VW Tunes New E88 Turbo Engine-Powered Jetta Sedans and Golf Mk7 for SEMA

This week's 2013 SEMA Show in Las Vegas will see Volkswagen bringing tuned Jetta sedans fitted with the brand's all-new 1.8-liter turbocharged Gen 3 EA888 engine that replaces the venerable 2.5-liter inline five and the latest version of the 2.0-liter TFSI, along with the seventh generation of the Golf hatchback.

The first Jetta study is the 425-horsepower “Racer’s Dream in Black and White” built in collaboration with FMS Automotive. It uses VW's newer 2.0-liter TFSI that in stock form, makes 210hp or 10hp more over the Gen 2 unit.

FMS Automotive tapped the APR for their Stage 3+ Turbo Kit to help boost output to 425HP, while also upgrading the suspension (H&R kit), wheels (19-inch TSW Jerez wrapped in Nitto rubber) and brakes (Brembo with a set of performance four-piston calipers and cross-drilled rotors). A matte white finish for the body that contrasts against gloss black accents, an aero package that includes Golf R skirts, and a sported up interior complete the list.

The second Jetta model is the "Helios Special Edition Jetta GLI Tribute" that uses VW's all-new 1.8-liter turbo engine. As the name points out, the styling details and paint scheme pay homage to VW's original Helios Special Edition from the late 1980s . Notable upgrades include a VW-designed aero package, Golf R brake calipers custom painted with the “Helios” logo, 19-inch VW Motorsports wheels coated in ceramic gunmetal gray and wrapped with Nitto Invo 235/35 ZR-rated tires, and new Recaro seats inside.

VW hasn't released any photos of the H&R Golf Mk7 study but it did mention that the car will feature a sports suspension, Brembo brakes, 19-inch rims in 225/35ZR tires, a VW Accessories body styling kit and a sports exhaust with center tailpipes.

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2015 VW CrossGolf Might Look Like This

We've already established that Volkswagen's Sportsvan study from last month's Frankfurt Motor Show is actually more or less a preview of next year's production Golf Plus than a real concept, so what more logical than to re-imagine it into a replacement for the CrossGolf.

The digital transformation of the Sportsvan into a 2015 CrossGolf fell into the hands of Remco Meulendijk who updated the concept with all those rugged styling cues we expect to find in a production version, such as the higher ride, grey plastic cladding on the wheel arches, side skirts and bumpers, roof rails and bright silver accents on the front and rear bumpers.

The only thing we'd change would be the wheels and perhaps add some more silver accents on the mirror caps.

If you're asking us when VW will produce a new generation CrossGolf, the answer is we don't know yet, but chances are it won't be long after the market launch of the new Golf Plus.

Designer: Remco Meulendijk

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Rally Accident in Hungary Leaves Six Injured, One in Critical Condition

Word of caution: Some readers may find the images in the following video disturbing

A horrible accident that took place on Saturday afternoon (October 19, 2013) during a Hungarian rally in the village of Városlőd when a Volkswagen Golf Mk2 racer lost control of his car and plowed a group of spectators who were watching the vehicles fly by at speed, has left six people injured, one seriously.

According to media reports from Hungary, one elderly victim is in coma having suffered severe abdominal, chest, spine and head injuries.

The Golf was reportedly going around 150km/h (93 mph) when the accident happened, though; this is something that has not been confirmed. Police are still investigating the circumstances of the accident.

We've also attached a video report from the scene of the accident. We'd be much obliged if any of Hungarian readers can translate and share the most important parts of the interview in the comments.

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VW Golf Gains Optional Internet Access, Estate Available with Progressive Steering

Volkswagen announced that the new Golf and Golf Estate can now be ordered with the Car-Net mobile online services in Europe. Introduced in the Golf GTI and GTD, Car-Net provides the driver with current information on the traffic situation and recommends alternative routes in case of traffic obstacles.

The system also offers realistic photographic map displays based on satellite images via Google Earth. When available, the 360-degree Google Street View can be accessed for better visual orientation in unfamiliar areas.

Car-Net also includes an online search function for special destinations, allowing the user to start a personal “point of interest” search. The function allows drivers to find destinations quicker and with the latest information.

In addition to Car-Net, the progressive steering option is now available on the Golf Estate as well. Offered with the R-Line sport pack, progressive steering features variable steering gear ratios, so that it takes just 2.1 turns of the steering wheel to reach the end stop – the standard steering system takes 2.75 turns.

The system reduces steering work noticeably during maneuvers like parking or turning. VW says that the more direct layout of progressive steering also improves dynamic performance on winding country roads and when making turns.

The R-Line sport pack available for the Golf Estate also includes a lowered ride height by 15 mm (0.6 inches) as well as 65 percent tinting of the rear side windows and rear windscreen.

By Dan Mihalascu

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