expect from the modern sport utility vehicle.

Exterior
At every angle, the 2010 Touareg carries clean lines that give a sense of luxury without taking away from the SUV's ready-for-anywhere attitude. Up front, halogen headlamps and fog lamps (Bi-Xenonä High Intensity Gas-discharged headlamps with AFS can be ordered) keep the road well-lit. An understated front grille sits above the chromed center bumper section, and the standard, blacked out lower front bumper provides a welcome contrast. The Touareg's profile is marked by chrome window trim and silver roof rails, along with chrome trim at the bottom of both doors. The tail lamp lenses are smoked red, sitting above the clear turn signal and reverse light lenses, and a chromed rear bumper insert gives an extra touch of subtle style.

The 2010 Touareg can also be ordered with special exterior upgrades, including a chrome grille, a sport front bumper, body-colored lower front bumper and side skirt areas and special metallic paint. All-season tires are fitted on the standard 17-inch, and the optional 19-inch or 20-inch alloy wheels.

Interior
No matter the conditions outside, the inside of the 2010 Touareg is always prepared with a unique combination of comfort, convenience, and technology. Both the front and rear seats are covered in soft yet durable V-Tex leatherette, in either beige or anthracite, while walnut wood accents abound throughout. Also available are full leather seating in four different color schemes, along with Vavona wood, Poplar wood, or "Engine Spin" metallic trim, depending on the desired interior package. A 12-way power driver's seat gives the ultimate in commanding adjustability, and a standard manual adjustable passenger seat up front (a 12-way power adjustable unit is also available) keeps the navigator comfortable, too. In all packages, both front seats are heated, and the leather-wrapped steering wheel not only can handle turning duties, but also allows for instant access of a variety of interior systems, from the standard AM/FM/Sirius/CD stereo and available navigation system, to the hands-free, Bluetoothä calling setup.

The Touareg's CLIMATIC? dual-zone air conditioning allows for customized cooling and heating up front, while a large power sunroof can let in loads of sun and fresh air from above. Out back, a power lift gate makes for easier storage and removal of groceries, sporting goods, and more. The standard stereo system includes ten speakers, and six months of complimentary SIRIUS Satellite Radio service. The optional Dynaudio Premium Sound System comes with upgraded speakers, a 600 Watt amplifier, and Digital Sound Processor (DSP) technology.

The optional premium navigation system adds a 6.5" high resolution touch-screen display (which works with the available rearview camera), an integrated 30GB hard drive (10GB for navigation, 20GB for audio), WMA / MP3 audio CD playback, DVD video playback when the Touareg is not in motion, an SD memory card slot, an auxiliary input connection, and three months of Sirius Traffic programming. A special Media Device Interface with iPod® cable can be added for playback and control of USB-based devices or drives.

Engine and Transmission
The 2010 Touareg can be fitted with one of two worthy powerplants, each packed with acceleration, usability, and fuel economy: Volkswagen's efficient yet torque-laden 3.0-liter, turbocharged six-cylinder clean diesel TDI® engine, or the compact 3.6-liter, narrow angle V6 gasoline engine.

Able to delicately balance hauling power with decreased emissions and fuel consumption that are usually enjoyed with smaller engines, the 3.0L TDI clean diesel engine is a perfect complement to the Touareg's "drive anywhere" spirit. Four valves per cylinder, common rail direct fuel injection with a high pressure pump, and eight-hole piezo injectors make sure the precise amount of fuel is used regardless of the situation. A special DeNOx catalytic converter, augmented by a special injection system that sprays a synthetic urea-based solution (AdBlue) into the exhaust, helps reduce Nox emissions by up to 90 percent, and lets the 3.0T meet the Tier 2, Bin 5/ULEV II standards imposed across all 50 U.S. states. In terms of driving force 3.0L TDI gives 225 horsepower at 3,500 to 4,000 rpm , and 407 lbs.-ft. of torque at 1,750 to 2,250 rpm - all while returning EPA-estimated 25 mpg on the highway, and 18 mpg in the city. With a full tank of fuel (26.4 gallons), the Touareg TDI clean diesel can travel more than 600 miles before needing to refuel.

