Volkswagen's 2013 SEMA Showcase: New Engines, Special Cars

Craig Cole
by Craig Cole
Volkswagen is showcasing a couple of exciting vehicular improvements and some specially modified cars at SEMA in Las Vegas this week.

The people’s car brand is bringing a couple of new engines to North America. The first is an enhanced version of their very familiar 2.0-liter TFSI gasoline four-cylinder. Starting late this year the powerplant is getting a slight boost in output. Horsepower grows by 10, making for a grand total of 210.

More exciting news is the availability of a new 1.8-liter base engine. It replaces the dreadful 2.5-liter five-cylinder that’s been moaning and groaning under the hoods of countless entry-level VWs for far too long. The new turbo-four is expected to put out around 160 horsepower and 185 lb-ft of torque.

Helios Special Edition Jetta GLI Tribute

One of the special models on display is the Helios Jetta GLI. Modified by FMS Automotive, this Mk 6 Volkswagen pays homage to the Helios Special Edition that bowed back in 1989.

The new car’s body is painted exactly the same, a striking combination of black and blue. Beyond the custom colors it features unique moldings, a rear spoiler and special side-view mirrors. It also rides on 19-inch gunmetal-gray wheels that are wrapped in sticky Nitto Invo tires.

Rounding things out is a custom exhaust system, which adds a sporty sound. It should really let the car’s 1.8-liter TFSI engine sing.

Inside, the Helios Jetta GLI Tribute model features Recaro seats finished in blue and black upholstery, brushed aluminum pedal covers and embroidered floor mats.

H&R Volkswagen Golf

Another SEMA-ified VW on display is the H&R Golf. This upgraded seventh-generation car features a performance coil-over suspension system with 26 millimeter sway bars at both ends. Up front the ride height has dropped by 1.5 inches; in the rear it’s down by 1.75, which gives the already sporty car an even more aggressive stance. High performance Brembo brakes bring everything to a stop.

Adding some style is a VW Accessories body kit and 19-inch Rotiform wheels.

In addition to these two special cars Volkswagen is also showcasing another specially modified Jetta. Created by FMS Automotive this car features a heavily reworked 2.0-liter engine. With all-new internals and a stage 3+ turbo kit it delivers 425 horsepower on 93 octane pump gas! Naturally this car features all kinds of other upgrades, from styling changes to suspension enhancements.

For all the latest news from the SEMA show in Las Vegas this week keep your interweb browser at AutoGuide.com.

GALLERY: Volkswagen’s SEMA Cars

Discuss this story on our Volkswagen forum.

Craig Cole
Craig Cole

Born and raised in metro Detroit, Craig was steeped in mechanics from childhood. He feels as much at home with a wrench or welding gun in his hand as he does behind the wheel or in front of a camera. Putting his Bachelor's Degree in Journalism to good use, he's always pumping out videos, reviews, and features for AutoGuide.com. When the workday is over, he can be found out driving his fully restored 1936 Ford V8 sedan. Craig has covered the automotive industry full time for more than 10 years and is a member of the Automotive Press Association (APA) and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA).

More by Craig Cole

Comments
Join the conversation
Next