2005 Volkswagen Jetta

THE ALL-NEW VOLKSWAGEN JETTA — JÚST IN TIME FOR ITS 25th ANNIVERSARY, NORTH AMERICA'S POPÚLAR EÚROPEAN CAR GROWS TO NEW HEIGHTS

AÚBÚRN HILLS, Mich. — With the launch of its all-new Jetta, Volkswagen is paving another drivers' road reserved for car lovers seeking the character and driving dynamics of a German-engineered car at a Volkswagen value.

Set to go on sale in North America during March 2005, the new Jetta represents the fifth-generation of Volkswagen's best-selling model and one of the most popular European nameplates in North America. The complete redesign of this model marks a significant evolution in the Jetta's history that now spans a quarter century with more than 2.2 million units sold in North America.

Like its predecessors, this latest Jetta generation promises to offer the compact sedan buyer a bold new choice that is distinctly German, with a solid Teutonic feel and ambience that results from precise automotive engineering, a fanatic attention to detail, consistent use of high-quality materials throughout, and Volkswagen's demanding production tolerances. Most importantly, the new Jetta is an even better driver's car. Like all Volkswagens, it was developed and engineered to master the left lane of Germany's high-speed autobahn — the world's fastest highway system that ruthlessly establishes a Darwinian order for the best-performing cars.

2005 marks the 25th anniversary of the Jetta in North America. Since its introduction in 1980, this compact, affordable German sports sedan has evolved significantly with each new redesign. The new Jetta is certainly no exception. It retains the Jetta's core appeal as a driver's car, and offers more of everything that has made the Jetta a best seller.

Drivers of the new Jetta will enjoy the model's first fully independent suspension system that uses a multi-link rear and optimized front axle, a more powerful base engine with a larger displacement of 2.5 liters and five-cylinders generating 150 horsepower (versus a four-cylinder, 2.0 liter, 115 hp engine in the previous model), a new optional six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic® and sport mode selection. In addition, later in the year Volkswagen will offer its revolutionary transmission called DSG (TDI, 2.0 liter and GLI), which is essentially an automated manual transmission system that offers the inherent efficiency and economy of a manual with the ease of operation of an automatic. Also among the most impressive new driving advancements is a standard high-tech electro-mechanical steering system. On the inside, driver and occupants alike will enjoy more space and cargo room in the new Jetta, along with a refined interior treatment that offers a long list of standard comfort and convenience features, as well as the latest in passive safety items.

Even Better Protection

On the safety front, this new Jetta will again establish a further level of protection in its segment by employing a comprehensive standard list of advanced passive and active safety technology. The new Jetta is a dramatic example of the German automaker's philosophy of making even its most sophisticated safety technology standard equipment on a wide range of models. Major standard equipment for the newest Volkswagen includes front side thorax airbags, Side Curtain Protection™ (head) in the front and rear, and crash-active front head restrains, crash-optimized foot pedals that descend upon serious impact, Daytime Running Lights (DRL), three-point safety belts, and adjustable headrests for all five occupants. Front belts use pre-tensioners with load limiters, and all safety belts use emergency locking retractors.

The new Jetta has a list of performance items that can help avoid accidents in the first place. They include the stability and surefootedness of a precise-handling front-drive sedan, with standard four-wheel ABS disc brakes and a sophisticated new ESP® system that is standard on virtually all Jettas, and just a $280.00 option on the Value Edition model. Another major technical advancement in the new Jetta is a standard electro-mechanical power steering system that can assist with straight-ahead driving adjustments when necessary — for example during freeway driving through strong crosswinds. Standard for all Jetta models are Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR) and Electronic Differential Locking (EDL).

The Jetta's New Rock Solid Body

Of course the new Jetta's safety and overall quality and performance begin with the design, development, and state-of-the-art production of its body. Based on the rock-solid Golf V platform, the Jetta has a safety optimized body structure that uses advanced energy absorbing crumple-zone technology. In a severe crash, these deformation zones are designed to better absorb and evenly distribute the impact energy to help protect the critical central structure.



Advanced Production Process

The solid basis for the new Jetta is in large part the result of its state-of-the-art production. Built for worldwide distribution at Volkswagen's high-tech production facility in Puebla, Mexico, the Jetta's assembly technology sets a new standard for this segment. Volkswagen AG has invested extensively to further advance the modern assembly sequences and technologies at the automaker's sole North American site — a facility that according to internal quality audits ranks as one of the Volkswagen Group's top factories worldwide.

The new Jetta has an even stronger body than its predecessor, recording double-digit improvements in its dynamic and torsional rigidity. This is achieved through the use of more high-strength body panels, world-class design, engineering, and advanced laser-welding systems that require a new-generation of robotics and elaborate laser driven measuring check points. The result is a dramatic increase in precise laser-welded seams — nearly 14 times more than the previous Jetta. The net benefit of this bonding process is a class-leading fit and finish, improved body strength, crash protection, driving dynamics, and reduced interior noise.

