[Vwdiesel] New Jetta

[dieseltdi at verizon.net]

Went to the official unveiling of the 2005.5 Jetta today.  I didn't win 
the free two year lease but did take time to look the car over very 
well.  It is rather bulbous up front like the Passat  and there is an 
optional chrome "buck tooth" that covers a space between the upper 
grill and the lower grill that I think looks just stupid but overall 
the car is not difficult to like.  The trunk is huge, possibly as big 
as the one in my Passat.  The rear seat has much more room than the 
current Jetta for two reasons:  first the seat bottom is wider front to 
back and secondly because the roof-line lacks the severe curvature of 
the current Jetta.  The 2.5L I-5 engine fits snugly in the engine 
compartment and is mated to a 6 speed tranny with shift capabilities 
(like the Tiptronic but it is not called Tiptronic).  One really 
interesting thing is the power steering which is "electromotive sp.?"  
I don't recall the exact words but it is not run off of a pump it is 
all electrical.  I was also quite impress with the fuel economy for a 
car with 150 hp and an automatic transmission it is rated at 30 mpg on 
the highway pretty respectable for a car almost  (but not quite) as big 
as the current Passat.  I did spend some time talking with my favorite 
sales person (been there for years and has more VW experience that all 
of the others at the dealer, combined!)  He says the TDI version will 
follow in 90 days or 180 days or.....they are getting some confusing 
information from VW right now.  The New Passat will follow either at 
the end of 05 or right at the beginning of 06 and the Golf will be the 
last to arrive.  BTW he tells me that VW has given up on the Phaeton no 
more will be shipped to the US and the implication is that no more are 
being made.  The 06 Taureg TDI is off of the schedule because of 
various conflicts between VW and the EPA.  VW didn't want new EPA 
testing on the TDI even though they added a particulate filter and the 
EPA wanted new testing or visa versa, depends on who tells the story.  
Anyway no TDI version for 06.  Lost of other things in the works also, 
possibly a smaller and a larger SUV.  Of course the current fuel 
situation could kill both of those very quickly.  Not much else.  But 
if I hear anything, I will keep all informed.  Hayden

TX AND US DISTRIBUTOR FOR DIESELPOWER TUNING BOXES.  GO TO 
www.dieseltuning.com, LOOK AT THE INFORMATION AND THEN EMAIL ME TO MAKE 
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Visit my website at:  http://mysite.verizon.net/resosxp8/mydieselpages/
Proud owner of:
2004 Passat TDI GLS, 2.0l, 8 valve, 134 HP, 247 lb/ft of torque, Blue 
Graphite, Anthracite leather interior, ABS, ESP.
1998 Jetta TDI (Wetterauer Chipset, 2 1/2" exhaust, K&N Filter, 119K+ 
miles, and running biodiesel)
1981 Rabbit Pickup ( with a freshly rebuilt turbo engine, 10K+ on 
engine now), burns biodiesel and a WVO system is in the works.
1982 Scirocco, 1.8L engine, 5 speed, not currently running but FOR 
SALE!!!  Comes with a boat load of parts.
One, yet to be finished, Caddy trailer (the back end of the truck that 
gave its life to my Rabbit Pickup).
And many, many, many VWs; from a 1946 Beetle (11 Beetles total), to 
Vans (5 - 3 splitties, 2 bay window), Rabbits (3), Karmen Ghia (1), 
Jettas (5), Passat (1), Dasher (1), New Beetle (1), and Rabbit Pickups 
(3) most now gone but not forgotten.