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2013 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA HYBRID: EFFICIENCY WITHOUT SACRIFICE

Herndon, VA -  Introduced for the 2011 model year, the highly successful sixth-generation Jetta welcomes a new member to the family—the 2013 Jetta Hybrid. This advanced member of the Jetta range ushers in a new generation of hybrid vehicles, capable of achieving excellent gas mileage without the traditional sacrifice of driving enjoyment.

Exterior
The Jetta Hybrid retains the sleek, upscale, and timeless styling present in the rest of the model line. While the most obvious differences are the blue-highlighted VW emblem, hybrid badging, and unique wheels and front grille, the Jetta Hybrid adds a number of key features that help maximize aerodynamic efficiency and minimize road resistance.

A Hybrid-specific air intake provides a flush seal and controls the flow of cooling air passing through the engine compartment. A custom trunklid spoiler and front airdam have been designed exclusively for the Jetta Hybrid’s aerodynamic needs, as have the extended side skirts. The differences carry over to the car’s underbody, where additional trim panels and end plates serve to guide the back to a diffuser at the rear, which helps reduce turbulence and control the flow and separation of passing air. The result of these changes is a Coefficient of Drag (Cd) of 0.28—the standard Jetta has a Cd of 0.30.

The SE model is differentiated from the entry-level Hybrid by LED taillights, while the SEL gains 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The topline SEL Premium is marked out by 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, Bi-Xenon headlights with distinctive LED Daytime Running Lights, and foglights.

Interior
The Jetta Hybrid’s advanced powertrain is highlighted by a unique set of displays inside the car. Taking the place of a traditional tachometer is the Jetta Hybrid’s “Power Meter”, which is a novel rethink of traditional instrumentation. The dial starts at “OFF,” (essentially zero rpm), which is followed by a green “regeneration” section (active during braking) before reaching the baseline drive-ready state, which is represented with a “0.” This begins a blue section of the dial that signifies the most efficient driving style, alternating between electric and gasoline engine power; the half-blue section that follows it indicates times when only the gasoline engine provides power while charging the battery. At the dial’s “6” position, the blue markings are gone and the vehicle is utilizing the gasoline engine’s power without charging the battery. The final step is the boost mode at “10”: marked like a traditional redline, this demarcates the point when the electric motor and gasoline engine are working together to achieve full system output.

Situated to the right of the Power Meter and between the two gauges is the car’s standard Multi-Function Instrument, which shows ambient temperature, gear selection, the trip computer, a second audio display, and driver settings. In the Jetta Hybrid, this screen also presents the car’s drive state and the “ePower meter,” which includes the level of battery charge and the available amount of electric driving (“E-Max”)

On the SE model and above, the radio/navigation system’s touchscreen in the center console also doubles as a detailed visualization of the powertrain’s operation. One example of this is the emissions statistics screen, which displays a bar graph showing the minute-by-minute percentage of zero-emissions driving in relative percentages (the previous 30 minutes are shown). The display also shows a diagram of the car and its underlying powertrain, with orange and blue areas (gasoline and electricity, respectively) representing exactly where power is coming and going at any given time and in any given drive mode. The display also includes the monitor for the rearview camera on the SEL Premium model.

All Jetta Hybrids are well equipped, with high-quality materials and plenty of chrome accents. The entry-level Jetta Hybrid has Climatronic® automatic dual-zone air conditioning, which is able to operate without the engine running. It also incorporates a “Max AC” feature, which removes any guesswork and simply achieves the desired temperature as quickly as possible. The cabin’s cooled air is subsequently fed into the hybrid battery pack for cooling. Other features on the Hybrid include standard Bluetooth connectivity and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel.

