According to a senior source inside Volkswagen of America, the German automaking giant is considering bringing production of the next generation Golf to North America. But why? And where?

The reason behind the potential move is obvious: Shifting some of the assembly from Wolfsburg, Germany to North America has the potential to save hundreds of millions of dollars over the lifetime of the next Golf. The budget-minded hatch is due for a major overhaul in the next few years, and lining up another NA-based production center would go a long way towards bringing VW's production capacity up to achieve its goal of selling 15 million vehicles worldwide by 2018.

With its Puebla, Mexico facility building the new Jetta and ramping up production of the new Beetle, its output could be tapped out if the reborn Bug proves to be a sales success in the States. And VW probably won't expand its Mexican production operations, leaving its new Chattanooga, Tennessee plant, which is currently producing the Passat.

The facility in Tennessee is presently capable of producing 150,000 vehicles per year, but as VW officials have previously confirmed, there's plenty of potential to expand the plant. And we're sure Tennessee would welcome the extra investment.

One thing that won't happen – we've been assured – is a diluted and cut-price NA-specific Golf to compete on the low-end of the segment – even if production shifts to this side of the planet.
Regardless of where it's built, the next Golf will be a global model, unlike the current Jetta.

Volkswagen is about unleash its most powerful sports performance car yet in the U.S. -- the 256-horsepower Golf R.


And it will come both as a coupe and a sedan, with a starting price for the two-door at $33,900 and $36,090 for the four-door, before shipping charges. It goes on sale early next year.

To keep it sporty, the Golf R will come with a standard six-speed manual transmission and standard all-wheel-drive. The engine is a turbocharged, 2-liter, four-cylinder powerplant. Yet it will get a respectable 19 miles per gallon in the city, 27 mpg on the highway.

The R will come in in five colors: Rising Blue, Candy White, Carbon Steel Gray, Black, and Tornado Red.

VOLKSWAGEN ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE NEW GOLF R: $33,990 FOR THE TWO-DOOR MODEL

With 256 horsepower, the Golf R is the most powerful VW sports performance vehicle ever sold in the U.S.-and Volkswagen's new performance icon is now available in two- and four-doors

• Well-equipped two-door model starts at $33,990
• Sunroof and Navigation models have MSRPs of $35,490 (two-door) and $36,090 (four-door)
• Most powerful Golf production engine to be sold in the U.S.
• Six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive standard
• Predicted fuel economy of 19 mpg city, 27 mpg highway
• Bi-Xenon headlights and LED DRLs standard on all models
• On-sale early 2012 as a 2012 model, in both two- and four-door versions

Herndon, VA – Intelligent downsizing. That's what the new Golf R represents. The heir to the 2004 and 2008 Golf R32 models, the new R manages to have more power, more performance, and consume less gasoline than its illustrious iconic performance forebears. And it offers all this for just $33,990, plus destination, for the two-door Golf R model.

Whereas the R32 models used 3.2-liter VR6 engines, the new Golf R is fitted with a high-output version of the award-winning turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI® engine. This engine makes 256 horsepower, six more than the VR6 fitted into the 2008 R32. As well as offering more power and performance, the Golf R is also more economical, with manufacturer estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared with EPA estimated mileage of 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for the prior model.

Like the previous R32 models, the Golf R is equipped with Volkswagen's 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system: the latest generation of this system can divert up to 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels, if needed. All Golf R models sold in the U.S will be equipped with a close-ratio six-speed manual transmission. For the first time, the Golf R will be available in two- and four-door guises as well as in two trim levels: well-equipped Golf R and luxurious Golf R with Sunroof and Navigation.

Exterior

The Golf R is a refined vehicle that's marked by clean, minimalist lines that are mixed with sharp, intricate detailing. The style is sleek and contemporary, yet timeless and elegant.

The changes made for the Golf R are subtle yet striking, in keeping with the car's mission of providing sophisticated and understated performance. Up front, there's a new bumper that incorporates LED daytime running lights and three large black air intakes that help cool the engine. The radiator grille is finished in gloss black and features an "R" logo that sets the front of the car apart from the rest of the Golf range. Unique Bi-Xenon headlamps that are framed in black also have the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), whereby the lights turn with the steering wheel, up to a maximum of 15 degrees, to provide better visibility around bends.

