The Volkswagen Jetta

Announced as a new model for 1980 the Volkswagen Jetta has captivated the car buying public for 28 years. The Jetta, named by Volkswagen after the Jet Stream, is the sedan version of Volkswagen's innovative compact the Golf. The Jetta, developed for the North American market, is an upscale model with nicer interior trim, a trunk, and a slightly higher price than the Golf. Since its debut as a new model, the Jetta has evolved five times, each generation growing in size, power, and prestige. The Jetta is available in two, four, and five door (the Jetta wagon) variations.

The first-generation Jetta, called the A1 and produced from 1980 through 1984, stormed onto the North American market in 1980. It was available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan. This first Jetta styled by ItalDesign was a marvelously boxy. A standard four-cylinder engine producing 78 horsepower powered the A1 Jetta. The Jetta's power plant was updated to a higher torque producing 1.7-liter four-cylinder in 1981. A diesel version of the engine was offered. Volkswagen also produced a high performance GLI Jetta with a 1.8-liter engine in 1984.
The second generation, and longest running generation of the car, was produced from 1985 through 1992. The A2 was offered as a coupe or a sedan. The A2 Jetta saw a number of exterior, interior, engine, and safety upgrades. A 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine producing originally 100 horsepower and later 105 horsepower powered the base models of the A2. The 1990 Jetta GLI was muscled up with a 2.0-liter, DOHC, 16 valve four-cylinder engine that produced 134 horsepower and firmly established the Jetta GLI as a serious performance contender.

The A3 Jetta debuted for the North American market in 1993. This sexy boxy design was done by Volkswagen in-house and was only offered as a sedan. The A3 Jetta was produced through 1998. This generation of the Jetta produced more trim variations, 13, then any other generation of the car. The A3 Jetta had three power plants offered. The base was 2.0-liter inline four cylinder producing 115 horsepower. The Jetta diesel, TDI, was a 1.9-liter diesel engine rated at 90 horsepower. And the top of the line power plant was the GLX's (replacing the A2's GLI high performance model) VR6 engine which was a SOHC, six-cylinder engine producing 172 horsepower.

The fourth evolution of the VW Jetta, the A4, was produced between 1998 and 2005. It was offered as a sedan and wagon. This Jetta shares its styling with the rest of the Volkswagen marquee and serves as an outstanding example of the trademark. The A4 was offered in a variety of trim variations and buyers had the choice of three different power plants. The first was 2.0-liter, 8 valve, inline four cylinder engine-an update of the A3's. The second was Volkswagen's 1.9 liter TDI diesel engine. The third was an updated VR6.

The A5 Jetta debuted as a new model in 2005. And is still in production. The A5 was restyled and is powered by a 2.5-liter, 20-valve, DOHC, inline 5 cylinder engine based upon the Lamborghini Gallardo's V-10 power plant. This volkswagen engine produces 150 horsepower.

(Source: Mark Castle)

Volkswagen Future

Volkswagen will undoubltedly be a major automotive player in the not too-distant future. From Volkswagen's begginnings with the Beetle, one might expect the company to use a humble approach to making cars. This was true a long time ago, but today, the company is as modern as any, and has its sights set on new terretory.

The Volkswagen Scirocco, a revival VW nameplate which first surfaced at the 2006 Paris Motor Show in the form of the IROC Concept, has been the subject of much speculation since the concept debuted. These latest spyshots confirm that the IROC's large trapezoidal grille will make it onto the production car -- part of its outline can be seen through the heavy camouflage.
The hatchback shape of the rear belies the common designation of the Scirocco as a coupe - though the term has seemingly evolved into a catch-all for any car with a sharply sloped roof. A hardtop coupe/convertible built using hardware from the Eos is widely rumored to be the car's other variant.

Of course, the illustrations pictured of the coupe/convertible are still speculation based on the spied vehicle and available intel, but if proven accurate, foretell an aggressive and attractive-looking car.