All-New Style

On the outside, the Jetta has an all-new sheet metal design and larger dimensions. Those include a seven-inch increase in overall length, a nearly three-inch longer wheelbase, as well as a one-inch increase in width. This new girth and style add up to a much more substantial looking sedan with the Jetta's traditional sporty attitude and distinctive German character that is unmatched in its competitive market segment.

The new Jetta has the heritage to match or to exceed the success of the fourth-generation Jetta, which became Volkswagen of America's most popular four-door sedan ever. Much of that success can be attributed to the car's timeless dynamic looks, which represent one of the strongest examples of Volkswagen's design philosophy: well-balanced proportions, simple and carefully executed lines and graphics, and a solid basic shape that in German is called 'Grundkörper.' All in all, the Jetta embodies the Volkswagen brand's image of being original, different, and approachable.

While delivering a fresh experience that is expected by new customers, the all-new Jetta retains the model's core values of style and quality and merges those attributes with more dynamic lines, new forms and a larger size. The new Jetta is based on Volkswagen's highly lauded 'A' platform that is the basis for the new Golf V. Like the Golf, the new Jetta benefits from changes in length, height and width, too. The wheelbase of the new Jetta has grown to 101.5 inches, 2.6 inches more than the model it replaces. This allows for a significantly larger overall length of 179.3 inches, a growth of 7 inches. Width of the new model is up an inch to 69.3 inches; the height of the car is now 57.5 inches, a rise of 0.44 inches. With this growth, the car remains stylishly sporty but conveys even more presence as a significant European road car.



More than a simple frame surrounding the air intake, the Jetta's new front grille is part of a bold dimensional design theme that presents the Volkswagen brand's modern vitality, while retaining a basic V shape that can be traced back to the original Beetle. The rounded headlamps, which also pay tribute to the past, are tastefully arranged within the confines of this expansive chrome grille that conveys a sense of high quality metal, strength and protection, much like a shield of armor. This hints at the car's high-tech production and features, while the headlamp's abrupt cut off gives an impression of intensity and purpose, like the eyes of a bird of prey.

The dramatic front on the new Jetta is a significant evolution in the model's cache that is embodied in the car's premium European style and charisma. In keeping with its simple, timeless design, the new Jetta retains its basic three-box structure with a modern and dynamic interpretation. The new Jetta sedan carves a strengthened wedge shape that dominates the exterior and is accentuated by the character lines, starting with the rocker line and ending with the belt line. This fluidity conveys a sporty energy; in particular, the striking side-feature lines, that run just above the door handles, help to visually divide the tall side panels and add to the design's sublime tension and driving energy.

Inside the new Jetta

As stated, the new Jetta has grown inside and out. This increase is dramatically displayed in the trunk capacity that approaches or exceeds the space found in some mid-size sedans. Non-intruding hinges, a removable storage divider, a fold-down package hook, tie-down hooks and a standard 60/40 split-folding rear seat make this large cargo area even more versatile. For the first time, the Jetta will also offer an optional rear-seat folding center armrest that includes cup holders and allows for a significant pass through for long and wide cargo items such as snow-boards.

The added interior volume creates more legroom for all occupants, especially passengers in the rear seats. The new Jetta's shoulder room is also improved, along with hip room and more headroom.

Another Tasteful, Class-leading Interior with Attitude from Volkswagen

Befitting a more spacious interior, the new Jetta improves upon what was already a class-leading interior design. The new Jetta again demonstrates Volkswagen's leadership in creating an interior environment that is visually pleasing, modern, and meticulously detailed. As expected in today's Volkswagen models, the new Jetta interior is created from high-quality materials and fitted to exacting tolerances. The new Jetta's quality materials exceed what is expected in even a German luxury sedan. (concept carz) Volkswagen's designers and engineers have dismissed compromise in the creation of the texture and symmetry of the dash. Individual controls are grouped logically and use manageable buttons and controls, a fact clearly proven in the compact center console arrangement that includes a standard Climatic manual climate control system that can be set at constant temperature.

At higher equipment levels, the Jetta offers leatherette and leather seating and trim. The new Jetta also offers genuine 'Tamo' Ash wood interior application, or distinctive 'Micro-Tech' metallic interior accents. Even the base level offers a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, high-quality velour fabric with lumbar support front seats with 8-way controls (manual) for the front seats, metallic rings surrounding the gauges, chrome door handles, and accents on the parking brake and shifter.

Most importantly, this highly refined interior follows a Volkswagen dictum: form always follows function. While contemporary and tasteful, the Jetta's interior design philosophy is to create a dash panel and easy-to-read instrumentation that retain a sporty sculpted look and also support the serious driver. Main instruments are arranged in the proven classic manner, in direct visual range behind the steering wheel. Designers of the dash panel aimed to update the Jetta's distinctly Teutonic visual emphasis on horizontal lines, creating an optically pleasant and sporty ambience that also arranges key controls and gauges in a visually and user-friendly spatial layout. The result is a modern Volkswagen interior with a sophisticated ambience and intuitive operating to better suit a driver's car.

