Concerns About Your VW TDI and Emissions Regulations

As many of us have seen through social media and on the news, Volkswagen TDI vehicles are undergoing an emissions re-certification process in order to remain compliant with federal regulations. We understand the confusion and frustration this has undoubtedly caused our customers, and would like to assure everyone that we are working with Volkswagen to correct these problems in vehicles sold through our dealership.
 
Please understand, there are absolutely no safety issues with the TDIs that are being re-certified, that this is an emissions problem that will be addressed. All VWs on the list are still safe to drive.
 
We are currently unable to sell any new or certified pre-owned TDIs that fall under this recall until the problems have been addressed. But, don’t worry, once the dust settles and compliance is met, we will be showing off the new and improved TDI models you’ve already been looking for.
 
We appreciate your patience and understanding and will release more information about the situation as soon as possible.

SportWagens Have Arrived! Come. And. Get. It.

The all new Golf Sportwagen is finally arriving at dealerships. The widely anticipated wagon finally is hitting almost a year after the first mk7 GTIs were delivered. Was the wait worth it? I’d say definitely.

Before we get into details of our newest Sportwagen, the past must be addressed. “What happened to the Jetta Sportwagen?” Well, lets just say it was never really a Jetta. In model year 2002, the US market received its “first” compact wagon. This mIV “Jetta Wagon” was actually a Golf in every other country that this wagon was sold in. Why would VW do such a thing, you ask? The US market has had a long time love affair with sedans, and hatchbacks were never too popular. Because the Jetta was a much more recognizable model in the US at the time, the Golf Wagon was called a Jetta for marketing purposes. This relabeling for the US market would continue with the 2009-2014 Jetta SportWagen, which was again a Golf in every other market.

(Cargo box, wheels, and roof rails can be found at parts.vw.com)

Now that we understand that the beloved Sportwagen really is a Golf, let’s talk details. The Golf SportWagen comes equipped with either a 1.8L turbocharged gasoline engine, or the 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine. The ever so popular 2.0L TDI Clean Diesel engine has been bumped up to 150 hp @ 3500 rpm, with a maximum torque of 237 lb-ft at 1750 rpm. This beautiful inline four cylinder is a turbocharged direct injection, common rail system with an estimated fuel economy of 31 city, 43 hwy* - slight improvement from the previous generation. The gasoline engine however could give our beloved diesel engine a run for its money. This new inline four cylinder is based off Volkswagen’s award winning 2.0L TSI engine, with 170 hp at 4800 rpm and a maximum torque of 185 lb-ft @1600 rpm. This is a bump up from the previous generation’s 2.5L naturally aspirated five cylinder engine. In addition to more torque, the new 1.8L TSI Sportwagen has a better estimated fuel economy of 25 in the city, 36 on the hwy*, and is recommended to use regular unleaded fuel, despite being a turbocharged engine. With the price difference of diesel, the TSI engine could be more practical for a lot of future owners who don’t crave the 400-500k mile longevity of a diesel. 

Sizewise the new Sportwagen has increased just a little bit here and there. The passenger volume has increased 2.6 cu. ft, while the cargo space has decreased about 2.4 cu. ft. The wheelbase has increased 2 inches, but the overall length has only grown 0.2 inches, coming out to be 179.6 inches. The width has also only 0.7 inches, coming out to be 70.8 inches. The Sportwagen** may have slightly grown, but it certainly trimmed down. Weighing in at 3063 lb, the curb weight has gone down 123 lbs. 

In addition to standard features like Bluetooth connectivity, Car-Net, and SiriusXM Satellite Radio (Limited subscription), the Sportwagen has optional equipment including:

• Rear-view camera
• 5.8” touchscreen navigation system
• Fender premium audio system
• Climatronic dual-zone (L/R) automatic climate control
• KESSY keyless access w/ push-button start
• Automatic headlights
• Lighting Package including Bi-Xenon headlights with Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), ambient interior lighting, footwell lights
• Driver Assistance Package including Park Distance Control (Front & Rear) and Forward Collision Warning System

What about that beautiful Alltrak that was shown at the New York International Auto Show? Well, that beautiful beast was actually a Euro-Spec. US models will not be built until the beginning of 2016. There are no confirmed details in terms of power train, but we do know that it will be a SportWagen with 4Motion All Wheel Drive. Availability is due towards the end of next year as a 2017 year model.

