An unintended consequence: Using taxpayer dollars to promote performance car sales?
Volkswagen of America today announced the Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available in dealer showrooms January 2010.
The “concept” debuted in Las Vegas during the 2008 Specialty Equipment Market Association show. Following the SEMA show the concept was displayed at TDI Cup races throughout the country, where it was apparently well received.
”Since our inaugural TDI Cup series in 2008 we have received numerous inquiries as to whether or not we would offer a TDI Cup replica vehicle,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, VWoA.
The similarities between the TDI Cup racecar and the Street Edition equipped with the optional trim package are readily discerned: The Street Edition kit has the front bumper, side skirts and rear valance that are found on the racecars. All Street Edition models have larger brakes with red calipers, sway bars and a “European sport tuned suspension” from the performance-oriented GLI model.
The Street Edition is powered by a 2.0-liter, diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 foot pounds of torque. The engine makes use of an electronically controlled turbocharger and common rail direct fuel-injection technology, and can be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic transmission.
“We’re thrilled to announce that a special edition Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available in dealer showrooms early next year. What makes this special edition so unique is that it features the optional, race inspired, TDI Cup body kit package combined with our clean diesel engine. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition is one exceptional special model that is as fun-to-drive as it is to look at,” added Barnes.
Other standard upgrades include sport seats with “Interlagos” cloth, and a leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel that features paddle shifters when equipped with the auto transmission. Completing this dynamic special edition is a set of 18-inch Charleston wheels with performance all-season tires.
The special edition starts around $25,000. This is claimed to be staying true to the brand’s mantra of offering affordable German engineering that is fun to drive.
The Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition, like the Jetta TDI, Jetta SportWagen TDI, Golf TDI and Touareg TDI qualifies for an Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit. The tax credit on the “Street” Edition is $1,300.
Like all 2010 models, the Jetta TDI Cup “Street” Edition also comes standard with Volkswagen’s Carefree Maintenance Program, with no charges for the scheduled maintenance described in the vehicle’s maintenance booklet for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.