Volkswagen Launches Special-Edition Jetta TDI, New Beetle Coupe, and CC

Volkswagen has announced three more special editions for the 2010 model year. All three models are available now at VW dealerships.




The first model under the knife is the slinky CC, which emerges as the CC R-Line. As with the European version, the R-Line changes are mostly cosmetic: a new body kit and front spoiler, 18-inch wheels, tinted taillights, brushed-aluminum door sills, and a couple of R-Line badges. The package can be had on CCs powered by the 2.0T engine with either manual or DSG transmissions, for a cost of $29,590.






The Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition (pictured above) is as close as the average driver can get to the cars in VW’s diesel race series. The Jetta receives the Cup car’s body kit, stiffer suspension and grabbier brakes from the Jetta GLI, and 18-inch wheels with performance tires. Sportier seats and VW’s lovable TDI engine, coupled to either a DSG or three-pedal transmission, rounds out the package. The pseudo-racer can be yours for $24,990.



Finally, there’s the New Beetle Red Rock Edition. Volkswagen will make just 750 of these bugs, decked out in Red Rock paint with a black-painted roof—a color scheme that reminds us of a ladybug, actually. You also get an all-black interior, 17-inch wheels, and “sport suspension” for $20,390.


by Jake Holmes
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2012 Hyundai Veloster - Spied

Caught in the open for the first time is the upcoming Hyundai Veloster, the small, front-drive sports coupe first introduced—to much laud—as the Veloster concept at the 2007 Seoul auto show. Though most of the prototype seen here is covered in black camouflage, we can tell that in order to fulfill Hyundai’s promise of 2+2 seating, the Veloster has grown considerably compared with the eensy concept car we saw before.




The side windows, for example, now stretch past the B-pillar, and the taillamps, which previously sat atop the rear fenders, are now situated back on the rear plane. Tallish sides and a long roof mean that the fat fenders have been toned down, and with them the concept’s dramatic road stance. Darn. Here we were hoping that this would be the next Honda CRX.



But all hope for fun is not lost. The Elantra-based, front-wheel-drive Veloster will probably not be more than a few inches longer than a Mini Cooper, and indeed looks small enough that its expected 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine would get it by in a spirited way. (We expect the motor to offer somewhat more than the 138 hp and 136 lb-ft of torque that it currently produces in the Elantra.) A choice of manual and automatic transmissions is pretty much guaranteed. And if, say, the 2.0-liter motor is offered in 210-hp turbocharged form, as seen in the Genesis coupe, that might really put the “velocity” in Veloster.



When will it appear? Well, as we reported last summer, Hyundai product PR chief Miles Johnson confirmed that the Veloster will launch some time during the 24/7 2.0 program, a two-year period during which the company will launch seven new products. The Genesis coupe kicked off the introductions about a year ago, meaning the Veloster should appear within a year at the latest. Expect prices to start in the $18K range.


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BY STEVE SILER, PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRENDA PRIDDY & CO. AND THE MANUFACTURER

2011 Jaguar XKR Special Edition

Jaguar creates another special edition of an already pretty special car.

It’s hard to imagine ways to improve the sexy, speedy Jaguar XKR, but Jaguar seems to think it can. As proof, it has developed two option packages for the new 2011 XKR: the Black Pack and the Speed Pack. Check both boxes, and you get the 2011 XKR Special Edition.




The optional Speed Pack starts with a less-restrictive top-speed governor, raising terminal velocity to 174 mph from 155 (both electronically limited). No changes have been made to the direct-injection engine. Styling changes include a new front splitter, side-sill extensions, a body-color rear diffuser, a taller rear spoiler, and chrome-finished hood nostrils and window trim. Red brake calipers are visible within spokey 20-inch “Kasuga” wheels that bear a strong resemblance to those on the Bentley Continental Speed. Finally, the Speed Pack can only be ordered on cars rendered in Ultimate Black, Polaris White, Salsa Red, Liquid Silver, Lunar Grey, Kyanite Blue, or Spectrum Blue.



The Black Pack adds black 20-inch “Kalimnos” wheels; black side vents, grillework, and window surrounds; and optional “XKR” body graphics that sweep along the sides like those historically used on certain special-edition Porsches. Like the Speed Pack, the Black Pack also offers red brake calipers, which contrast nicely against the black wheels. Inside, the Black Pack comes with dark charcoal leather only, with a choice of piping and grain options, and Dark Oak, Dark Mesh Aluminum, or Piano Black trim. The color palette for the Black Pack is even more limited than that of the Speed Pack, including only Ultimate Black, Polaris White, or Salsa Red.



The 2011 XKR Special Edition is shown here in white with piano-black veneers and fitted luggage, including an accessory suitcase that fits where the spare tire might otherwise be. It makes its debut at the Geneva auto show.



But here’s the bad news: This frisky feline will not be offered in the U.S., and Jaguar is non-committal about which, if any, of the option-package features detailed above will be available here either. But Jaguar did tell us this: “Although Jaguar North America will not be taking this exact special edition model, we are looking at a North America–only, performance-oriented limited-edition Jaguar XKR in support of our 75th anniversary celebrations this year.” Sounds promising.






BY STEVE SILER, PHOTOGRAPHY BY PATRICK M. HOEY AND THE MANUFACTURER
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