Rallycross to Classic - Scott Speed Still in the Hunt and Special Edition Beetle Released

(Scott Speed and #77 7UP VW Polo GRC. Photo by VWoA)

It was a big week for our iconic Beetle. The Volkswagen Andretti RallyCross team made some big moves in Los Angeles this past weekend. Both Scott Speed and Tanner Foust had an eventful weekend in the city of Angels, with Speed securing his third win for the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship during Saturday’s race. Speed experienced engine problems while driving the #77 7Up Volkswagen Polo GRC during the semi finals on Sunday, finishing 6th for the day. He is currently overall third for the series, hoping to gain points in Seattle this weekend to catch up to current leader, Ken Block.

After months and months of teasing, Tanner Foust and Volkswagen Andretti Racing finally debuted the #24 Rockstar Volkswagen Beetle GRC in LA. With the 544 horsepower GRC Beetle, Foust qualified for Saturday’s final by winning the Last Chance Qualifier race despite also suffering from engine problems over the weekend. “The Beetle is fast off the line and very efficient in the corners, and the steering is so quick and direct that it's very easy to drive. The work we are putting into the Beetle is going to make it super competitive in 2015.” said Foust. He’s currently tenth overall in the championship standings, and hoping to widen the gap between him and Rhys Millen this weekend in Seattle. 

(Tanner Foust and #24 Rockstar VW Beetle GRC. Photo by VWoA)

Volkswagen Rallycross Seattle will take place this weekend, September 26-27. NBC will air Sunday’s race, the 28th at 4:30 pm ET.

(Photo by VWoA)

Also to debut this week was the limited edition Volkswagen Beetle Classic model. This new model adds features to enhance the extensive standard equipment already found on the Beetle. The most unique of the new features is a two-toned brown “Sioux” leatherette and checked cloth seating surfaces. These beautiful new seats truly give the car a “classic” look, definitely paying homage to the original with a modern spin. The Classic trim will also include:

• 17-inch “Heritage” aluminum-alloy wheels
• Rear spoiler
• Leather-wrapped shifter knob and handbrake lever
• Sirius XM® Satellite Radio
• RNS® 315 navigation system
• Multifunction steering wheel
• Comfort front seats with driver’s side lumbar support
• Six-Speed automatic transmission

 The Beetle Classic model is scheduled to go on sale this week starting at $20,195 for the 1.8T Coupe. The 1.8L turbocharged and direct-injection TSI four-cylinder engine produces 170 horsepower and 177 lb/ft of torque, with an estimated highway fuel economy of 33 mpg. This special edition will only be available in three colors - Pure White, Black Uni, and Reflex Silver. And for those who prefer a drop top, have no fear. With a starting price at $25,995, the Beetle Convertible Classic will go on sale early 2015, just in time for Spring. 

(Photo by VWoA)

Let us know if you’ll be watching Team Volkswagen Andretti race in Seattle this weekend, and what you think of the new Special Edition Beetle Classic @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

Fast and Cool Dubs.. GRC, Waterfest, and Wolfsgart 2014

It's been a crazy month for Volkswagen. With two GRC races and two big Volkswagen of America sponsored enthusiast events, July has been jam packed with sweet dubs. Hot weather and cool cars? We couldn't think of a better combination for summer.

(Photo credit D. Pizzutiello, VW Product Specialist)

(Photo courtesy of D. Cary, VWoA)

There was lots of drama for the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team in New York and in Charlotte. The team's leading driver, Scott Speed, placed second in New York, but was disqualified due to "unapproved adjustments". His bad luck continued this past weekend in Charlotte, where he had tire and mechanical issues the entire weekend. He ended up placing in 5th place at Charlotte, and remains in second place overall for the entire series. 

Speed's teammate Tanner Foust had better luck this month, winning the Volkswagen Rallycross New York, Foust's first win this season. In Charlotte, Foust too had tire issues, causing him to miss the podium despite an awesome effort. 

Volkswagen is currently second in the standings for the Manufacturer Championship, right behind Ford. With four more cities, and five more races left in the season, there's still plenty of time for Foust and Speed to catch up and bring home an overall victory for Volkswagen Andretti. We're all rooting for you guys here at Stohlman, so keep on keeping on!