The car's streamlined profile continues toward the rear, with a pair of subtly flared side skirts running along the lower edge of the body. The new 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels expose gloss-black-painted brake calipers that incorporate the "R" logo; the exterior mirrors also have a gloss-black finish.

There's further differentiation at the back of the R, where a new rear bumper was needed to accommodate the central twin pipes for the exhaust system, similar to the tailpipes fitted on the original 2004 R32. The bumper also features a gloss-black diffuser. The back end is highlighted by a slightly larger tail spoiler than that of the GTI and a subtle "R" badge. The R is available in five colors: Rising Blue, Candy White, Carbon Steel Gray, Black, and Tornado Red.

Interior

Just like the exterior, the interior has been enhanced to make it even more purposeful and demonstrate its role at the apex of the Golf range.

On opening the door, the driver and passenger will note aluminum "R" kickplates on the sills, before sliding into deep bucket seats. These are adorned with an "R" logo on the head restraint and are upholstered in supple leather.

The squared-off steering wheel is also swathed in leather, with gloss-black-finished spokes that carry through from the exterior design. Other R-specific features include: blue pointers for the instruments; the shifter knob with an "R" motif; aluminum trim for the dashboard and doors; and aluminum pedals.

The Golf R comes extremely well equipped, even in base form. Fully automatic dual-zone climate control is standard, along with a multifunction steering wheel, Premium VIII audio with eight speakers, aux-in, a Media Device Interface with iPod® connectivity, and Bluetooth®. The Golf R with Sunroof and Navigation adds the RNS 315 touchscreen navigation system; a 300-watt Dynaudio® sound system; a sunroof; and Keyless Entry with push-button start.

Just like the rest of the Golf range, the R is practical and versatile. The high-lifting tailgate provides easy ingress and egress to a load area that offers 15.3 cubic feet of space. And with the folding rear seat back split 60/40-and featuring a pass-through-there's real flexibility for load carrying.

Engine and Transmission

The Golf R is fitted with the most powerful Golf production engine ever seen in the U.S. The car uses an updated version of the EA113 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, rather than the EA888 engine used in the current GTI. Like the EA888, the EA113 uses direct fuel injection and double overhead camshafts with variable intake timing. Because the Golf R develops more power and torque than the GTI-256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft compared with 200 hp and 207 lb-ft-a number of changes have been made. The cylinder block is reinforced, stronger connecting rods are fitted, and a BorgWarner K04 turbocharger is used, boosting at up to 17 psi. With manufacturer estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, this is the most fuel-efficient Golf R model ever sold in the U.S.

The Golf R is offered with a slick shifting, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that features a magnesium selector housing and cable operation with very short lever movements. The latest-generation 4Motion all-wheel drive is also standard on the Golf R. This system uses a Haldex® clutch pack that continuously varies the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels, depending on whether slippage is detected at the front. In normal driving, the Golf R acts like a front-wheel-drive machine, which has benefits for fuel economy. However, if needed, up to 100 percent of the torque can be directed to the rear wheels for traction on more challenging surfaces.

Suspension

The Golf R has unique calibration for its suspension, even compared with the GTI. At the front, it uses a damper-strut layout with lower control arms and a stiff, tubular anti-roll bar that combine to help keep the front tires planted during hard cornering, reducing body roll and heightening steering feedback.

At the back, there's a compact multilink independent layout that features coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar. The four-link layout features three lateral control arms-the spring mounting, the track rod and upper control arm, and a trailing link at each wheel. Suspension assemblies are attached by way of a rear-axle subframe and, as at the front, rubber and metal mountings that are soft in torsion but stiff radially are used to help ensure the anti-roll bar responds immediately and suppresses body roll effectively.

The spring and damper units are located separately on each side of the car at the rear, with the coil spring bearing directly on the trailing link and the damper attached to the wheel hub assembly. This enables the suspension geometry on the compression stroke to generate a toe steering effect that maintains neutral behavior, or some slight understeer, in all driving and load-carrying situations. It also helps ensure excellent driving stability on rough, uneven road surfaces. Stylish 18-inch-diameter aluminum-alloy wheels are shod with 225/40 all-season performance tires.

