Auf Wiedersehen 2013 - Another VW Filled Year

The end to another year is here. Volkswagen was such a big part of my life this year, both professionally and personally. I'm so thankful that I got to work with a brand that I truly love, and was able to help others join the Volkswagen family. Instead of just sharing technical information, I wanted to close out the year by sharing some of my memorable moments with Volkswagen in 2013.  

(November- VW Drive Experience with AMCI on Pacific Coast Highway Rt. 1)

(April- @_JonEmerson picking up his '13 GTI)

Convincing My Best Friend to Buy a GTI

Convincing your loved ones to buy your product is no easy task. Your allegiance to a brand can come off as biased, especially if that brand is cutting your paychecks. 
My best friend from college paid me a visit last year. Jon and I bounded in our collegiate years through our mutual love of hip hop music and anything automotive. He explained to me that the lifespan of his current whip was nearing the end. He was set on getting a Honda Civic SI prior to visiting me, but after a long night of wine and discussing the clear benefits of the GTI, I could tell he was beginning sway. Being the pushy friend that I am, the next day I took him to Stohlman to do some test driving. After spending 15 minutes in a 2012 6-speed manual GTI on the back roads of Vienna, he was sold.

At the beginning of this year, Jon let me know that he had stayed in touch with the sales staff at Stohlman, and would be returning to DC to pick up his brand new GTI over Easter. Moral of the story? When recommending a Volkswagen to a friend or family, force them to test drive. The car will sell itself.

(February- Happy Golf TDI owner @WashAutoShow)

Meeting Happy Consumers

Besides convincing loved ones to become owners, nothing makes me happier than interacting with current happy VW owners. 2013 was extremely rewarding for me since I was fortunate enough to interact with owners at auto shows and VW sponsored events across the U.S. From old Vanagon drivers to brand new Passat owners, folks would frequently feel the urge to run up to our display to share their love for VW.
This was no different at the Washington DC Auto Show. A very proud Golf TDI owner could not stop raving about the fuel economy he was achieving to us. You could see his face light up the more he spoke about how much he enjoyed driving the Golf, and how many miles he was getting per gallon. He even had a photo on his phone from when he had achieved 61.6 mpg with his Golf, and continued to share his story with other consumers around the display. There's no better marketing than word of mouth from current to future owners.

(June- Brooklyn bound on Manhattan Bridge in '12 Touareg)

V-Dubbin' in the City that Never Sleeps

One of the biggest life changes I had in 2013 was moving from DC to NYC. My main market working for Volkswagen was the Northeast Region, so it made sense for me to live in Manhattan for the remainder of my contract. For a driver, Manhattan is a nightmare. The traffic is brutal, the roads are horrible, and parking is impossible. My Jetta was perfect to keep in Manhattan, because it would fit perfectly in those tight street parking spots. The Touareg however came up on top in terms of comfort whenever I had to drive from borough to borough. True story, I saw potholes deeper than kiddie pools whenever I drove past Queens, which made me happy that I had the Touareg's tight suspension and high clearance to absorb those treacherous roads.

Although driving through NYC was a terrifying ordeal, there were specific areas that I did enjoy. The Franklin D Roosevelt East River Drive (FDR Highway) was fantastic when driving back into the city late at night. It's a fun 9.44 mi. stretch to drive at high (but appropriate) speeds with amazing views of the East River, Queens, and Brooklyn. My other favorites were the bridges going in and out of Manhattan, more specifically the George Washington Bridge, The Brooklyn Bridge, and Verrazano Narrows Bridge. These are considered some of the most beautiful bridges in the world, and the view out of a Volkswagen Panoramic Sunroof while driving across is no joke. I would definitely go out of my way to cross these bridges, rather than go through the Holland or Lincoln Tunnel. Who wants to go underground, anyway?

(December- XL1 Concept Car)

Concepts Galore!

Volkswagen definitely had some show stopping concept cars this year.
The XL1 will go into limited production for mainly the European market, so unfortunately for the U.S. market, this will be a car that most will not see anytime soon. I however did see it twice during its little U.S. tour, once at the Los Angeles International Auto Show, and again at Volkswagen of America Headquarters in Herndon, VA. The 2 seater's claim to fame is that it only takes 1 liter to drive 100 kilometers. In American translation, that's approximately 235 mpg, or the capability of driving from DC to NYC on one gallon of diesel. The maximum fuel economy for the XL1 is estimated to be around 261 mpg. 

