Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition

Volkswagen of America has confirmed that the Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition will arrive in dealerships in January 2010, bringing race-inspired diesel performance directly to everyday drivers. First introduced at the 2008 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, the concept gained momentum as it appeared at TDI Cup races across the country, attracting strong attention from enthusiasts and shoppers alike.

Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer of Volkswagen of America, explained that fan demand has been building since the TDI Cup series launched in 2008. Barnes noted that the Street Edition delivers exactly what many drivers asked for: a factory-built, race-inspired Jetta that combines aggressive design with clean diesel technology. According to Barnes, the result is a special edition that is just as fun to drive as it is to look at.

The similarities to the official TDI Cup race cars are unmistakable. When equipped with the optional TDI Cup Edition Kit, the Street Edition features the same front bumper, side skirts, and rear valance used on the competition models. Yet the enhancements go deeper than appearance. Every Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition includes larger brakes with red calipers, upgraded sway bars, and the European-tuned GLI sport suspension for sharper handling and a more responsive driving experience.

Power comes from Volkswagen's award-winning 2.0-liter clean diesel engine, delivering 140 horsepower and a robust 236 lb-ft of torque. This advanced powertrain uses an electronically controlled turbocharger and common-rail direct injection, and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or Volkswagen's highly regarded DSG dual-clutch transmission.

Inside the cabin, drivers will find sport seats in Interlagos cloth, along with a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, complete with paddle shifters when the DSG transmission is selected. The exterior package is rounded out by 18-inch Charleston alloy wheels wrapped in performance all-season tires, giving the Street Edition both year-round capability and the confident stance expected from a track-inspired Jetta.

With pricing starting around $25,000, the Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition stays true to Volkswagen's philosophy of delivering affordable German engineering paired with engaging performance.

The model also qualifies for a $1,300 Federal Income Tax Credit under the Advanced Lean Burn Technology program. Like every 2010 Volkswagen, it comes standard with the Carefree Maintenance Program, which covers scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.