Steering and Brakes

The Golf R uses a third-generation electro-mechanical power steering system that is able to vary the feel of the steering to suit the speed and driving situation. It is firm and direct when driving at highway speeds, requiring less effort at parking speeds. Other advantages of the system include its mild self-centering action, and its ability to help compensate for driving hazards like crosswinds and steep road cambers. In the Golf R, the steering ratio is quicker than the GTI's for an even sportier on-road feel.

The brakes were modified to cope with the Golf R's higher level of performance as compared to the GTI. Golf R gets vented 13.6-inch-diameter front and 12.2-inch rear discs, up from the GTI's 12.3-inch-diameter vented front and 10.7-inch solid rear discs. Naturally, anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard, along with electronic brake pressure distribution (EBS) and hydraulic brake assist (HBA). The latest version of HBA is able to discern whether the braking is "normal" or an emergency according to the speed with which the pedal is depressed. In the event of an emergency, HBA helps increase the brake pressure and activates the ABS.

Safety and Security

The 2012 Golf R comes with an array of standard safety features. For driving security, enhancements include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), and an Electronic Differential Lock (EDL). A hill holder function automatically applies the parking brake when the vehicle comes to rest and the brake is depressed in traffic, preventing the car from rolling backwards or forwards. The brake is released once the driver presses the accelerator pedal. This is especially useful in slow traffic on long inclines.

Should the car be involved in a crash, the occupants are protected by driver and passenger front and front side thorax airbags together with Side Curtain Protection® head airbags for front and rear passengers. Volkswagen's advanced Intelligent Crash Response System shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and even switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collisions.

Like all 2012 Volkswagen models, the Golf R is covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty-three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Model Line-up

The base Golf R is a sophisticated and luxurious performance car, with a high level of standard equipment.

Golf R

Starting at $33,990, the two-door Golf R comes equipped with Bi-Xenon headlights; dual-zone Climatronic® air conditioning; cruise control; leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel; power windows with auto up/down function; leather seating surfaces; 60/40-split folding rear seat with pass through; aluminum pedals; a leather shifter knob and brake lever; and Bluetooth® technology. The eight-speaker sound system has an in-dash six-CD changer, AM/FM/SiriusXM™ Satellite Radio, and auxiliary input jack along with an iPod® adapter.

Golf R with Sunroof and Navigation

Starting at $35,490 for the two-door model, this adds: a power tilt-and-slide sunroof; Keyless Entry with push-button start; the RNS 315 touchscreen navigation system; and the eight-channel 300-watt Dynaudio® premium sound system.

About Volkswagen of America, Inc.

Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen'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. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2012 Volkswagen models come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.

Notes:

This press release and images of the Golf R are available at media.vw.com.

"TSI", "VW", "Volkswagen", "4MOTION", "Climatronic", all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. "Carefree Maintenance" is a registered trademark of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. "Dynaudio" is a registered trademark of DYNAUDIO International GmbH. "iPod" is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. "SiriusXM" and "SiriusXM Satellite Radio" are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio, Inc. "Haldex" is a registered trademark of Haldex Traction Systems, Sweden.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.

Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. All other fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for the USA; those EPA estimates were not available at time of release.

MSRPs exclude taxes, title, transportation, options and dealer charges.

The Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) will only activate in a collision where the airbags deploy or safety belt pretensioners activate. Not all collisions cause airbags to deploy or safety belt pretensioners to activate.

and $36,090 (four-door)

Volkswagen Group of America temporarily halted sale today of certain diesel-powered models and is recalling nearly 160,000 VWs and about 7,000 Audis because of a high-pressure fuel line that might come loose.

The defect could cause a leak and possibly a fire. VW says it has no reports of fires, accidents or injuries due to the metal fuel lines, some of which don't meet correct specifications. VW says it had owner complaints and its investigation found the potentially faulty lines that are specific to the TDI diesel engines in certain models.

