Midseason Update - NAIAS 2014 and 7th Generation Golf R

Lots of updates were made last week during NAIAS Press Week by Volkswagen AG CEO, Martin Winterkorn. Winterkorn reaffirmed its commitment to the US market and shared its steady progress towards it's goal to be the #1 manufacturer by 2018 (Mach 18). Volkswagen is currently the 3rd largest manufacturer in the world, right behind Toyota and General Motors. 

Vehicles like the Passat and redesigned Beetle have created a spike in US sales over the past couple of years, but the Jetta is still an American favorite, being the most well sold Volkswagen in America. Although the Golf is the most sold VW in the world, it's not quite as popular in the US market. With production of the 7th generation Golf and GTI being relocated to Puebla, Mexico, hopes are this gap will be narrowed in the American market, further helping our Mach 18 goal. 

The Golf R is however confirmed to remain in Wolfsburg for production. It will sit on the new and lighter MQB platform and equipped with the updated 3rd generation 2.0L turbo engine, with an estimated 290 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. A massive update from the previous generation. It will also be equipped with the newest version of the 4Motion All Wheel Drive system with the 5th generation Haldex coupling. The R also will receive the "progressive" variable-ratio steering system and updated EDX+ system to create a better and more agile driving experience. For those who like to be more aggressive with their driving, the ESC Sport stability control system will now have the capability of being deactivated for track driving and parking lot donuts. An optional DCC dynamic chassis control system will also be available.

As expected, appearance wise the R will have distinctive badging, specially designed bumpers, side skirts, and 18 on alloy wheels. The R will have standard Bi-Xenon headlights with a newly designed LED daytime running lights, similarly seen in the eGolf. It will also have a two branch exhaust system with four chrome tips. With an expected US arrival in 2015 as a 2016 year model, the R is estimated to have a highway fuel economy rating of 31 mpg. That's a jump from the 27 mpg that the previous generation had. The Golf R is expected to be the best yet, combining both high performance and fuel economy.

Winterkorn has also promised a mid-sized 7 passenger SUV by 2016. We've seen teasers of what this could potentially be with the CrossBlue Concept that was unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show in 2013. It's unsure exactly what it will be equipped with, and whether the design will be what has been previewed. What we do know is that it will be another American market specific vehicle. 35% of Passats sold have been TDI models so far, with that market share only expected to grow. I anticipate that this future 7 passenger SUV will come with a diesel option, possibly even on the new hybrid powertrain that has been in development, shown recently at the LA Auto Show in the CrossBlue Coupe Concept. 

With sales steadily increasing in the North American market, Volkswagen AG plans to invest $7 Billion (insert Dr. Evil laugh here) to this side of the Atlantic. This is a major sign of commitment Winterkorn has made to our market. Volkswagen currently has the most cars out on the road than any other brand with over 100,000 miles on their odometers. Winterkorn even name dropped Mark Zuckerburg, stating that the creator of Facebook even drives a VW. With the major strides that VW is making, in my mind there's no doubt that Volkswagen AG will achieve its Mach 18 goal to be #1. I'm very excited to see the changes and developments that are to come in the next few years, and hope the anticipation doesn't kill me in the meantime.

Tweet us @StohlmanAuto with questions and comments. Until next time!



Esther Cho
Volkswagen Product Specialist
@esther_ch5