The also available 3.6L VR6 engine is outfitted with 24 valves, dual overhead camshafts, variable valve timing, and direct fuel injection, to produce a Touareg-worthy 280 total horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 265 lbs.-ft. of torque starting at 2,750 rpm. When mated to the six-speed automatic transmission with TiptronicÒ mode, healthy EPA estimates of 19 mpg highway, and 14 mpg city, can be achieved.

The transmission found on both the 3.0L TDI clean diesel and 3.6L VR6 model Touaregs can not only reward drivers with noteworthy fuel economy, but also gives drivers an even greater sense of control. When in Tiptronic mode, a simple up or down flick of the gear lever shifts through each of the six gears. The transmission's sport mode ensures the engine stays in the power "sweet spot," while the Dynamic Shift Program (DSP) allows the transmission to specifically adapt to different driving styles. The selectable low range first gear adds greater confidence when traversing more slippery and hilly terrain at low speeds.

Chassis and Suspension
With the 2010 Touareg, Volkswagen developed a versatile suspension package that enables it to stay grounded yet run easily through the turns. Starting with a double wishbone front arrangement that is outfitted with MacPherson struts and heavy-duty coil springs, and finishing with an independent four-link setup for the rear, the suspension lets the Touareg and its passengers go farther: The Touareg has 8.3 inches of ground clearance, a 19.7-inch maximum fording depth, the capacity to climb up to 45-degree inclines with up to a 28-degree approach angle, and even take on lateral inclines of up to 35 degrees.

Electro-mechanical, power rack-and-pinion steering makes for comfortable turning of the wheel. When it comes time to stop, the Touareg's braking system comes into immediate play with four-wheel discs (330 x 32 mm front and 330 x 28 mm rear vented rotors) and an Anti-lock Braking System. Volkswagen's 4XMOTION® all-wheel drive system completes the package, continuously monitoring road conditions and driver inputs to best adjust power sent to each of the four wheels for maximum traction, performance, and, ultimately, safety.

Active and Passive Safety
The 2010 Touareg contains more than 45 active and passive safety features, which are part of Volkswagen's standard Prevent and Preserve Safety System, to keep the driver and passengers safe. Six airbags, including dual front units (dual-stage for the driver, single stage for the front passenger), thorax units for the driver and front passenger, and side curtain units for the front and rear outboard passengers, all are standard on the Touareg. Each of the five available seating positions has a three-point safety belt, with a pre-tensioner and height adjustment for the driver, front passenger, and rear outboard passengers. For younger occupants in the Touareg, Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) make it easy to add a child car seat.

The Touareg also includes the following safety programs and management systems for a smooth, poised ride through most any situation: an intelligent crash response system, Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), an Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) for the center differential, Engine Braking Control (EBC), Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution, Hill Descent Assist (HDA), Hill Climb Assist (HCA), which can only be engaged in low gear, a rollover sensor system, and Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP).

The choice to include ESP standard on the Touareg and all other 2010 Volkswagens, comes ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) mandate that by the 2012 model year, all vehicles produced will need to include some form of Electronic Stability Control (ESC). According to NHTSA, having ESC in a vehicle results in 35 percent fewer single-vehicle crashes and 30 percent fewer single-vehicle fatalities in passenger cars.  Volkswagen's ESP compares the driver's intended course with the vehicle's actual direction. If a discrepancy is detected, ESP automatically brakes individual wheels and/or reduces engine power to help maintain directional control.

Warranty
The 2010 Volkswagen Touareg includes 24-hour Roadside Assistance for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first) as standard, plus:

    * Five-year / 60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
    * Three-year / 36,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty, with wear and tear items and adjustments.
    * 12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty against corrosion perforation

The Touareg and all other 2010 Volkswagens are covered by the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program.  Under this program, all scheduled maintenance, as described in the cars' maintenance booklets, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty - three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.  Additionally, all current Volkswagens, including the Touareg, use synthetic oil, which, when combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5,000 mile oil change, and allows owners to drive farther between scheduled oil changes.

source: http://www.vw.com