https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hyu6nm01wM
In the United States, the VW Jetta (!) is still one of the best-selling Volkswagen models as well as the best-selling German manufacturer car. Northern America ranked the Jetta number 41, according to the official registration numbers in USA. Before you ask why we write on the KW automotive blog about the launch of a production vehicle, you just have to scroll down.
The North American car market is completely different than the car market in Germany, Europe, or Asia. Although the Volkswagen Group, with all it’s vehicle brands, is the most successful car manufacturer from Germany in the USA, it ranks ninth with 625,068 new registrations in 2017 and a market share of 3.63% – after Subaru (!). In order to increase the Volkswagen market share, VW USA is driving a slightly different marketing strategy and a couple of years ago they released the launch of the Golf V GTI using their “unpimp your auto” advertising commercials that were a pretty viral hit.
In order to be “in vogue” even among younger car buyers (under the age of 24), Volkswagen USA regularly modifies its new models, and at the end of May 2018, the new VW Jetta was in the spotlight. The basis for the so-called Jetta R-Line SoCal Concept is the Jetta R-Line. In the US, the new Jetta is offered exclusively with a 1.4-liter TSI engine with 147 hp and the “R-Line” package is “unfortunately” just a sporty optics package.
In the case of the suspensions, Volkswagen USA developed together with KW automotive our ST XTA coilover suspension kit for the SoCal Concept. We sent the Americans our first prototype directly from Germany by airfreight so the Jetta could celebrate its premiere at the “SoWo: European Experience” event as Jetta R-Line SoCal Concept in a nice performance stance.
Our ST XTA features performance springs and dampers with adjustable rebound valves and our adjustable topmounts for the front axle struts are part of the delivery. This makes it really easy when changing the camber, if you are in the need of a maximum performance on public roads.
Volkswagen has mounted “Pure White” painted fifteen52 rims in the “Formula GT” design. The black roof still received neon yellow Custom graphics of Vaderwerks and the mirror caps and Y-spoke of the rims were also dipped in the bright fancy neon yellow colour.
The fifteen52 rims have the size of 19 x 8.5″ and warped with Pirelli P-Zero tyres in 235/35. Rounding out the appearance of the 2019 Jetta R-Line SoCal Concept with black painted chrome trims maybe the VW will also also be at this year’s SEMA Show.
Photos Tony Harmer