The recall will be of 159,844 TDI-equipped Jetta, Jetta SportWagen and Golf vehicles built from May 2009 through last month, which includes a few 2012 models. Some 7,335 Audi A3 TDI hatchbacks with the same build dates are to be recalled.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration knows of the pending recall and will make a separate announcement soon.

The action is significant because diesels are a big part of VW's U.S. image and its sales. About one out of five U.S.-market VW models are sold with diesels, which get 20% to 40% better fuel economy than similar-sized gasoline engines.

Vehicles with the incorrect fuel lines will get new ones, along with rubber dampers to absorb vibration and prevent further problems. The others that don't need new lines still will get the vibration absorbers as a precaution, VW says.

The automaker says it has some replacement fuel lines in stock and intends to give repair priority to owners whose vehicles need new lines. VW says it should take less than an hour for a dealership to replace a faulty line and add the rubber vibration dampers.

How quickly and efficiently VW can fix the problem also either will underline — or undermine — its many recent claims to improved quality and customer service.

The next VW Golf GTI will be faster and notably lighter and more sophisticated than the one they build now. And that's hardly shabby. This will be the seventh generation of the dynastic hot hatch, and it's due in 2012.

Part of its secret is that it will be more different from the base Golf 7s than today's GTI is from the basic Mk6s.

The current Mk6 is of course not much more than a heavily facelifted Mk5. But the Mk7 is all-new, sitting on an entirely fresh and highly configurable VW Group platform called MQB.

Model for model, new Golfs will be at least 70kg lighter than the ones they replace. Savings come from extra high-strength steel in the shell, optimised suspensions, and lighter engines and ancillaries.

But there's more to it than that. Volkswagen has patented a special welding process that means it can build GTI bodyshells with aluminium roofs, mixed up along the production line with steel-roofed regular Golfs. This means the weight drop for the GTI will be about 100kg compared with now, because it will have aluminium welded into the shell as well as in bolt-ons like the bonnet.

That's enough to be felt. The car will be more agile, and with less weight to pull the engine it will have an easier time of it. We understand that the motor won't go much beyond about 230bhp, but by switching to the Audi Valvelift system, it will be torquier than today - up to nearly 260lb ft.

There is lots of progress that will make the handling even sharper than now. For a start the new shell will help both weight reduction and weight distribution. Also the front wheels of all Golfs will be 40mm further forward than now, so the car should feel less nose-heavy. Traction will be better, thanks to a new type of electronically controlled mechanical limited-slip diff, rather than the brake-based traction control the Mk6 currently uses.

The suspension uses all-new parts, though the principles are similar to today. And there's a new steering rack that gets more direct on lock - unusual in an electric system.

And the notion of a decent diesel GTI gets closer, too. Today's 170bhp GTD TDI isn't bad for sure. But the new one will have an engine from a brand-new diesel family, making 190bhp and 280lb ft, and using balancer shafts for smoothness.

Electronic options take a step ahead, too: forward cameras for lane-keeping and auto-braking, and radar cruise (mind you, there's some on the Ford Focus already). There will also be a new Audi-developed top-end hi-fi/nav/connectivity system that uses an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen - as per an iPad - for far more accurate control and higher definition. It also has a proximity sensor, so it can show an uncluttered map, say, but when your finger gets close it'll switch to showing buttons.

All of which sounds pretty juicy. But there's one more thing. The new MQB is a colossal project. It spans and integrates every transverse-front-engined model from a Polo to a Passat, including all the brands and several crossovers. It includes components, systems, design processes and factories far more than ever before. So VW's engineering chief Ulrich Hackenberg says the parts cost will be 20 percent less than now, and the development and tooling cost for each model will be 30 percent less than now, and the manufacturing cost will be 30 percent less than now.

Simply put, this new GTI should be a whole lot better value.

Exactly one year ago, Volkswagen presented the new Golf Cabriolet at the Geneva International Motor Show. Now, at the same venue, the top version of the bestseller is making its world debut: the first GTI Cabriolet in the history of the Golf! The GTI engine crowns the open-top four-seater with 155 kW / 210 PS of power, making it the most powerful Golf Cabriolet ever. GTI does not only mean more power, but also a sportier exterior and interior and precisely tuned running gear. The first Golf GTI Cabriolet models will be delivered just in time for the official arrival of summer.

