Golf turns 40! NYIAS Celebrates With Releases and Debuts

Happy birthday to the most successful European car of all time! With more than 30 million Golf models having been sold worldwide, the Golf turns 40 this year. First introduced as the Rabbit, the Golf/Rabbit sold over 100,000 units in its first full year in the US in 1975. The Rabbit continued its success, steadily increasing sales over the next few years and moving production to Westmoreland, Pennsylvania in 1979. The Jetta would soon take over as the most popular Volkswagen model in the U.S., but the Golf would still be a key player, becoming the most popular Volkswagen in the world. Proof that even the small have a mighty roar. 

Hot Hatch is Back

The release of the GTI in Europe in 1976 coined the term "hot hatch", carving the way for vehicles like the Subaru WRX, Ford Focus ST, and Mazda 3. These turbo nuggets have come a long way from its 90 horsepower (1.8L I-4) days. The mk7's that will be on sale this upcoming June, will have the new EA888 TSI engine, gaining 10 hp, and 51 lb-ft of torque. 

The new GTI is bigger, yet about 220 lbs lighter, so faster, and more fuel efficient. New standard features for the GTI include driving mode selection feature, VW Car-Net, touchscreen radio, leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, ambient and footwell lighting with LED reading lights, and LED fog lights. A six-speed manual transmission will be standard, with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic as an $1100 option. Both two and four-door models will be available, except for the Autobahn trim level, which will only come as a four-door model. 

A Performance Package will be made available later in the year, which will include the torque-sensing electronically-controlled limited-slip differential, larger brakes, and a 10 horsepower increase over the standard GTI for $1495. This Performance Package could give a stock mk6 Golf R a run for its money. To top it off, the new mk7 GTI was also named by WardsAuto editors as one of "2014 Ward's 10 Best Interiors". Fun and sheek? Say no more. The new GTI will start at $24,395, only a $195 increase from the previous generation. Considering this faster whip has grown and shown up with more bells and whistles, I'd say this new price point is a steal. 

Have Our Prayers Been Answered?

What is the holy grail for VW lovers? A manual, AWD, diesel, wagon. When was the last time one was available? Don't make me cry. For years, VW enthusiasts have cried out to the German automotive gods to please give us our dream wagon. Well, our pleading and patience may have paid off. At the 2014 New York International Auto Show, the Golf SportWagen Concept was unveiled. 

What makes this SportWagen special? 4MOTION. The TDI concept comes equipped with AWD, and is promised to go on sale early 2015, replacing the current Jetta SportWagen. Just like its Golf and GTI siblings, the SportWagen will be on the new MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform, increasing in size, room, and fuel efficiency by 17% than the previous generation. The new 1.8L TSI engine and new EA288 2.0L 150 hp TDI engine will be offered with a choice of a six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission. 

Just like the mk7 Golf, the new SportWagen will offer new features like 12-way power driver's seat, Bi-Xenon headlights with LED DRLs and Advanced Front-lighting System, and Park Distance Control. The SportWagen will also feature a standard new driver assistance system called Automatic Post-Collision Braking System. The system engages the vehicle's brakes after an airbag deployed collision automatically to reduce secondary collisions and halt the vehicle. The driver can override the system at any time if the system recognizes that the driver is accelerating or the driver initiates braking at a higher rate than 0.6g. The SportWagen will be 1.1 inches longer, and 0.7 inches wider than its current predecessor, increasing rear leg room and cargo space, which will hopefully appease those disappointed with the death of the PassatWagen in the States. 

I cannot guarantee that this SportWagen 4MOTION manual TDI Concept that is being shown at NYIAS will in fact manifest in 2015, but hopefully this teaser will come true. We may have to wait a little longer to confirm that our dreams are becoming reality, but at least now the hope is real.

Share your thoughts with us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!

Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5

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

NAIAS Coverage - Passat BlueMotion Concept

The North American International Auto Show opened this week in Detroit, MI. NAIAS is one of the biggest auto shows in North America, where manufacturers like to do their big unveilings of concepts and what’s to come. This is no different for Volkswagen, who unveiled 3 vehicles this week to North America. This included the mk7 Golf R, Beetle Dune Concept, and the Passat BlueMotion Concept. Although the Golf R is the only vehicle of the three that’s a production model, both concepts have potential, especially the technology for the Passat BlueMotion Concept. 

What is the Passat BlueMotion Concept? Is it a hybrid? A diesel? Neither! The concept is a purely gasoline engined mid-size sedan that achieves similar fuel economy as a Passat TDI. This makes makes us wonder, “How is this possible?”

The Passat BlueMotion Concept comes equipped with a 1.4L TSI engine with turbocharging and direct injection. The 1.4L TSI engine delivers 150 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Along with this, Volkswagen used a technology called Active Cylinder Management (ACT). Seen in certain VW European models like the Polo, ACT deactivates the valvetrain on cylinders two and three when drivers are using light throttle. This technology has also been seen in v8 engines, to make those bigger engines produce better fuel economy.

In addition to ACT, the Passat BlueMotion has a start/stop and coasting system, which can also be found in the Jetta Hybrid. With the start/stop system, when the vehicle comes to a temporary stop, the engine shuts off. The moment the driver releases the brake, the 1.4L engine starts back up again. When the driver releases the accelerator, the coasting system kicks in and decouples the engine, allowing the vehicle to roll with lowest possible drag. Combining all this technology results in a manufacturer estimated highway fuel economy rating of 42 mpg. The Passat TDI is estimated to achieve 40 mpg as a DSG, and 43 as a manual. Talk about incredible.

On the inside, the Passat BlueMotion has beautiful two toned seats. The darker and lighter leather are separated by a blue dividing line to distinguish itself as a member of the BlueMotion family. BlueMotion vehicles have been rolling off Volkswagen assembly lines since 2006. The vehicles that are included in this family are some of the most fuel-efficient vehicles in Volkswagen’s global market. 

We don’t know for sure whether this will become a production model, or when the ACT technology will be carried on into other models in the U.S. market. What we do know is that the Reef Blue Metallic color that the Passat BlueMotion Concept debuted in will become a color option for other Passat models in the near future. Woo hoo!

Stay tuned for more NAIAS coverage. In the meantime, tweet us @stohlmanauto with any questions and comments!


Esther Cho
Volkwagen 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