(Photos by VWoA)

The Golf SportWagen starts off at $21,395 as a 5-speed manual transmission in the 1.8L TSI gasoline engine. A 6-speed automatic transmission is available for an additional $1100 for the TSI transmission. The TDI Clean Diesel engine starts off as a 6-speed manual at $27,995 as a mid level trim, and a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission is available for again an additional $1100. 

For more pricing information and details, contact one of our fantastic sales staff. In the meantime tweet us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

*Fuel economy is in reference to manual transmission models.

**Specs are in reference to the 1.8L TSI gasoline engine with the 5-speed manual transmission.

Gearheads, Pause Your Modifying.. The GTI with Performance Package Has Arrived

So what do you do when you want a GTI, where stock is just not enough for you, but an R is a little too much for you? In the past you would have tuned it, thrown some after market parts on it, and prayed your warranty wouldn’t be voided. Well hold off on ordering a sway bar my friend, because Volkswagen has decided to now do a lot of that work for you, with the 2015 Volkswagen GTI with Performance Package. 

What does the Performance Package entail you ask? To start things off, you get a bump up on horsepower. Instead of the standard 210 hp with 258 lb-ft of torque, the 2.0L TSI engine for the Performance Package is factory tuned to 220 hp with 258 lb-ft of torque. Performance Package GTIs also get larger, upgraded front and rear brakes, in addition to the VAQ limited-slip front differential lock. The VAQ limited-slip front differential lock works with the XDS+ Cross Differential system, utilizing the brakes to help transfer power to the outside wheel and improving cornering. This allows your GTI to grip the roads better, and helping you conquer those turns in any driving condition.

The GTI with Performance Package is available in both 2 door and 4 door in all trim levels, with a 6-speed Manual or 6-speed DSG Automatic transmission. The GTI’s Lighting and Driver Assistance packages are also available on all trim levels for the GTI with Performance Package. However, one thing you can’t find in a normal GTI is the Dynamic Chassis Control offered in the Golf R. The Dynamic Chassis Control adds a 4th driving mode component, uprated rear shock absorbers, and an enlarged rear stabilizer bar. In a normal GTI with Performance Package, the Steering, Engine, and the Front diff. lock can be adjusted. Adding the DCC can give you the ability to adjust the suspension as well. The DCC is only available to add for an additional $800 for SE with Performance Package and Autobahn with Performance Package models.

The GTI with Performance Package comes in the same 6 color options like a normal GTI, including the Carbon Steel Gray Metallic, exclusive to GTI models. The S trim models have your Titan Black with the heritage Clark Plaid seats, and Titan Black Leather seats in all other trim levels. The Performance Package models do have a subtle but distinguishing feature where the GTI emblem is red, instead of your normal chrome.

The long awaited and greatly anticipated GTIs with Performance Package are slowing finally rolling into dealerships all over the country, one by one. Stohlman however, has a bunch. So if you’re dying to test drive one, head down to Tysons soon. They definitely have some. And more. 

Tweet us @StohlmanAuto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

2015 - Year of the Golf Part 1 - Golf R

Happy New Year Stohlman VW friends and family!

2014 is done and over, and we're ready for the new year. 2015 is the year of the Sheep for the Chinese Zodiac. However, for Volkswagen's calendar, 2015 is the year of the Golf. And with the addition of the Golf family receiving the 2015 Motortrend Car of the Year, this year really will be the Golf's time to shine. From the auto shows to showroom floors, you'll be seeing lots of the Golf family all over. The question now is.. What will you actually be able to buy in 2015? The next couple of weeks I will be covering what models are coming this year, and what models are just to tease our North American imaginations. For a small car, there's just too much to cover in one post.

Golf R - IT'S COMING, FOR REAL.

The Golf R is being launched this month. No longer must we wait every 4 years like the Olympics. We can start revving our engines now. The R will begin pre-order on January 8th at VW.com/GolfR with a $500 deposit for one of the first 500 models. 

The first 500 R models will all be released identical. It will be the top of the line, Golf R with Dynamic Chassis Control & Navigation, and a six-speed DSG dual clutch automatic transmission. The R will have a 292 horsepower 2.0L TSI engine and 4Motion all-wheel drive. The new R is also lighter, but bigger than the previous mk6 generation R, making it not only roomier, but faster than any other generation. Win win win. The first 500 will also be all painted in the Lapiz Blue Metallic, have 19 inch "Cadiz" aluminum alloy wheels with summer performance tires, and Bi-Xenon headlights with LED Daytime Running Lights. In addition to Navigation, the trim will also include features like Park Distance Control, and the Fender Premium Audio System. 