The SE model adds a Media-Device Interface (MDI) with iPod® cable, the Premium VIII touchscreen radio, keyless access with push-button start, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio. The SEL has a six-way power driver’s seat and the RNS 315 radio/navigation system, while the SEL Premium has the Fender Premium Audio System as standard equipment. The result of an exclusive collaboration between Volkswagen and one of the music industry’s most iconic brands, this 400-watt system features a 10-channel amplifier. In turn, this feeds four tweeters (two mounted in the A-pillars, two mounted in the rear doors), a 50-watt woofer installed in each door, and a 100-watt subwoofer box mounted under the rear shelf.

Engine and Transmission
The star of the Jetta Hybrid show is unquestionably a powertrain that’s unique in the compact hybrid segment. Combining a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with a 27-horsepower electric motor, the Jetta Hybrid is able to achieve a perfect balance of power, efficiency, and cleanliness.

The gasoline engine is one of Volkswagen’s latest EA211 series of small engines. This features many improvements over the previous EA111 generation, including lightweight aluminum construction, an integrated (into the head) exhaust manifold, and a toothed-belt drive for its double overhead camshaft valvetrain that incorporates variable intake timing. In fact, the only aspect to be carried over from its predecessor is the 82 mm cylinder spacing. The cylinder bore was decreased by 2 mm (to 74.5mm) while the stroke was increased to 80mm, a change which not only helps compactness, but also increases torque and presents an ideal canvas for adding boost (turbocharging or supercharging)— something the engineers at Volkswagen have spent many years perfecting.

The 1.4-liter TSI® engine in the Jetta Hybrid features a 10.5:1 compression ratio, direct fuel injection, and turbocharging to produce 150 hp at 5000 rpm. This engine’s turbocharging system offers incredible boost response thanks to its cleverly designed intake manifold, which enables the use of a surprisingly small, single-scroll compressor. The intercooler, uniquely, is integrated directly into the injection-molded induction pipe. This design generates maximum torque of 184 pound-feet at 1600 rpm.

A hybrid also needs electric power. For that, the Volkswagen engineers employed an innovative hybrid module—a single, integrated unit that incorporates both the electric motor and the clutch that connects it to the engine. This water-cooled motor can add 27 horsepower (20kW) to the mix, as well as a constant 114 lb-ft of torque. Combined, the system puts out 170 hp at 5000 rpm and184 lb-ft of torque at an impressively low1000 rpm, giving the car incredibly smooth acceleration. (The maximum torque is limited by the transmission.)

An 11.9-gallon fuel tank provides gasoline for the engine and a high-voltage battery placed above the rear axle powers the Jetta Hybrid’s electric motor. This 60-cell system produces a total voltage of 220 V, rated energy of 1.1 kWh, and pulse power of 32 kW. This battery pack is equipped with high-tech cooling and management systems to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability.

An industry first, the Jetta Hybrid connects its powerplant to the pavement via a seven-speed, DSG® dual-clutch automatic gearbox. This DQ200 transmission is the most efficient unit in Volkswagen’s DSG arsenal and employs a dry-clutch design, as opposed to the wet-clutch arrangement seen in many other Volkswagen products. This unit can be operated as a pure automatic (“D” mode) or shifted manually. There is also a sport setting (“S” mode).

Thanks to the refined powertrain and features such as a newly designed exhaust system, an acoustic windshield, and thicker front side windows, the Jetta Hybrid is the quietest car Volkswagen has offered in the compact sedan class.

Full Suite of Hybrid Functionality
The powertrain management and integration truly makes the Jetta Hybrid stand out among other hybrid offerings. The powertrain provides a full suite of hybrid functionality, including use of the electric motor to boost power output, exceptionally efficient regenerative braking, and all-electric, zero-emissions operation.

Electric Mode: The Jetta Hybrid starts up as an electric vehicle and will remain like this up to speeds of 37 mph, dependent on how hard the driver wants to accelerate and on the topography. In this mode, the gasoline engine is stopped and is actually entirely disconnected from the drivetrain to eliminate any loss in efficiency through parasitic drag. Even though the engine isn’t working, the HVAC and electrical components like the audio system continue to operate. Although not designed for long-range, all-electric driving, the car can remain in this mode for more than a mile, given the right circumstances.

