By Bill C.

5^th Generation GTI – Okay, GTI fans; your “baby” is just one model year away, coming next year as a 2006. Some auto magazine writers got a chance to drive some pre-production 3-door versions from its production plant in Wolfsburg to the Paris car show. (It will also come in a 5-door version.)

These screamers were equipped with the standard direct-injected, turbocharged 2.0 liter, in-line four-cylinder, pumping out 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. Reportedly, the power band is wide, maxing out at 1800 rpm, good all the way to 5000 rpm. The transmission is a six-speed manual and enables 0-62 mph in 7.2 seconds. The shifter is great, producing precise gear engagements. All this and no turbo lag.

Inches: 17” wheels are standard, 18” are optional; 12.2” disc brakes up front and 11.2” discs in the rear, standard; ABS is standard too. It also squats a fraction of an inch lower, 15 mm to be exact, and has fatter anti-roll bars. So, it might even act a little better in turns than the R32. Oh, and it also comes standard with something called “ESP,” a traction control system or sorts… but you can turn it off, even though it does allow you to have a little wheel spin when turned on.

Speaking of discs, a 6-CD in dash changer is standard too. And I heard something about steering wheel mounted stereo controls. There will probably be a lot of other standard equipment items too; especially since the base price is up a little bit at about $23,000 (estimated).

Latest Concept

Ragster  – By combining “Ragtop” & “Speedster,” you get “Ragster.” That is how they say they came up with a name for the latest New Beetle concept car, recently unveiled at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show. Or it might be a leftover from the days when you could add “ster” to the end of somebody’s name.. like “Billster.” That might be too much of a surfer thing for the corporate folks. But it WAS designed at VW’s California Studio. Whatever, dude-ster. Yes, it’s chopped a little; about 3 ½” at the a-pillar, with a flat roof that houses a canvas sunroof, for a look that is 4” lower than a standard New Beetle’s roof. I like that hatchback and the 19” wheels. Don’t ask me anything about the powertrain. But I think those racing seats would feel SO good. Another temptation.

Jammin' Jetta!

March  – is the month that we should be seeing the all-new 2005 Jetta. It is wider, longer, & taller than the ’04. Here is a car show picture, in case you have no idea what I am talking about. Ni-i-i-ice!

The standard engine will now be a 5-cylinder 2.5-liter & a 5-speed manual transmission. Or you can pay extra for a 2-liter turbo gasoline or 1.9 turbodiesel engine. A 6-speed Triptronic automatic is offered as an option.

You will also get a rear seat big enough for 6-foot plus adults to sit comfortably behind like sized big guys in the front. All this starts at near or under $18K, according to reports.

Jetta’s 25^th year is going to be VERY good.