Engines/Gearbox

A major improvement in the new Jetta is its base engine that replaces the previous Jetta's 115-horsepower four-cylinder with an all-new 2.5 liter, in-line five-cylinder power plant with four valves per cylinder. Developed for the North American driver, this advanced 2.5 liter engine is transversely mounted and delivers solid off-the-line performance and consistent power that one expects from a larger volume, multi-valve, in-line five-cylinder.

Statistically, the new naturally aspirated 2.5 liter engine in the Jetta creates 150 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, a 30 percent improvement in raw power over the previous base model. Also noteworthy is the engine's torque, or available pulling power, that delivers 39 percent more than its predecessor with an output of 170 lbs.ft. at 3,750 rpm. Consistent delivery of available torque is a major attribute of a more refined power plant, and the 2.5 liter provides a wide band of pulling power throughout its operation: drivers of the new Jetta 2.5 liter can expect to have about 90 percent of the available torque over a wide rpm band from about 1,750 rpm to 5,125 rpm.

This new base engine from Volkswagen uses an aluminum alloy cylinder head with cross flow design, a double overhead camshaft with 20 valves, and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters.

Coupled to this engine is Volkswagen's optional six-speed automatic transmission, or five-speed manual. This new six-speed unit offers adaptive programming of the transmission that automatically adjusts to varying driving conditions. A 'Sport' mode on this automatic provides a sporty shift strategy, and for those who like to shift without a clutch, Tiptronic is included in this advanced package as well. One of the advantages of a six-speed automatic over a typical four- or five-speed is its ability to offer more shift strategies for better use of the engine's available power.

Several months after the launch, Volkswagen will also offer its 1.9L TDI, a turbocharged direct-injection four-cylinder with the German automaker's latest diesel engine technology, called 'Pumpe Düse.' In North America it is simply referred to as 'unit injectors,' a reference to the high-pressure, electronically controlled unit injector at each cylinder. These unit injectors better atomize and more precisely meter the fuel being injected into each of the engine cylinders for increased engine efficiency and more engine power, along with the added benefits of quieter engine operation and better fuel economy.

The 1.9-liter TDI with Pumpe Düse, or TDI-PD, is rated at 100 horsepower at 4,000 revolutions per minute and 177 lbs.ft. of torque from 1,800 to 2,400 rpm. Coupled to this engine is Volkswagen's highly advanced, sporty DSG six-speed automatic transmission, or five-speed manual transmission. (posted on conceptcarz.com)

Improved Handling

Volkswagen has created the dynamic, rigid chassis of the new Jetta to provide increased safety and establish the basis for more refined Teutonic ride quality and even sportier control and handling. This is critical — a dynamically stronger body is the foundation that allows engineers to create and fine-tune a car's handling.

While employing the basic tried-and-true independent McPherson strut architecture, the new Jetta's front suspension has been greatly revised. A new strut-type axle creates a more direct steering ratio, higher transversal axle rigidity and a lowered tendency to exhibit body roll on tight turns. Yet the Jetta's more precise handling is only one attribute of the new front suspension; this design also helps enhance the Jetta's refined ride through the optimization of springs, the separate mounting of springs and dampers, improved mounting points for the lower wishbones, and the use of twin-sleeve shock absorbers.

At the rear, the Jetta is now equipped with an advanced multi-link independent rear suspension. This groundbreaking feature promises to help the Jetta set a new standard in its market segment by providing a more ideal balance of sporty driving dynamics and ride sophistication. This fully independent four-link suspension, with coil springs, telescopic shocks and stabilizer bar, also allowed the designers and engineers to create more space and practicality in the Jetta, including a large opening into the luggage compartment.

Handling performance is honed to perfection by a new electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system that offers an extremely good 'center feel' and contributes significantly to the new car's confident straight-line stability. Únlike some similar systems found on luxury cars, the new Jetta's electro-mechanical system function varies the steering assist based on the speed of the car and other driving factors. This gives the new Jetta driver not only a desirable connected-to-the-road feel but also provides the added capability of active-return steering and straight-ahead driving correction assistance.

Únmatched Standard Equipment

The new Jetta continues the Volkswagen tradition of offering a long list of standard equipment and details that are simply unavailable in its competitive segment.

With the new Jetta, Volkswagen will simplify the model lineup into engine choices and available option packages and some stand-alone options. During the first phase of the new Jetta launch, next year the engine choices will be the 2.5 liter described above and shortly thereafter a 1.9 liter TDI. Toward the latter part of 2005, the new Jetta will be available with a more powerful 2.0 liter, 200 hp FSI (direct gas injection) turbocharged four-cylinder.

At launch, Volkswagen is offering the new Jetta with the 2.5 and later the TDI engines. Customers can select three core equipment levels with these engines, beginning with the well-equipped base-priced 'Value Edition' priced at $17,900. In addition to the Value Edition, Volkswagen has two package levels that group popular equipment features together to best ensure timely delivery.

Source - Volkswagen