If the driver selects the “E-Mode” button to the right of the shift lever, the zero-emissions, electric mode is maintained up to 44 mph and allows for more aggressive gas pedal inputs. This mode requires adequate battery charge and temperature: if the battery is depleted, the system will reactivate once it has regenerated enough power.
Turbo Power: Above 37mph (44 mph in E-Mode), when the battery level is low, or there’s a demand for additional power, the Jetta Hybrid taps into the turbocharged engine. Once the driver has depressed the gas pedal the required amount, the clutch immediately and seamlessly closes, thus starting the gasoline engine. Once operating, the engine delivers more power than is needed in order to charge the battery pack.

Boosting: If maximum acceleration is needed (either through kickdown in “D”, or with the shift lever in “S” or in the manual gate), the system will begin “Boosting”. In this mode, the electric motor works in conjunction with the gasoline engine, assisting it to achieve the total system output of 170 hp.

During these periods of “active boost” assistance, the primary role of the electric motor is to increase the powertrain’s output. There is also a “passive boost” state, in which the electric unit takes over accessory power, leaving the gasoline engine to focus on sending all of its power to the transmission. (Theoretically, this is the same as eliminating the parasitic drag created by a conventional car’s alternator.)

Regeneration and Coasting: While the gasoline engine charges the battery during non-boost states, this requires energy and thus, fuel (albeit a minimal amount). The only truly “free” way of sending charge back to the battery is through regenerative braking. This process occurs whenever the driver applies the brakes, causing the Jetta Hybrid to convert the kinetic energy (in the form of heat) generated by braking into electricity in the battery. The Jetta Hybrid increases the amount of regeneration by decoupling the engine from the drivetrain, reducing drag caused by engine braking and also increasing the amount of retardation needed (and thus heat).

The engine is also shut off and is decoupled from the driveline to eliminate drag caused by the engine’s torque at higher speeds—up to 84 mph—when the driver releases the gas pedal. This helps to save fuel when, for instance, the car is going down a gentle slope or is coasting to a halt.

Frugal … And Sporty: The Jetta Hybrid is able to achieve excellent fuel economy: the manufacturer estimated combined figure is 45 mpg. Despite this impressive efficiency, the vehicle is still able to reach 60 mph from a standstill in 8.6 seconds, and continue on to a top track speed of 125 mph (electronically governed in the U.S.).

To emphasize the Jetta Hybrid’s sporty credentials, a modified car set a number of records at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah during the Southern California Timing Association’s World Finals in October. The car now holds the H/PS class record—for production-based cars with engines of less than 1.5 liters that use forced induction—at 186.313 mph, as well as the highest top speed ever recorded for a hybrid, at 187.607 mph. These are impressive numbers for a car with such a small engine that also utilizes a full hybrid powertrain—and proof that the 2013 Jetta Hybrid isn’t your typical offering in this segment.

Suspension
The Jetta Hybrid features a suspension designed for lively handling, as well as comfort and stability. The front end employs damper struts with lower control arms and an anti-roll bar. At the rear, the car uses a multi-link, independent layout featuring gas-pressurized dampers and separate coil springs. Combined with Volkswagen’s latest electric power steering system, the Jetta Hybrid offers predictably precise, sporty road manners without sacrificing smoothness or comfort. This is an especially noteworthy achievement in a segment that has historically stressed efficiency at the expense of an enjoyable drive.

Safety and Security
Like the rest of the Volkswagen family, the 2013 Jetta Hybrid places a strong emphasis on safety. This begins with an extremely strong body structure that uses hot-formed steels and is meticulously designed to optimize the vehicle’s performance in front, side, and rear impact crashes.

