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

Scott Speed Visits Stohlman and Definitive Beetle GRC Unveiled!

(Stohlman VW Management, Sales, and Service Staff with Scott Speed)

Yesterday was an exciting day at Stohlman VW, where Volkswagen Andretti GRC driver, Scott Speed stopped by to say hello. He took the time to sign autographs and meet fans who were excited for the upcoming race. If you missed meeting Scott Speed, luckily he left some tickets for Stohlman customers, so if you'd like to attend the Volkswagen Rallycross DC this weekend at RFK Stadium, swing by the dealership and grab some before they're all gone!

The big news however is that the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team has finally unveiled the definitive Beetle GRC rallycross car. After it's initial concept unveiling at the Chicago Auto Show, there has been much speculation on what this powerhouse would entail.

(Photo courtesy of vwvortex.com)

The rallycross Beetle features a sequential six-speed transmission, with a fixed ratio all wheel drive system with multi plate limited-slip differentials in the front and rear. The suspension is an all-around strut-type suspension with ZF dampers, giving the Beetle around 9.1 inches to handle the off-road portion of the rallycross course. The Beetle GRC has 14 inch diameter front and 11.8 inch rear vented disc brakes, four-piston aluminum calipers, and 17 inch wheels with 240/640-R17 Yokohama competition tires. In other words, it's ready to handle whatever a rallycross course is going to throw at it.

(Photo courtesy of vwvortex.com)

The Beetle GRC features a 1.6-liter four-cylinder TSI turbocharged and intercooled engine, producing 544 horsepower. 168.8 inches long and 71.7 inches wide, the Beetle GRC must weigh in at a series regulation minimum of 2668 lbs. That being said, with a combination of the high horsepower, slender figure, and AWD, the new rallycross Beetle GRC is predicted to have an incredible 0-60 mph time of 2.1 seconds. Sign me up for one of those bad boys!

(Photo courtesy of vwvortex.com)

The Beetle GRC will not be used at the race this weekend, but will be available for fans and attendees to see. Volkswagen Motorsport director, Jost Capito stated, "After Volkswagen of America’s impressive start on the rallycross scene with the Polo, the launch of the new Beetle GRC rallycross car represents the next major milestone. The Beetle boasts a unique appearance and state-of-the-art technology. It will sweep fans off their feet.” I'd have to agree with Capito. The new Beetle GRC rallycross car has definitely swept me off my feet.

Let us know what you think of the Beetle GRC and if you'll be attending this weekend @stohlmanauto. 

Esther Cho

VW Product Specialist

@esther_ch5

Spring into Fresh Threads - VW DriverGear

The newest DriverGear catalog for Spring/Summer is out and the selection is grand. As a self proclaimed expert shopper, I decided to take the time this week to share some of my favorite items that are currently being offered by VW DriverGear. I mean, who doesn’t love great apparel and accessories to show your enthusiasm for VW?

What’s a better accessory to start off with than a polished Volkswagen emblem key chain? To go on your VW key… Crazy brilliant, right?

And if you’re anything like me, you tote around a lot of stuff (sometimes too much) on a regular basis. So lanyards are usually the only way to find your keys. Well why not have it be a Volkswagen Motorsport lanyard? It has a snap link hook for your VW key fob and a loop for your phone on the keyring. Plus, it can help you further your aspirations to one day become a professional race car driver.. 

If you’re a serious caffeine addict, indulge your addiction with an awesome Wolfsburg mug. It’s microwave/dishwasher friendly, and sports the Wolfsburg crest, an icon for the Volkswagen brand. It makes every sip of coffee feel like you’re in Germany. Okay, maybe I’m exaggerating on that last part.

Rain Rain.. Go Away.. But if you’re gonna stick around I’m going to rock these polka dot rain boots. So this might be more of feminine selection, but gentlemen… I guarantee your lady doesn't enjoy having wet feet. These super cute Wellies are perfect for all this ridiculous rain we’ve been getting (Global Warming is REAL!), while sporting the VW brand. Now go jump in a puddle, but make sure not to track mud into your VW. No one likes cleaning that up.

Summertime = Backyard BBQ’s, right? How would you like a hamburger with a VW emblem on it? And to go along with your VW grilling solutions, how about some entertainment along with it? This VW bus branded bag toss game will surely be a hit at your Das Auto themed Cook Out.

Protect your eyes with these sweet Malibu Volkswagen branded sunglasses. They come in 4 cool translucent colors, providing 100% UVA and UVB protection. Will fit perfectly at the Das Auto themed Cook Out, right?

If you want to fit in at a Das Auto themed Cook Out, your threads have to match of course. Well be unique and rock these R themed tshirts that make a killer statement. You’ve got a need. For speed.

Speaking of speed, got a tiny nugget in your life? Why not prep them to be a future driver with this adorable, yet clever onesie. You can’t help but giggle and say “Awwwww..” at the same time.

Of course since you were being a social media maven during this cook out, you probably drained your phone battery live tweeting your friend almost blowing up the grill. Don’t worry, we’ll help you get your cat meme fix with this fantastic Horse Power Mini. This convenient compact 2,800 mAh Li-Ion battery device can charge an iPad, smartphones, and other tablets. The actually device itself will charge just in a couple hours, so can be ready in times of peril (aka when your battery hits 5% when you’re trying to scroll through instagram). 

My last must have accessory for this summer is the PeopleForBikes Reflective Sticker. Not only does it keep you safe while road cycling, but 25% of the proceeds from this item goes to PeopleforBikes, a non-profit that Volkswagen of America sponsors. The organization started as Bikes Belong in 1999, and has spent over $30 million to improve and benefit the biking community on a national level. To find out more or if you’d like to join the movement, visit PeopleForBike’s website.

Now that you’ve seen my picks, head to Driver Gear yourself and see what you may fancy on top of my fantastic selections. And for first time Driver Gear purchasers, you get 20% off on your first purchase during the month of May, with a chance to win a free tent. If you need a second opinion on your Driver Gear selections, tweet us @stohlmanauto. Until next time!


Esther Cho
VW Product Specialist
@esther_ch5