The CrossBlue and CrossBlue Coupe` were unveiled in the U.S. at the Detroit Auto Show. The CrossBlue is a 3 row passenger SUV concept, whereas the CrossBlue Coupe` is a similar but more stylish large SUV concept. Both the CrossBlue and Coupe` concepts were designed based on the MQB platform. The concepts featured a plug-in diesel hybrid system, with potential of 89 mpg with the plug-in diesel hybrid system. The CrossBlue Coupe` featured a plug-in gasoline hybrid system at the LA Auto Show. Rumor has it that a 3 row passenger SUV like the CrossBlue concept is on the top of Volkswagen's priority list for the U.S. market. When and what it exactly will be is still undisclosed.

My favorite concept this year was the Design Vision GTI. My first encounter was at H20i, a VW enthusiast event, in Ocean City, MD this past September. This was a real treat to our loyal enthusiasts, for this was the North American debut for this ultimate machine. The V-6 engine contained a monstrous 503 hp at 6500 rpm, with 413 lb-ft of torque. Based on the mk7 GTI, it sat pretty on the MQB platform with 20 inch wheels, equipped with All Wheel Drive. Volkswagen says the Design Vision GTI reaches 62 mph in 3.9 seconds with a top speed of 186 mph. Being that it is an ultimate fantasy VW, it will unfortunately have to remain in our dreams since there are no plans for production.

(June- '12 Golf R and '12 Touareg in NYC)

V-Dub Love... Literally

I apologize in advance to my boyfriend for sharing our story without warning.

After dating many non-car enthusiasts over the years, meeting Scott was a refreshing change. I met his dad at a VW sponsored Washington Capital's game in 2012, where he shared with me that his son was a Certified VW Sales Consultant for Stohlman. This was a coincidence for me since I always brought my VW to Stohlman to be serviced. I loved their service department because of the care I received from their service staff, and how informative their advisors and technicians were. During a longer scheduled service, I decided to introduced myself to Scott so that I could borrow a loaner car through him. We became friends, after bonding over our passion for the brand. As fate would have it, we started dating May of 2013. This past Fall, we worked on our first project together, installing an APR Carbonio Cold Air Intake System into a Jetta GLI. On a smaller scale, we also built a VW Type1 Camper Van Lego set. We did not fight during either projects, so we hope to do more Volkswagen related projects together in the future. 

With only a few days left in 2013, what are some special memories that you and your Volkswagen may have shared this past year? Tweet us @stohlmanauto and share with us your 2013 "Das Auto" story. Until next time.. in 2014! 

(July- Max, the infamous '64 Beetle and I in DC)

Esther Cho

Volkswagen Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

Happy Birthday GLI!

(@alyssa_mowery's 2013 Autobahn GLI)

The Volkswagen GLI will be turning 30 next year! In celebration, Volkswagen will be releasing the GLI Edition 30. The Edition 30 will come in two trim levels, and will be the only GLI models to be distributed in the United States beginning early 2014.

The GLI’s history starts in 1984 as a Mk1 (Mk - Mark - Generation platform name). It had the exterior of a Jetta, but a lot of the same drivetrain features as it’s hatchback sibling, the GTI. The Jetta GLI was to be the counterpart to the GTI, for those who wanted a fun and practical sports car, but still wanted a traditional trunk. The GLI would become increasingly popular for the U.S. market, who has throughout the years shared a serious love affair with sedans. 

(Mk2 turned to stock car, Southern Worthersee 2012)

The Mk2 GLI styling would become the most sold generation, ranging from 1985-1992. It was also when the 16 valve GLI was first introduced in 1987, and the Helios Special Edition in 1989. Volkswagen recently paid homage to the Helios Special Edition at SEMA, building a “tribute” mk6 concept car. 

In 1995, the GLX was introduced. The GLX would be the first to receive a VR6 in a smaller sedan, and came nicely equipped with leather seating, power windows, and luxurious features that the GLI had never received. The GLX offered a perfect balance of luxury, without straying from it’s sporty and practical GLI roots.