The Jetta Hybrid comes standard with front and side airbags for front-seat occupants, as well as Side Curtain Protection® airbags for both front and rear seats. It also features numerous electronic driving aids and safety systems, including Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Brake-Pressure Distribution (EBD), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). Additionally, the Jetta line employs Volkswagen’s Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), which unlocks the doors and turns on the hazard lights, as well as shutting down the fuel system in certain types of collision.

The 2013 Jetta Hybrid is offered with the Carefree Maintenance Program at no extra charge. This covers all scheduled maintenance during the car’s standard new car limited warranty period of three years or 36,000 miles.

Model Line-up

Jetta Hybrid
Available exclusively through special order, the Jetta Hybrid begins at just $24,995. It includes all interior and exterior Hybrid-specific features, as well as Bluetooth connectivity, Climatronic dual-zone climate control, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and a six-speaker audio system.

Jetta Hybrid SE
The Jetta Hybrid SE starts at $26,990, and adds several significant features over the Hybrid. These include LED taillights and keyless access with push-button start, as well as the Premium VIII touchscreen audio system with color energy flow display in the center console. Also included is the Media-Device Interface with iPod® cable and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio.

Jetta Hybrid SEL
The Jetta Hybrid SEL variant starts at $29,325. This takes all the features of the SE trim and adds 16-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a power tilt and slide sunroof, the RNS315 touchscreen navigation system, and heated seats with power adjustment on the driver’s side.

Jetta Hybrid SEL Premium
The top-tier Jetta Hybrid is the SEL Premium, starting at $31,180. This includes all the specifications of the previous versions, but adds Bi-Xenon headlamps with LED DRLs and the Active Front-Lighting System (AFS), foglights with cornering lights, 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, a rearview camera, and the exceptional Fender Premium Audio System.

Courtesy of Volkswagen USA News

Hurricane Safety Tips!

Hey fans! Make sure you stay safe out there. Hurricanes cause heavy rains that can cause extensive flood damage in coastal and inland areas. Here is a government safety tip to keep in mind while preparing for Hurricane Sandy.

Be sure trees and shrubs around your home are well trimmed so they are more wind resistant. Clear loose and clogged rain gutters and downspouts.

Keep up the great service Bob!

"Overall, everyone was really helpful, funny, and polite. I have already told my friends about Checkered Flag VW and the people there..." -Mel075

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Pirelli World Challenge 2012 | Mid-Ohio Raceway

Complimentary Multi-Point Inspection with any service appointment

Come in an get your free winners world class complimentary multi-point inspection with any service appointment!

Details: Valid only at Checkered Flag Volkswagen. Cannot be combined with any other specials, discounts, or offers. See Checkered Flag Volkswagen for complete details. Offer expires 10-31-2012

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Volkswagen is proud to have supported Parkinson’s sufferer and athlete with two Touareg SUVs

New York, NY., -  After approximately 3500 miles of cycling, running, and kayaking across America, Parkinson’s sufferer and activist Alex Flynn arrived in New York City at the end of his latest mission to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds to find a cure. Accompanying him every inch of the way were two Touareg SUV support vehicles, provided by Volkswagen of America.

Flynn, a trained athlete diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, departed from Santa Monica, Calif. on Wednesday, September 5 and finished in New York City on October 10. The Trans America Challenge is one of a series of endurance events that Flynn will tackle in his mission to travel 10 million meters (6,213 miles) and raise £1 million ($1.5 million USD) for Parkinson’s research by 2014. See alexflynn.co.uk for more details.

At the end of his epic adventure, Flynn said: “I truly never thought I would still have the energy left to make it to the finish. My legs are testament to the fact that we are all capable of anything in our lifetime, regardless of what challenges we face. I am in awe of all of the support I have had, from The Michael J. Fox Foundation and Volkswagen to the deVere Group, Orbea, the Clorex Group, Garmin, Saucony, Buff, and OMM. We couldn’t have done it without the Touaregs: they were the perfect cycling support vehicles.”