The first 500 owners will also receive a numbered VW Driver Gear R accessory pack, exclusive to only the first 500 mk7 Golf R owners. This accessory pack will include a serialized and VIN-specific certificate, a serialized Volkswagen R watch, and a serialized carbon fiber and stainless steel keychain.

The Golf R with DCC and Nav will have a starting price point of $39,090 MSRP, plus $820 destination and delivery charge. If this is the exact model you'd like, I'd recommend being very close to a computer on January 8th, or having one of our fantastic Stohlman VW sales guys armed and ready to pre order.

So what about the rest of us who want something other than a Lapiz Blue Metallic R? You can still put an order in for the specific R that you want, by putting a deposit down with a Stohlman VW sales associate. Delivery dates for R models outside of the first 500 have not been specified yet. 

Like to Shift? What About Manuals?

From what I understand and what was last discussed, 6 speed manual transmission models of the R will be launched later in the year as a 2016 model. Now what the exact timing of this is, or if in fact it will be released, I am still not %100 sure. Lets keep our fingers crossed that this information doesn't change in the near future.

Tweet us @stohlmanauto and let us know if you're ready to snag a new mk7 R. Until next time!


Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5

In Loving Memory of Harry Fumba Vannie

(Harry's 2013 Golf R - Photo by Alles Gute Designs)

It is extremely sad to share that Stohlman VW Certified Master, Harry Vannie passed away earlier this week. After battling numerous complications, Harry passed Sunday morning. We are all devastated by this loss, and send our thoughts and prayers to his family. Harry was a respected and beloved member of the Nova Dubs community, and will be missed by many. Below is his obituary and information about funeral arrangements. Also, the Nova Dubs community has arranged a final cruise for Harry on Saturday, the 22nd (tomorrow) before his funeral at 7:30am, meeting in Fairfax, VA.

Also, if you haven't already, please donate to Harry's GoFundMe page. Donations will go to directly to his wife Kris to help funeral costs.

http://www.gofundme.com/harryvannie


________________________________________________
Harry Fumba Vannie
January 3, 1975 - November 16, 2014
Our family is deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Harry Fumba Vannie passed away on November 16, 2014 at Georgetown University Hospital, in Washington, DC after valiantly fighting a sudden illness. He is survived by his wife Kristina, and his three children, Avery, Angelina and Winifred, his mother, Winifred Kargbo (Dr. Charles Kargbo), his brother, Sam, and Sister, Jenneh, as well as a host of cousins, uncles and aunts, and a large number of friends who considered him family. He is predeceased by his father Isaac Morlay Vannie. Regarded by all as one of the nicest people you would ever meet, Harry leaves behind a legacy of good will and genuine friendship, his love of family, love of cars and his overall love of life. 

We will all miss Harry and his unique ability to brighten a room, encourage a friend, and revive our spirit. Arrangements to honor Harry’s life are listed below:

Wake held on Friday, November 21, 2014 at 7:00pm – 9:00pm
J.B. Jenkins Funeral Home
7474 Landover Road
Hyattsville, MD 20785

Funeral Service held on Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 10:00am
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
11525 Prospect Hill Road
Glenn Dale, MD 20769

Repast will be held at 3pm
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
11525 Prospect Hill Road
Glenn Dale, MD 20769
________________________________________________

(Thanks to Nick Bottini and Nova Dubs)

If you'd like to share any memories of Harry, tweet us @stohlmanauto. Take care, Harry. You will be missed.


Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5

Orange You Happy It's Halloween?

(Pumpkin I carved all morning)

When I think Halloween, I think about candy, costumes, and pumpkins. When I think of pumpkins, I think of lattes, pie, and orange colored VW's. Currently there's no Volkswagen model that offers an orange paint job from the manufacturer, but did you know there were many offered in the past? Here's a handful of orange VW's that have a special place in my heart that are no longer in production. 

