[benares]

1. Two different Polo threads (for bringing it here) have run. Is VW interested in bringing this car or not? The Mini is coming and a myriad of manufacturers are bringing Hatches back. Are they still taking a wait and see attitude?
2. Is North America going to see a more powerful TDI? Although it has been rumored that the PD100 will come, I remember you saying specifically that the PD130 was going to come here because VW's engineers how to get past the emissions problem. Sorry, I don't know where the thread went for that. Maybe you can answer "WHY" they are still selling the TDI here? The dealerships (from what I hear) are not putting the right oil in there and they are not well equipped to handle these on a maintenace level. Also, they don't advertise the TDI at all. This powerplant leaves a big "WHY" is the TDI here?
3. What is VW's response to the WRX? The Golf R32 would absolutely be sweet. Is there anyway VW (depending on the success of the DE GTI) bring it over in smaller batches so that people who CAN afford this car get it?
4. Will the MkV GTI get the 3.2 or stick with the 24V V6? It seems to me kind of a waste to get the 24V EPA Certified only for a year or so when the 3.2 is coming. And won't the 3.2 make the car even more nose heavy?
That is all!!

 

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Re: Jamie can you answer these please? (benares)

quote:[HR][/HR]1. Two different Polo threads (for bringing it here) have run. Is VW interested in bringing this car or not? The Mini is coming and a myriad of manufacturers are bringing Hatches back. Are they still taking a wait and see attitude?[HR][/HR]​

Volkswagen is "looking at it closely" but that is about it so far. The reality of this situation is a bit difficult - there are currently no existing U.S. engines (2.0l, 1.8T, VR6, TDI, etc.) available in the Polo in Europe; bringing the Polo up to the same safety standards as their other models is both expensive and time consuming; after all the factors that add cost to this car to bring it here get factored in, the Polo could end up being a $14k-15k car as a base. To expensive in VWoA's opinion compared to the Ford Focus and other competition.
I think if gas prices go up and small cars become more the norm (than the exception here) VWoA would find a way to bring it here.

quote:[HR][/HR]2. Is North America going to see a more powerful TDI? Although it has been rumored that the PD100 will come, I remember you saying specifically that the PD130 was going to come here because VW's engineers how to get past the emissions problem. Sorry, I don't know where the thread went for that. Maybe you can answer "WHY" they are still selling the TDI here? The dealerships (from what I hear) are not putting the right oil in there and they are not well equipped to handle these on a maintenace level. Also, they don't advertise the TDI at all. This powerplant leaves a big "WHY" is the TDI here?[HR][/HR]​

TDI is great technology and we don't get 99% of the cool PD technology that they get in Europe. Our strict emissions and poor diesel fuel are the biggest reasons (a reticent American public used to very quiet, refined engines running on cheap gasoline doesn't help either).
The truth is that the future of TDI (at least until 2006 when new fuel regs go into place) doesn't look good.

quote:[HR][/HR]3. What is VW's response to the WRX? The Golf R32 would absolutely be sweet. Is there anyway VW (depending on the success of the DE GTI) bring it over in smaller batches so that people who CAN afford this car get it?[HR][/HR]​

The Golf R32 is not coming here according to VWoA. And at this point there is no plan to compete with it directly at this time.

quote:[HR][/HR]4. Will the MkV GTI get the 3.2 or stick with the 24V V6? It seems to me kind of a waste to get the 24V EPA Certified only for a year or so when the 3.2 is coming. And won't the 3.2 make the car even more nose heavy?[HR][/HR]​

The plan is to offer the 3.2l in the Golf V at 230hp with 4motion standard. The Golf V won't be here till Detroit 2005.
-jamie

 

[benares]

Re: Jamie can you answer these please? (vwvortex1)

Thank you for answering these Jamie. You always have the inside scoop!