Volkswagen will be attending this year’s Bonneville
Speed Week with a specially modified Jetta which will attempt to set a new
speed record in the BGC/G class. Since the standard Jetta isn’t exactly a speed
demon, the car has been extensively modified. The
Jetta features a unique wrap, a reduced ride height and aerodynamic wheels
fitted with special Goodyear tires. The model has also a quick release hood and
two parachutes.
Bigger changes occur in the cabin as virtually
everything except the dashboard and center console has been removed.
Technicians then installed a roll cage, a racing seat and a new steering wheel.
The car also has a revised shifter, a new digital display and a fire suppression
system.
Volkswagen was coy on technical specifications but
said the model uses a modified version of the company’s turbocharged 2.0-liter
four-cylinder EA888 engine. It previews the powertrain that will be used in the
Jetta GLI and Volkswagen believes it will enable the car to hit a top speed in
excess of 335.503 km/h. The upcoming Jetta GLI won’t be nearly
that fast but the company said racer will showcase the “potential performance
that the EA888 engine can achieve with modifications.”
The one-off Jetta was built by THR Manufacturing and
Volkswagen confirmed the model has a limited-slip differential to help with
traction on the salt flats.
The record breaking attempt will occur next month
and Volkswagen’s CEO of the North America Region, Hinrich J. Woebcken, said “We
are delighted with the reception for the all-new 2019 Jetta in North America.
With the attempt on the Bonneville speed record with the Jetta, we want to
underline the Jetta’s sporty credentials and get customers excited for the more
performance-oriented Jetta GLI on the way.”
In the meantime, buyers can pick up the standard
Jetta which starts at US$ 18,545. It features a turbocharged 1.4-liter
four-cylinder engine that produces 147 hp and 249
Nm of torque.
