Volkswagen of America, Inc., announced that it has prepared a specially-tuned 2019 Volkswagen Jetta to attempt the Southern California Timing Association’s BGC/G class record at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah, over August 11-17, 2018. The Bonneville Jetta will be powered by a modified version of Volkswagen’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct injection four-cylinder engine.
Built by Bonneville preparation specialists THR Manufacturing, based in Ventura, Calif., the Jetta previews the powertrain that will be used in the forthcoming Jetta GLI performance model. Volkswagen is hopeful that it can beat the existing class record of 208.472 mph, showcasing both the potential performance that the EA888 engine can achieve with modifications, and the all-new Jetta’s exceptionally aerodynamic shape, which yields a drag coefficient of just 0.27.
“We are delighted with the reception for the all-new 2019 Jetta in North America,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North America Region, Volkswagen. “With the attempt on the Bonneville speed record with the Jetta, we want to underline the Jetta’s sporty credentials and get customers excited for the more performance-oriented Jetta GLI on the way.”
To run at high speed on the salt, the Bonneville Jetta has had many other changes from stock. The suspension has been lowered, special Salt Flat wheels and tires fitted, and a limited-slip differential added to aid traction. The interior has been stripped and outfitted with full safety equipment—such as a roll cage, racing seat and harness—and a fire suppression system. To help slow the car down, the Bonneville Jetta has been fitted with a pair of parachutes.
The Bonneville Jetta’s graphic treatment was the work of Volkswagen’s Southern California Design Center. “This was a truly fun project to be involved in,” said Reto Brun, Director, Volkswagen Design Center California. “We wanted to highlight the sporty nature of the Jetta and give the car design graphics that would make it really stand out on the alien-like environment of the Bonneville Salt Flats. We wish the team luck as they attempt to make this the fastest Jetta—and the fastest production-based Volkswagen—ever seen!”
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA’s operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world’s largest producers of passenger cars and Europe’s largest automaker. VWoA sells the Atlas, Beetle, Beetle Convertible, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, and Tiguan Limited vehicles through more than 650 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.