XDS is standard, DSG optional. At launch, customers can specify either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 6-speed DSG (dual clutch gearbox) version. Both gearboxes send the power of the turbocharged petrol direct-injection engine to the front axle. At a low 1,700 rpm, the engine develops a maximum torque of 280 Nm, which stays constant up to 5,300 rpm – its torque curve has an ideal plateau and is actually not curved at all. To convert engine power into incredible forward propulsion, the Cabriolet is not only equipped with electronic differential locks (EDS) in its ESP system; the GTI Cabriolet also has the XDS transverse differential lock as standard. Even in full accelerations out of bends, the XDS system – also integrated in ESP – ensures optimal grip and driving stability.

Strong cruiser. The Golf GTI Cabriolet accelerates to 100 km/h within 7.3 seconds in both gearbox versions. When the Cabriolet is driven with the roof up, its top speed is 237 km/h (DSG: 235 km/h). This contrasts with a combined fuel consumption of just 7.6 l/100 km, equivalent to CO2 emissions of 177 g/km (DSG: 7.7 l/100 km and 180 g/km CO2). An even better argument for the GTI among convertibles is the fact that the 2.0-litre sixteen-valve four cylinder is the ideal engine for cruising thanks to its high torque characteristic. Even while driving in a high gear with low revs, the Golf GTI Cabriolet still has plenty of reserve torque for acceleration.

GTI insignia on the exterior. The convertible exhibits typical visual trademarks of the GTI. On the exterior, they are the red framing at the top and bottom of the radiator grille with its honeycomb structure and GTI signature, the front GTI bumper with a large air inlet screen (also honeycomb) and the typical vertically arranged fog lights, a new rear diffuser and chrome tailpipes on the left and right under the rear bumper. Similar to the GTI with a ‘permanent hard top’, this GTI also has dark-red LED rear lights, LED licence plate illumination and side sill extensions. The classic wheels on the GTI are the standard 17-inch ‘Denver’ type alloys with their five prominent openings, fitted with 225/45 tyres. Showing the same styling, but with a machine-polished surface and contrasting black inner surfaces are optional 18-inch alloy wheels for the Golf GTI Cabriolet – known as ‘Detroit’ (tyre size: 225/40).

GTI interior styling. The interior of the new Cabriolet matches that of the classic GTI (except for a more raked windscreen frame and special rear bench). It also has sport seats upholstered in the classic and timeless tartan fabric (‘Jacky’), and leather seats (‘Vienna’) are available as an option. Integrated in the seats is a lumbar support, which is activated by a lever on the side of the seat. Naturally, this convertible also has pedals with brushed stainless steel caps, and a unique GTI gear shift lever in aluminium look; and of course a leather-trimmed steering wheel with grip recesses and a GTI emblem; and naturally the steering wheel, gear shift cover and leather trim of the parking brake lever have decorative red seams; and the interior lining of the soft top is black as are the trim covers of the roof pillars. All of these are typical GTI features. And so the decorative inlays in the doors and instrument panels are GTI-specific as well: in ‘Black Stripe’ – black, high-gloss accents in metallic look. Also standard: automatic climate control (Climatronic), chrome surrounds (e.g. around switches for the lights, electric windows, mirrors) and the RCD 210 radio-CD system.

Summer in 9.5 seconds. The fabric top of the Golf Cabriolet, the basic construction of which was already designed for high speeds, was adopted 1:1 for the GTI. It is operated electro-hydraulically and takes just 9.5 seconds to open (and 11 seconds to close). The top may also be operated while driving at speeds of up to 30 km/h. When the top is up, this Volkswagen is one of the quietest convertibles available. The Golf GTI Cabriolet also exhibits top quality and safety attributes. Automatically deploying roll-over protection, front and side head/thorax airbags and a knee airbag on the driver’s side are always standard. Last but not least, the Golf GTI Cabriolet offers the most spacious interior in its class and a fully usable boot (250 litres), even when the top is down. So, now there is no reason not to take a vacation in the Golf GTI Cabriolet.