2002 marked the “Return of the GLI” (note Star Wars pun). The first few years, the GLI was a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It had the same exterior of a normal Jetta, but was a monster on the inside, offering the 200 horsepower 24 valve VR6, or the 180 horsepower 1.8L Turbo engine.  It wasn’t until around 2004 that the GLI came with a body kit including 18” BBS wheels and Recaro seats. Finally, the GLI had an exterior to match what was underneath the hood.

(APR's Jeremy C's modified 2004.5 Special Edition GLI)

The Mk5 beginning in 2006 would be the introduction of the 2.0L Turbo FSI engine in the GLI and what would carry on to the Mk6 generation. The 2.0L Turbo had specs of 200 horsepower and 207 lb/ft of torque. 2014 models received a bump in power with it’s 3rd generation 2.0L TSI with 210 horsepower, and 207 lb/ft of torque.

Which brings us to 30 years. As mentioned in the beginning, the 30th anniversary model will come in 2 trim levels - Edition 30 and Edition 30 with Navigation. The Edition 30 will have 18-in “Laguna” aluminum-alloy wheels, red trim on the front grille, a rear spoiler, and Edition 30 badging. The Edition 30 with Navigation has red trim inside it’s Bi-Xenon headlights. Inside, the Edition 30 will offer contrasting color V-Tex leatherette seats with red accents and red contrast stitching on the steering wheel, armrests, shifter, and brake handle.

The Edition 30 will be well equipped offering standard features like front foglights, LED taillights, Premium VIII touchscreen radio, and Bluetooth. The Edition 30 with Nav comes also with the RNS 315 Touchscreen navigation system, a rearview camera, keyless access with push-button start, LED daytime running lights, and Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System.

Pricing has not been announced yet for the Edition 30, however current 2014 GLI’s start around $24,255 to $29,595 MSRP. The beautiful GLI offers the best of both worlds, offering the sportiness of the GTI, the practicality of the Jetta, and premium features of a luxury car. Who said you can’t have it all? Tweet us what you think @StohlmanAuto. Happy holidays and until next time!



Esther Cho
Volkswagen Product Specialist
@esther_ch5

e-Golf - It's Electric! Boogie Woogie Woogie!

(Hand-made working prototype E-Golf in 2012)

Volkswagen had 20 working prototypes in North America in 2012. They were given to different reporters, engineers, and a handful of Volkswagen Group employees to test out it’s capabilities in every day life. After much anticipation, Volkswagen had its North American unveiling of a production e-Golf at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.

 The e-Golf will be Volkswagen’s first purely electric vehicle to be sold in the U.S. market. With production of the e-Golf staying in Wolfsburg, Germany, it will have the 7th generation body styling of the Golf, with some minor detailing to set it apart. The e-Golf receives a single panel grille (similar to the Jetta Hybrid) with blue lining into the headlights, unique wheels, full LED headlights and C-shaped LED lights on the bumper, and a tasteful rear spoiler. Air vanes are also placed on the C-pillar to manage airflow to the rear. On the interior, the e-Golf is the same as any other Golf with the exception of the gauge cluster that features a power/regenerative braking display, and a unique multifunction display. The interior is subjective to change for the U.S. market when released, but it is said will be very well equipped. Like the Jetta Hybrid, the VW emblems have blue outlining. The color blue is associated with Volkswagen’s sustainability initiative called, “Think Blue”. The initiative calls for encouraging eco-concious behavior everywhere, every day. You’ll see blue outlining on emblems in all our low-emission vehicles. This includes our 7 TDI Clean Diesel models like the Passat, the Jetta Hybrid and Touareg Hybrid, and of course the newest to the bunch, the fully electric e-Golf.

(Functions like radio will run on a separate car battery, not lithium-ion pack)

Underneath the hood, the e-Golf has a 115-hp synchronous permanent-magnet AC motor that can provide up to an astonishing 199 lb-ft of torque. It weighs in at 3,090 lbs, is said to reach 25 mph in 4.2 seconds, and 62 mph in 10.4 seconds. With a top speed limited to 87 mph, the e-Golf’s range is estimated to be in between 70-90 miles. Because Volkswagen waited to release the vehicle with the 7th generation body styling on the MQB platform (see last week’s GTI article for more on the new Modular Transverse Matrix), Volkswagen was able to use the new flexible chassis to integrate the lithium-ion battery within a stabilizing frame under the front and rear seats, and in the area of the center tunnel. This saves so much space, virtually taking away no cargo or passenger room for the consumer. 