(VWR intake for mk7 GTIs unveiled at Waterfest 2014)

Waterfest returned to Englishtown, NJ a couple of weeks ago for its 20th year. A favorite among VW lovers, Waterfest is one of the biggest Volkswagen enthusiast events in the world. Considered a shopping show, owners not only come to show off their finely tuned wheels, but to buy parts for their current/next project. Vendors in turn bring their A game with drool worthy parts, and often discounted pricing. 

(Waterfest 2014)

Volkswagen again featured generations of the Golf in their display, showing the evolution leading up to the current generation mk7 GTI/Golf (now on sale at Stohlman). Because Waterfest was held at Englishtown's Raceway park, different types of contests were featured, including the 1/4 mile drag race, autocross course, and the tire burn-out contest. Who doesn't love the smell of freshly burnt rubber? 

Wolfsgart in Burlington, VT was this past weekend, a Northeast based show that features primarily German and European cars. From classics to modern models, Wolfsgart is car show combined with an all weekend camping experience, featuring Vermont's beautiful scenery as the backdrop. Along with best in show competitions, Wolfsgart organized activities like night cruises, a car rally, and a car limbo. Yes, you read correctly, a car limbo to see who's car rides the lowest. 

(Wolfsgart 2014)

The next big VW gathering is Dub Deliverance on August 16th at Summit Point, WV. Summit Point will be opening up its track to VW and Audi owners, in coordination with TrackDaze, NGP, and APR. If you'd like to participate, register with TrackDaze by August 8th or visit NGP's site for more info.

Let us know if you'll be attending Dub Deliverance, or any of the remaining GRC races this season @StohlmanAuto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

Meet Scott Speed and the VW 7up Beetle!

VW Enthusiasts, we have your chance to meet Scott Speed and see the VW 7up Beetle in person!

Stop by Stohlman VW in Tysons Corner on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at 5PM to welcome  the 7up Rallycross Beetle! (more info)

Scott Speed will be at Stohlman VW on Thursday, June 19th from 12-1 PM, and the 7up Beetle will depart at 1:30 PM that day.

Bring your camera and don't miss this one-of-a-kind team of epic VW proportions!












Call us at (866)311-4735 for more information!

Volkwagen Andretti Rallycross and Scott Speed Killing It... X-Games 2014

(Scott Speed X-Games 2014 in Austin - photo by VWoA)

The 2014 Summer X-Games in Austin took place this weekend, and the Volkswagen/Andretti team definitely made some noise. Scott Speed of Volkswagen Andretti RallyCross claimed the top spot on the Redbull Global RallyCross podium again this year, winning the gold.

Speed not only won the final, but crushed all his races including both heats, and the quarterfinal. This would be his second X-Games victory, his being at the X-Games in Brazil last year. His teammate, Tanner Foust unfortunately was unable to finish his race in the quarterfinal, knocking him out of contention, although he won both his heats.

Volkswagen announced back in February at the Chicago International Auto Show that they were teaming up with Andretti Autosport to enter the Global RallyCross circuit. The team consists of Scott Speed and Tanner Foust, both very seasoned drivers. These drivers have been proving that they will be a force to reckon with this season, with Foust having 22 heat wins and Speed winning the first two races of the season, the first being at the Top Gear Festival Barbados. Both drivers have been racing in two European rallycross prepared Volkswagen Polos. The team will be switching soon to 560+ horsepower All Wheel Drive Beetles, which have been featured at multiple car shows this year.

(X-Games 2014 - Photo by VWoA)

So who are these hardcore drivers? Well Scott Speed is no stranger to motor sports. The 31 year old began carting at the age of 10, winning a handful of titles. He moved up the Formula Series in 2001, and began driving as a test driver for Red Bull Racing's Formula One team in 2005, the first American to participate in a Formula One event since Michael Andretti in 1993. In 2006, Speed joined Red Bull's Scuderia Toro Rosso team, the relationship lasting for two years. Speed then transitioned into the NASCAR scene, achieving 22 top ten finishes, and a win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in 2008. In 2013 Speed joined the GRC circuit, and has been dominating since. He currently is driving the #77 7Up car.

