Volkswagen is considering production of an R version of its upcoming sixth-generation Jetta at its Peubla factory in Mexico. The new model is part of the company's efforts to give its U.S. lineup a greater number of image-leading performance models and lure younger customers to the brand.
The new four-door sedan, possibly to be previewed at the SEMA show in November, has been conceived to rival popular Japanese and European performance models such as the Honda Civic Si and BMW 128i.
Volkswagen won't officially confirm the existence of new model but officials at the European launch of the new Golf R in Ellmau, Austria this week indicate production plans for the Jetta R are already well advanced.
"Our modular construction and production process make it fairly straightforward. It's now a matter of formulating a sound business case to ensure the car is profitable. We don't want to leave the affordable performance sedan market in the US to our rivals but importing sporting models from Europe is proving prohibitively expensive at the moment," said a high level Inside Line source familiar with Volkswagen's North American model strategy.
With the Peubla factory now the sole producer of the Jetta worldwide, Volkswagen is looking to incorporate production of an R version of its upcoming compact sedan and possibly a coupe sibling, as previewed by the NCC (New Compact Coupe) at the recent North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Power for the new car is likely to come from the latest evolution of Volkswagen's turbocharged 2.0 litre four-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine, as used in the Scirocco R and Golf R where it delivers 265bhp and 258lb ft of torque.
Right now it is not clear whether Volkswagen favors a front- or four-wheel drive solution for the Jetta R. "There is nothing to rule out one or the other," said the Inside Line source. "The standard Jetta will support front-wheel drive and we have also established plans to offer the next Jetta wagon with a four-wheel drive option in certain markets."
Inside Line can also confirm Volkswagen plans to build the new Jetta with two different rear suspension designs. Lower end models like the S will receive a simple torsion beam arrangement similar to that used on the Beetle with sportier models such as the SLE set to receive a multi-link set-up similar to that used by the latest Golf - Reporting by Andreas Stahl in Austria.
jederino says:
08:53 AM, 01/27/10
I want to like the Jetta, but the styling needs to be picked up a bit to make it interesting. Also, I would like an indication that reliability problems are well behind them.
carguy622 says:
08:57 AM, 01/27/10
I love the Mustang, but the comment about two different rear suspensions being offered makes you think.
Also, who isn't in favor of more performance models. I hope the numbers work out. The more performance oriented choices, the merrier.
sgude says:
09:16 AM, 01/27/10
This is a no-brainer. I'm certain that there are many people who would love R performance in a four-door wrapper. Just do it, VW.
huyracing says:
09:22 AM, 01/27/10
This is why VW is great... they couldn't bring the Scirocco to us at a reasonable price, so they create a similar car for us in the NCC... and now they are in talks of offering an .:R version. My bet is they're leaning towards making it FWD to mimic the Scirocco... especially if the Golf .:R is coming. I would love to see a Beetle .:R at some point, as well.
blueprint1 says:
09:32 AM, 01/27/10
The new Golf R was actually on display at the 2010 Montreal Auto Show that opened on January 15th. VW claimed the car was displayed to gauge consumer interest.
inlinesix says:
06:47 PM, 01/27/10
I'd pass up any VW unless reliability is improved.
huyracing says:
07:05 PM, 01/27/10
inlinesix: VW reliability has improved.
kurtamaxxxguy says:
10:10 PM, 01/27/10
I would hope VW figures out how to build the USA bound R's either in Mexico (and keep or better the improved reliability noted recently) or in its new USA factory.
The Euro will continue to be a monkey on VW's back until then.