Courtesy of Volkswagen USA

Great job team on this five-star review!

"I highly recommend Jason to anyone looking for a new car. Besides him being a genuine person, he was a huge help..." -Kkremer7

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Happy Monday!

Share with us how great your Monday is today!

Shout out to our great customers for these great reviews!

"He was very professional, and did not approach me with high pressure sales techniques. Potential customers you'll enjoy the service..." -wolfeyes

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Keep up the great service David & Jason!

"This dealership was a part of the Navy Federal Tent Sale, which shows how reputable the dealership is to Active Duty military members. The process was surprising simple and David made it very easy for me to purchase my new car. Thank you for being so attentive and patient." -Kate

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H2O International 2012 | Volkswagen | Ocean City, MD

Five-stars for Amanda! Great work!

"Great working with Amanda and all of the staff at Checkered Flag...always friendly, fast service!" -Allison R

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Turning old into new – 65 years of Volkswagen Genuine Exchange Parts

• Industrial remanufacturing of engines, gearboxes and components celebrates anniversary

• Almost 89 million parts sold under the Exchange Parts program

• Customers save an average 40 percent

Wolfsburg – An idea born of necessity during the post-war period has today become a successful concept that not only protects the environment but also goes easy on the pocketbooks of Volkswagen customers. For 65 years now, old parts have been industrially remanufactured, becoming as good as new – or sometimes even better. In total, some 7.9 million engines, 2.9 million gearboxes and over 78 million other components have been sold under the Exchange Parts program during this period.

Volkswagen’s “exchange parts business” began in 1947 with the remanufacturing of Beetle engines. Today, some 450 employees work in engine remanufacturing at the Baunatal plant. Each year, around 48,000 engines in 490 variants, 60,000 cylinder heads in 220 variants and 49,000 gearboxes in 550 variants are reconditioned. Thanks to technological progress, even advanced common rail engines and DSG dual clutch transmissions can be reconditioned today. The current range covers over 16,000 exchange parts from 63 product groups. The advantage for customers is that they save an average 40 percent on Genuine Exchange Parts compared with the price of new parts, but still enjoy the same quality, functionality and warranty.

The Exchange Parts program not only benefits customers, but also helps to protect the environment. The amount of steel saved each year is approximately 7,000 metric tonnes, enough to build another Eiffel Tower in Paris. This underscores Volkswagen’s responsible approach to energy and raw materials and makes an important contribution to sustainability. The Group has set its sights on becoming the world’s leading automaker in both economic and ecological terms by 2018. The “Think Blue. Factory.” program brings together all ecological activities at Volkswagen plants with a view to meeting this target.

Courtesy of Volkswagen

Thanks to all of our wonderful customers for these amazing reviews!

The staff was great and the best service I have received ever from a dealership.."-GHibner

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It's not the miles, it's how you live them

Thanks for this awesome review Michael D!

"Thank you to Checkered Flag, USAA, and the entire team of exceptional professionals that made this an anniversary to remember for my wife!" - Michael D.

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Test drive a 2013 Jetta S!

Looking for a new way to hit the road! Check out the all new 2013 Jetts S!

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Five-Stars for the Checkered Flag Team!

" I am now the proud owner of a 2012 Jetta and I have to say it was an amazing experience..." -samos003

"This was by the best car buying experience I have had..." -ckroboth

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Volkswagen Unveils the New 2013 Beetle Convertible

Herndon, VA -  Today, Volkswagen unveils the latest Beetle Convertible, the third-generation of the iconic VW ragtop. Like its predecessors—the type 15 from 1949 and the 2003 New Beetle Convertible—the curvaceous convertible offers the perfect combination of practicality and fun for four.

In creating the latest version of the Beetle Convertible, Volkswagen has reinterpreted the Beetle Convertible’s timeless design with a sportier and more dynamic silhouette, just as it did with the latest Beetle coupe. The combination of a flatter roofline and a more upright windshield gives the car a shape that’s more closely aligned with the first generation of Beetle convertibles.

