Photo: Volkswagen
Even though the production model is nothing but an economy sedan, the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta can be pushed to 210 miles per hour provided that the modifications are bang on and the budget exceeds the price of a brand-new car. The German automaker did exactly that with this modified-for-Bonneville racer, breaking the SCTA land speed record with a track speed of 210.16 miles per hour.
“Achieving this speed at Bonneville is a demonstration of the quality, durability, power, and efficiency of the Volkswagen TSI engine series and the stability and aerodynamic efficiency of the all-new 2019 Jetta,” explained Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America. The thing is, the 2.0-liter TSI in the record-breaking vehicle is nothing like the 1.4-liter TSI that comes standard or the 2.0-liter TSI that will be introduced on the Jetta GLI.
In addition to the 600-horsepower output at 8,500 rpm, the THR Manufacturing-modified Jetta features a drag coefficient of 0.27. Other changes from stock include Salt Flats wheels and tires, limited-slip differential, roll cage, racing seat and harness, fire suppression system, and a pair of parachutes. In other words, this fellow is nothing like the Jetta you’ll find on the dealer floor or at the rental company in the airport.
“It was a terrific experience to drive this car on the salt,” said Salt Flats racer Scott Goetz. “The car inspired a lot of confidence at very high speeds. I have no doubt that we could go even faster by running some more boost, but we are very happy to have the record, knowing that there is more to come in the car if we need it.”
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is in the offing, with the EA288 engine lifted straight from the Golf GTI. The four-cylinder turbo should develop in the ballpark of 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, putting the Jetta GLI ahead of segment rivals such as the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Elantra Sport.
As for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta with the 1.4-liter TSI, the entry-level S trim costs $18,545 and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels. The eight-speed automatic is an $800 option, and the Driver Assistance package costs another $450.
In addition to the 600-horsepower output at 8,500 rpm, the THR Manufacturing-modified Jetta features a drag coefficient of 0.27. Other changes from stock include Salt Flats wheels and tires, limited-slip differential, roll cage, racing seat and harness, fire suppression system, and a pair of parachutes. In other words, this fellow is nothing like the Jetta you’ll find on the dealer floor or at the rental company in the airport.
“It was a terrific experience to drive this car on the salt,” said Salt Flats racer Scott Goetz. “The car inspired a lot of confidence at very high speeds. I have no doubt that we could go even faster by running some more boost, but we are very happy to have the record, knowing that there is more to come in the car if we need it.”
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is in the offing, with the EA288 engine lifted straight from the Golf GTI. The four-cylinder turbo should develop in the ballpark of 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, putting the Jetta GLI ahead of segment rivals such as the Honda Civic Si and Hyundai Elantra Sport.
As for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta with the 1.4-liter TSI, the entry-level S trim costs $18,545 and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels. The eight-speed automatic is an $800 option, and the Driver Assistance package costs another $450.
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