Car-Net will definitely be a standard feature for the e-Golf, with additional features that are special for this vehicle. Different settings for the car and information will be made available to manage through your smartphone or the Car-Net website. Functions include climate control with programmed departure time, charging of the battery, accessing vehicle data, and vehicle status like lights or if the charger is plugged in.

Census polls show that the average commuter drives between 30-40 miles a work day, round trip. And out of the more than 315 million people in the United States, only 600,000 are considered mega-commuters, traveling over an hour and half or over 50 miles a day. It’s safe to say with EV cars having the comfort to charge at home overnight, and with more parking garages throughout America providing EV stations, this can be a car that can be used by most Americans. Although the e-Golf’s fuel economy is average with EV cars currently on the market, the e-Golf stands out in a sense that you’re not giving up interior space, curb appeal, and the feel of a Volkswagen. In my opinion, any of those reasons should make you wait for the e-Golf if you’re in the EV car market. For comments and questions, tweet us @stohlmanauto!

Esther Cho

Volkswagen Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

The 7th Generation.. It's Coming.

European Spec at the Los Angeles International Auto Show

The highly anticipated 7th generation GTI will finally be arriving in the States.. Next year. Although there’s much hype for how great the new GTI’s will be, let’s take a moment to compare with the current generation 2014 GTI. 

The 2014 GTI will be the last of the Wolfsburg produced models to reach this side of the Atlantic. The 7th generation Golf and GTI’s will be built in Puebla, Mexico for North and South American distribution. The 2014 GTI will keep it’s 2nd generation 2.0L T engine that pumps out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. The 7th gen. GTI will receive the new 3rd gen. 2.0L T EA888 engine that will be built in Volkswagen’s new engine facility in Silao, Mexico. However, the valve-life module that is unique for this engine will be built in Germany, then installed in the engine in Silao. This new engine for the GTI is estimated to have 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, which is quite a bump from it's predecessor. 

With a new engine also comes a new body. For starters, it will sit on Volkswagen’s newest MQB platform. MQB stands for Modularer Querbaukasten, and for those of you not fluent in German, it basically means that the engines are transversely mounted. This new platform will be eventually put in for all front wheel drive vehicles in the family, hopefully making production more efficient. This is just one of the big strides Volkswagen Group is taking to become the number one manufacturer in the world by 2018. The body is also bigger, has sleeker lines, and European spec weigh in at 220 lbs less than the current generation. Less weight and more power? Yes, please.

However, those of you who still love the current body style, or just cannot wait till late Spring for a 2015, the 2014 GTI Driver’s Edition and Wolfburg Edition may be the perfect 6th generation to buy. Why are these such smart values? Because both trims are as if the Volkswagen took a look at their accessories bin for the GTI, and decided to throw them into a package. With the Wolfsburg starting at $25,095 MSRP and the Driver’s Edition at $29,695 MSRP, here are some goodies you can expect to receive in these models:

Wolfsburg Edition:
In addition to standard GTI Trim..

• 18 inch “Laguna” wheels
• Retro-themed golf ball shifter knob
• Red-stitched carpeted florets

Driver’s Edition:

In addition to Sunroof & Nav Trim..

• 18 inch aluminum-alloy “Laguna” wheels
• Retro-themed golf ball shifter knob
• Red-stitched carpeted floormats
• Partial leather seat coverings
• Driver Edition Certificate of Authenticity with GTI gear including a hat, keychain, and parking sign

All 2014’s will come as 4 door models, and be available in Candy White, Carbon Steel Gray, and Deep Black. This last run is a limited production, and will only have 5,000 GTI’s total for North America. In addition, the last 475 Wolfsburg Editions will be outfitted with leather top sport seats because Volkswagen literally ran out of cloth seats. Winning!

So the choice is yours.. Buy one of the last beloved GTI’s out of Wolfsburg now, or wait till next year for the newest 7th generation. I don’t think I can even choose! Tweet us what you think @stohlmanauto. Until next time!



Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5