Volkswagen decided to stick with a traditional soft-top rather than incorporate a folding hardtop on the car. When the top is down, it lies flat, giving good rear visibility. Although the top looks compact when furled, it’s actually wide and long when in place, an action that takes a little over 10 seconds at the touch of a button.

Inside, the Beetle Convertible retains the design cues that have made the latest Beetle such a hit with consumers, such as the body-color dashboard and the stylish gauges and trim. The spacious cabin has space for four full-size adults and is able to carry plenty of luggage: a fold-down split rear bench seat increases the practicality even further.

In any Volkswagen, safety is paramount and to that end, the company has developed an Automatic Rollover Support System. Two roll-over bars are concealed behind the back of the rear bench seat, activated by the computer that deploys the airbags in the case of a crash.

Along with the fixed A-pillars, they provide effective protection for the occupants of all four seats within milliseconds. Driver and front passenger combined head-thorax airbags are also among the standard equipment.

The new Beetle Convertible will be available in the United States with three engine options. The entry-level powerplant is the familiar 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Volkswagen’s fuel-efficient 2.0-liter TDI® Clean Diesel four-cylinder engine makes 140 hp and 236 lb-ft, but just as importantly delivers an EPA estimated fuel economy figure of 41 mpg on the highway with the six-speed manual transmission. (A six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic is also available with this engine.) Finally, the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI® four-cylinder, which makes 200 hp and 207 lb-ft, can be ordered with either a six-speed manual or DSG automatic.

Beetle Convertible pricing for the U.S. will be announced closer to launch, which occurs in the last quarter of 2012.

Courtesy of Volkswagen Newsroom

Great job team! Keep these five-star reviews coming!

"We were treated respectfully and made to feel that our purchase was as important to the garage as it was to our family..." - Jay R

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Five-Star Service from our Five-Star Service Team!

Jim K
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Oct 01, 2012

I brought my 2010 Jetta Sportwagen TDi in for repairs yesterday and the scope of the job required more parts than originally anticipated. As a result I'll need to revisit your shop to complete the repairs next week. The WOW in my story was that Jeff Bryner put my car in for a full complimentary wash so that it sparkled like new when I picked it up. Any frustration I may have felt due to the need to return to have my repair completed was washed away by the sight of that clean car. Kudos to Jeff and to Shaina for making my car look like new!

Mike B
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Oct 01, 2012

Very nice job today on the 20K mile service of my 2011 Golf TDI.

Jesus Vicente, my new consultant, was on time, explained all in detail, presented me with my washed vehicle along with additional requested technical information at the end of a surprisingly reasonable timeframe for a wait customer.

Traveling from the Eastern Shore of VA as an 8AM customer, correct and timely warranty work makes a repeat customer smile, while encouraging me to recommend C.F. to my friends.

C P Hathaway
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Oct 01, 2012

I want to give all 10's to Jeff Bryner. What a great guy. He explained everything that was going to happen. I didn't have to wait long and I just think you better not lose him. Thank you again.

Rosalyn
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Sep 28, 2012

This was truly a very very random act of kindness by the staff of checkered today. When I drove up to the service door a gentle came out and changed my license plate panel because it was bent I had a free winners edge state inspection I received a free oil change I received a world class vehicle interactive inspection with walk around I received a much needed free car wash.

I am so grateful to Checkered Flag Volkswagen, because I lost my job a few months ago and I would not have been able to afford all of these services. I appreciate your excellence in customer service. Thank you again.

Props to Amanda for great customer service!

"My husband and I had a very pleasant experience at Checkered Flag VW. I appreciate the attentiveness of our salesperson, Amanda Beaulieu and also the fact that there was no pressure..." -Jane M.

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Der Golf. Das Auto.

October offers are up for grabs!

Free Winners World Class Complimentary Multi-Point Inspection with any service appointment!

