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09/11/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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With Volkswagen‘s Jetta TDI posting strong sales, the German automaker has decided to expand it’s Jetta TDI lineup by offering something for the more performance-based diesel fans. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition takes its name from VW’s Jetta TDI Cup racing series, which has been visiting major racing venues around the United States and Canada since 2008.

Sold as a “TDI Cup Edition Kit” the package includes a full four-piece aero kit as well as sway bars, a sport suspension (the same found on the Jetta GLI) and larger brakes with red painted calipers. (Sadly, these are not the R8 calipers the race cars get). Additional features include 18-inch Charleston wheels with performance all-season tires, sport seats with Interlagos cloth, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and paddle shifters (with the DSG).

Under the hood there’s a familiar 2.0-liter turbo diesel engine with 140-hp and 236 ft-lbs of torque. The package will be available on cars with either the six-speed manual or six-speed DSG automatic transmission.

“Since our inaugural TDI Cup series in 2008 we have received numerous inquiries as to whether or not we would offer a TDI Cup replica vehicle,” said VW of America CEO Mark Barnes. “We’re thrilled to announce that a special edition Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available in dealer showrooms early next year. What makes this special edition so unique is that it features the optional, race inspired, TDI Cup body kit package combined with our clean diesel engine. The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition is one exceptional special model that is as fun-to-drive as it is to look at.”

The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will be available starting in January with an estimated price of $25,000. The car also qualifies for a $1,300 Advanced Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Federal Income Tax Credit.

Official release after the jump:

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10/06/2009 | By: Colum Wood

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Behind the Volkswagen badge on the front of the Routan minivan, everything else is pretty much standard Dodge Caravan/Chrysler Town & Country equipment. So why buy the VW?

The German automaker hopes the option of wireless internet will be enough to win over a few buyers, and they’re probably right. Thanks to Autonet Mobile, Routan passengers will be able to log on and check their Facebook, post Twitter updates or just waste away the hours on those long road trips by watching YouTube videos.

“Volkswagen is committed to delivering vehicles that epitomize and enhance our digital customers’ lifestyle, and the Routan is a modern family vehicle,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer at Volkswagen of America. “Internet access is a clear benefit to our customers. We’re excited to work with Autonet Mobile to bring uconnect web to our Routan customers.”

“The Routan customer is looking for entertainment options beyond the traditional DVD player,” said Sterling Pratz, CEO of Autonet Mobile. “Consumers want to extend their living room lifestyle to the vehicle and want the ability to use internet-driven applications – gaming, email, IM, internet radio, and other entertainment and information services – while on the road. We’re thrilled to be a part of the revolution that is making the minivan the cool vehicle to own.”

The Routan with Wi-Fi is now available at Volkswagen’s 800 U.S. dealerships. Wi-Fi subscriptions start at $29 per month on top of an installation fee.

Official release after the jump:

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