1969 Karmann Ghia

Ahh, the beautiful Karmann Ghia. No longer a production model, the Karmann Ghia was a sports car coupe that debuted in 1955, and later released as a convertible in 1957. She was only in production till 1974, but in 1969 was offered in a beautiful Signal Orange and Sunset Orange. The video below features a 69 Ghia that I believe is a Sunset Orange, which was a more brownish Orange than Signal Orange was.

1971 and 1974 Beetle

(Shot by Ian Hufton)

The Classic Beetle is an iconic vehicle for the Volkswagen brand. The original Beetle was many first cars for folks, as well as first loves. In 1971, the Beetle had a beautiful Clementine color available, and Brilliant Orange in 1974. 

Years later when the Beetle was redesigned and reintroduced, the New Beetle would offer Snap Orange in 2002, and Sundown Orange 2003-2005, definitely paying homage to the original Beetle, with a much more modern twist.

1973 and 1974 VW Thing

(Photo by VW Southtowne in Utah)

Yes, there really was a model called the Thing. VW's Type 181 was manufactured from 1968-1983, originally developed for military use. The Thing was a four door, two wheel drive, off road convertible that was all sorts of different. The model didn't last long in the U.S. due to failing to meet safety standards for a passenger vehicle, and was dropped from the line up in America in 1975. 

1990's and 2000's Golf and GTI

(Press release from @VWcanada)

The 90's and 2000's had a slew of orange colored VW's. From the 1996 Cinnabar Orange Cabrio, to Magma Orange in the 2007 Fahrenheit GTI, orange was a fun color for our fun hatchbacks. Tropic Orange was present for several years, beginning with the Golf in 1999, then the 2000 GTI. It even had a variation in 2001, with a Tropic Orange Metallic for the GTI. My favorite orange of the 2000's though was the special edition Fahrenheit GTI. The Fahrenheit GTI was the first special edition for the mk5 generation in North America, and came in a beautiful Magma Orange in 2007. The Fahrenheit GTI had a limited production number of 1200, just like its yellow Fahrenheit GLI counterpart, making this special edition very rare. The Fahrenheit edition was only available as a DSG, and had special Fahrenheit badging, commemorative plating on the steering wheel, body color interior panels, and orange stitching. 

Of course there were other models that featured orange, like the Type 2 VW bus, but the models listed above happened to have a special place in my heart. Which orange VW's do you fancy? Let us know by tweeting us @stohlmanauto. Until next time, Happy Halloween!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

The Eos' Swan Song - Farewell Goddess of the Dawn

(Photos provided by VWoA)

Sad to say, but the rumors this time are true. This is the final year for our beautiful Eos. The Eos, our hard top convertible with a sunroof, is approaching the end of its life cycle, and will not be reintroduced with a new design in the immediate future. The Eos was never a target vehicle for most markets throughout the world, so unfortunately this year will be our fair goddess' swan song. But her final year will definitely be one her best, offering brand new special features for 2015.

The Eos gets two new exterior color options for her final year. Candy White will be replaced with Pure White like the rest of the line up, while Salsa Red will be replaced with Flash Red. Flash Red has a brighter tone than Salsa Red did, and is currently only available for the 2015 Eos. Definitely makes it a unique color available only on Komfort and Executive trim levels.

The biggest change point will be that the mid level Sport trim will be replaced with the Eos Final Edition trim. The Final Edition trim will include many of the same features offered in the Sport trim from 2014, with the addition of several unique additions. A special two-tone Cornsilk Beige and Titanium Black Vienna leather interior will be featured, as well as a unique interior trim with black radio surround and "Silver Net" decor stitching detail. A rearview camera will also be available with the standard RNS 315 Navigation system.

What hasn't changed is what the Eos has packing under the hood and its stunning curb appeal. The Eos will continue to have the 2.0L TSI engine (200 hp/207 lb-ft of torque) with a 6-speed DSG transmission. The Eos' unique multi-piece folding hardtop gives our luxurious hard top top convertible the Coupe-Sunroof capability. Perfect for those times when you just want a little bit of air, and a roof still over your head. 

The Eos' well equipped base Komfort model will have a 2015 base price of $35,795 MSRP, with features including dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth with audio streaming, RNS 315 touchscreen navigation system, and a 12 way power adjustable driver's comfort seat. If you've been waiting for the perfect time to pick up the perfect convertible, this may be your moment. The Eos is on its way out, so head out to Tyson's before its too late! In in the meantime, tweet us @stohlmanauto and let us know what you think of the Final Edition. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5