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New Volkswagen GTI Images

Hot hatch fans got excited about the reveal of the all-new seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf earlier this year. Why? Because a new Golf means that there is a new GTI coming soon, and photos of the MkVII GTI have now appeared a little ahead of schedule.

These photos, which leaked online from a number of sources this morning, allegedly show the new GTI “concept” which will debut later this week. According to reports, the new GTI will use the same 2.0-liter urbocharged four-cylinder from the 2013 Audi S3 tuned to 217 hp, modest 17-hp bump from the current GTI. However, the MkVII GTI should feel much faster, thanks to an extra 50 lb-ft of torque and a reportedly lighter curb weight than the current car’s 3034 pounds. Auto Express reports that the GTI will now make the sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 6.6 seconds, down from 6.9 seconds.

Expect to see both traditional six-speed manual and dual-clutch gearboxes, along with a raft of aesthetic upgrades. The GTI’s signature red-trimmed honeycomb grille makes an appearance here, along with vertical fog lights that boast sporty horizontal strakes. A new rendition of the classic “cheese slicer" five spoke wheels appears here, as do dual chrome-tipped exhausts. Inside, the MkVII Golf’s cabin is decked out in the requisite black/red/white tartan color scheme, and is highlighted by piano black trim. In keeping with the sporty motif, there is a new flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in leather and accented with red stitching.

With the MkVII VW Golf not slated to hit U.S. shores until early 2014, don’t expect to see the new GTI appear here until sometime later on that year.

Courtesy of Motor Trend

Argo and Aran deserve five stars today!

J Krell
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Oct 02, 2012

I walked in the dealership on a whim. I was quickly helped by Aran who was able to answer every question I had. He was very knowledgeable about the vehicles I was interested in. Aran was easy to work with, did not pressure me in any way, and was responsive over email and phone. I would recommend Aran to anyone for a great car buying experience.

The dealership is nicer on the inside than it appears on the outside. I have no experience with my car being serviced yet, but I have nothing but positives about the car buying experience.

Katrina
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Oct 01, 2012

Argo was great, He provided a professional advice and helped us to make a right choice when picking out a new vehicle for our family.

dede r
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Oct 01, 2012

Argo was extremely helpful in locating the car we wanted. He researched, found and had delivered within a few days. He was very knowledgeable on the model we anted and we did not feel pressured. We will refer all Volkswagen buyers we know to Argo.

Chris de Burgh and daughter Rosanna Davison test the new Golf in Sardinia

See the full gallery on Posterous

The Irish singer and composer Chris de Burgh and his daughter Rosanna Davison will be the first celebrities to test the new Golf. The musician and the model will attend the international media driving presentation of the new Golf in Sardinia on 5 to 7 October this year.

Even before the event itself, they had the chance to have a look at the latest version of the cult vehicle in the photo studio and were both bowled over. "I have been using Volkswagen for 10 years when I go on tour, preferably the Multivan, but I really like the new Golf", says Chris de Burgh. "I am at home everywhere with Volkswagen, and will be driving all over Europe exclusively in Volkswagen for the promotion tour for my new album."

His latest acoustic album HOME will be released on 8th October. It features a total of 14 favourite tracks he has written himself. In a career stretching back 38 years so far, Chris de Burgh has sold 50 million albums.

His daughter Rosanna Davison (28) is also taken with the design of the new Golf: "It looks very smart and stylish", says the model, who was recently featured on the cover of a well-known German magazine for men, and in many German and international newspapers. Rosanna has already proven that she is just as intelligent as she is attractive. The Irish model gained top marks in her sociology degree and is now also studying biomedicine and nutrition. She also has a degree in event management with PR. In 2003 she was the 52nd Miss World, and the first Irish entrant to claim the title. She is just as at home on the catwalk as she is at photo shoots, and has featured in magazines such as Hello, OK and Vanity Fair.

Courtesy of VW Media Services