The Volkswagen Jetta is getting a hybrid version. Yes, a hybrid version.
That may not mean much to those gas-guzzling, sports car-driving types, but for those that take pride in alleviating some of Mother Nature’s plights, a green Jetta is just what the doctor ordered.
The Jetta Hybrid, which was launched at the 2012 North American International Auto Show, will provide customers a more economical version for a car that has long been one of Volkswagen’s most popular models.
The hybrid engine doesn’t sound like a world-beater - the lithium-ion battery only produces 1.1 kWh - but it’s still competent enough to allow the car to hit 44 mph. And when you add that to a 1.4-liter turbocharged engine that hits a total of 170 horsepower, you have a car that’s fixing to make a lot of Jetta lovers smile from ear to ear.
UPDATE 01/19/2012: Volkswagen has unveiled the first promotional video for the new Jetta Hybrid. Enjoy!
Find out more about the Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid after the jump.
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Now that the clock has finally run out and just hours away from the first showing of Fast Five - the fifth installment of the Fast and Furious franchise - we felt like it’s the right time to give proper respect to the characters that have made this movie franchise as fun as it has been since the first movie came out in 2001.
And if you think that we’re talking about resident leading men, Vin Diesel and Paul Walker, guess again. This list has very little to do with them, or their other co-stars for that matter, but more so about what they were driving during the first four movies. Yes, dear friends. This is a list to honor the Top 10 cars of the Fast and Furious franchise!
Do take note that we compiled this list based on our opinions so if you have any sort of reaction on the cars we chose and the number we gave them, you have the floor in the comments section to let us hear about it.
Hit the jump to check out our list.
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Throughout the past several weeks the economy of the United States and other large importers of oil have struggled to maintain positive amidst the turmoil in the middle-east. Civil unrest and pressure have led to a decrease in oil production and increase in the price for a single barrel. We have seen prices reach the $100 mark and beyond, and there are no signs of a ceiling.
These two year highs for the price of crude oil have led to OPEC releasing more supplies from our reserves, but it has not quelled the price hike. California is currently suffering from the highest prices nationwide and they have reached within a cent of $4.00 per gallon for regular unleaded. This has put added strain on a struggling economic environment for many people and, if this continues, it will drag our economy further down. With cars like the Toyota Prius and other hybrids hitting the market every week, it is good to see that the manufacturers are realizing that gasoline will not be the answer to our future problems.
The major auto shows and car introductions across the world, including the biggest in the United States, Detroit, are where auto manufacturers try to sell the public hot-air. Most of the amazing and futuristic concept cars are so far on the other side of being a production possibility they might as well be alien. The recent economic climate across the world has shifted the car companies in a new direction and the consumer continues to pull them even further. People are eager for cars that are economical and exciting – most people enjoy driving, just not having to pay $4.00 per gallon to do it.
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The sixth generation of Volkswagen’s small family car was only unveiled a short time ago at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show, but the German automaker has already found a way to persuade more money out of the wallets of potential Jetta owners with a new version of the vehicle. The 2011 Chicago Auto Show has welcomed the Volkswagen Jetta GLI, a new model that will be offered in three trim levels: base GLI, GLI Autobahn, and GLI Autobahn with Navigation.
The base model will feature a sportier look, a performance-oriented interior, better performance, and an impressive list of standard equipment. The GLI Autobahn then adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control, heated V-Tex leatherette seats, and a Fender-branded audio system. Claim the top-of-the-line GLI and you’ll get all of that plus Volkswagen’s RNS-315 navigation system, keyless entry, and push-button start.
Sales for the Jetta GLI will begin in Spring 2011 with prices starting at $23,495. The GLI Autobahn’s goodies will increase the price to $25,545, while the GLI Autobahn with Navigation is priced at $26,445. The extra $10,000 added to the GLI model may scare some potential owners from looking further, but this version may just have enough style and technology to fully make up for the extra bills.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta GLI.
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Apparently, even the tall and mighty are not immune to the auto world’s version of the flu: recalls.
Volkswagen, one of the biggest automakers in the world has issued a huge recall involving five of its models that were manufactured during a five-year period from 2006 to 2010. The problem appears to be a small plastic tab on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that could chafe against the car’s fuel supply line. The models affected by this problem include the Volkswagen Jetta, the Jetta Sportwagen, the Golf, and the Rabbit.
Meanwhile, another model – the New Beetle – has it’s own set of problems involving a fastening clamp on its hydraulic hose that could also chafe against the car’s fuel supply line.
These problems, if not treated immediately, could cause a fuel leak and at worst, the cars could also end up catching fire.
All in all, 228,236 models are affected by this problem. For their part, Volkswagen has already begun initiatives for the recall, which is expected to begin no later than January 31, 2011. If you have the Jetta, Golf, and Rabbit, service technicians will remove the plastic tab from the washer fluid reservoir. On the flip side, if you have the Beetle, service technicians will adjust the fastening clamp’s position, steering it clear from the car’s fuel supply line.
Should you have any questions regarding the recall, you can call Volkswagen at the 1-800-822-8987.