Tanner Foust may be a more recognizable name for most. Foust has been a professional driver since 2003, starting off as a Hollywood stunt car driver. His credits include Iron Man 2, Fast & Furious, a few Bourne movies, and the Dukes of Hazzard. He began hosting the U.S. version of the very popular BBC series, Top Gear in 2010, and just began shooting their fifth season. Besides the big and small screens, Foust is a real contender in the racing world. Foust was the first driver in Formula Drift history to win back-to-back series championships in 2007 and 2008. Foust won his first X-Game in 2007 winning the gold in the rally racing event, and is the most decorated X Games driver with 9 medals. He also raced in the European Rallycross series, being the first American to compete in the Championship. Foust currently drives the #34 Rockstar Energy Drink car for the Volkswagen Andretti team and is featured in a commercial for the all new 2015 GTI.

The next GRC race will be in our own backyard, the Volkswagen RallyCross DC, from June 21-22nd. The event will take place at DC United's RFK Stadium, near Capitol Hill. The city will be transformed to host the event, which is being produced by Andretti Sports Marketing. Tickets are on sale ranging from $20-$149, and will definitely be an event you won't want to miss.

Let us know if you'll be attending the Volkswagen RallyCross DC in a couple weeks by tweeting us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!


Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5

Move Over Herbie, There's a New Beetle Racer in Town!

(Photo from VWoA Media)

Yesterday at the 2014 Chicago Auto Show, Volkswagen announced that they will be teaming up with Andretti Sports Marketing to enter the Red Bull Global Rallycross Series. The Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team will initially begin the season with European rallycross-prepared Polos, then switch to a 560+ horsepower, All Wheel Drive GRC Beetle. Joining the team will be 2011 and 2012 GRC winner Tanner Foust, and former F1 and NASCAR star Scott Speed.

“Red Bull Global Rallycross is the perfect form of motor sports for a youthful, exuberant, and growing brand in the U.S. market,” stated Michael Horn, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. “We’re excited to partner with Andretti Autosport, one of the great names in American motor sports, and delighted that we will be running the iconic Beetle in the series.”

What is Rallycross? 

Rallycross is a form of racing that's done on a mixed surface, closed circuit. The automobiles typically driven on this circuit are heavily modified production or specially built road cars. Rallycross has been a part of European and Australian motor sports since the late 1960's and reached our side of the pond in 2010, debuting at the X Games 16, under the name of SuperRally. 

Volkswagen Motorsports

(Rally Sweden 2014 - Photo from VW Motorsports)

Volkswagen started competing in the World Rallycross Series in 1978. After years of competing with variations of the Golf, VW left the series in 1990. After a quiet decade, Volkswagen Motorsports returned to the sport at the 2011 Rally Finland with two Skoda Fabia S2000's (Skoda is a Volkswagen Group automotive company from of the Czech Republic). They then later debuted their Volkswagen Polo R WRC at the beginning of the 2013 World Rallycross season, eventually winning the series that season with French rally drivers, Sebastien Ogier and Julien Ingrassia. The Polo R WRC has a straight-four engine with turbocharger and intercooling, transversally mounted in front of the front axle, with a 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds. Truly a monster. The 2014 season began at Rally Monte Carlo, where Volkswagen Motorsports started off strong with a win by Ogier and Ingrassia in the Polo R WRC car #1. Rally Sweden began a few days ago, and will have live coverage until the 8th. The Finnish driver, Jari-Matti Latvala is currently in the lead in the Polo R WRC car #2 after day 2. 

Global RallyCross

(Photo from VWoA Media)

The Red Bull Global RallyCross Series is a rallycross series based in the United States, that began development in 2009. The first full season in 2011 was won by driver Tanner Foust, who as before mentioned will be joining the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team. With the expansion of the X Games, GRC expanded globally also in 2013, featuring races in Brazil, Germany and Spain. The season will open in May at the Top Gear Festival in Barbados, with the GRC Beetle will debut at the X Games in June in Austin, TX. And for those who have a tight travel budget this year, the series will have a race in the Washington DC area, scheduled for June 22nd.

Share your excitement for this terrific motor sports news with us at @stolhmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho

Volkswagen Product Specialist

@esther_ch5