Powertrain options are still up in the air as well. The much-maligned 2.5-liter inline-five probably won't see duty in the Scirocco, with the base engine in Europe likely to be the 1.4-liter Twincharger. A performance version powered by the automaker's ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbo four is probably in the plans, as well as numerous diesel powerplants.

The jury is still out on whether Volkswagen will sell the Scirocco stateside and in what form if it did. This Arizona-plated mule is a positive indication of a possible U.S. version, but the question of where the Scirocco fits into VW's lineup remains. Depending on the engine, the hatchback coupe would be muscling in on the territory of the Rabbit and GTI. The hardtop coupe/convertible is probably the easier sell in the U.S., as it could be marketed as a sportier and less feminine alternative to the Eos.

The hatchback is expected to go on sale in Europe sometime in 2008, likely as a 2009 model, with the coupe/convertible possibly arriving a year later.

Volkswagen looks to be one of the leaders when it comes to innovative cars of the future.

Taking Car of Your Volkswagen

The cooling system of your Volkswagen vehicle is an important part in order to keep your vehicle operating efficiently. The cooling system maintains the right temperature of your engine through the circulation of coolant through the engine that picks up heat and passing it through the radiator where it is cooled with air. The coolant in turn passes through a thermostat valve to control flow and through a temperature sensor which controls external air cooling fans.
Volkswagen vehicle cooling systems are comprised of three main parts and these are the VW water pump, VW hoses and VW thermostat, radiator and sensors.

Volkswagen Water Pump:
The VW water pump handles the VW’s cooling system’s pumping function which keeps the coolant mixture moving. The basic VW water pump is gear or belt-driven there are also some cases in other cars wherein a secondary electric water pump is used to improved cooling and flow of the coolant mixture. One of the most important parts of the pump’s operation is the drive belt which is also known on most new cars as the timing belt. However, on older car models, the pump and the belt are external and run off the main crankshaft pulley using a “V” of flat belt.

The maintenance of VW water pump is done simultaneous with the replacement of the coolant, the drive belt and tension adjustment (external type). The timing belt driven pumps should always be done when replacing the timing belt and tensioner.
Volkswagen Hoses

The VW cooling system involves various hoses which includes the Volkswagen radiator hose, control valves, the heater core and the expansion tank. And since these materials are constantly used and are exposed to heated coolant, these parts deteriorate easily and needs to be change more often.

The maintenance of cooling system piping consists of scheduled replacement of all hoses, replacement of coolant plus the replacement of any unplugged or leaking parts. It is a good idea to have all hoses checked at least twice a year to see whether there are abrasions, flexibility, cracks, and leakage. And of course it is vital that whenever coolant is flushed for replacement or even during engine repairs that hoses should be replaced. Radiator hoses, expansion tanks, heater cores, and control valves are commonly replaced due to leakage or plugging. However it is important that a VW professional should be the one contacted to assess the condition of these parts since they know everything there is to know about Volkswagen components.

Volkswagen Radiator, Thermostat and Sensors:
Volkswagen’s cooling system’s temperature controls include all coolant temperature sensors, radiator or expansion tank cap, thermostat, cooling fan(s) and fan clutch. These cooling parts function independently of the engine but maintain the control over the engine cooling which is made by means of sending control signals to the VW’s electronic systems.

The spring loaded valve that opens and closes based on the temperature of the coolant flowing through it is called the thermostat. You can tell that something is wrong with your thermostat when you see a high temperature reading is followed by a drop to normal temperature or a continuously low temperature---this normally indicates a sticking thermostat. Unfortunately, there are other conditions that caused these symptoms and if you are not sure what causing it then better have a VW professional mechanic to check it.

The radiator or expansion tank cap is similarly a spring loaded valve that reacts to system pressure. Its function is to maintain proper system coolant level at predetermined pressures. It should always be replaced with an exact replacement cap with the same pressure setting to obtain optimum function.

A belt-driven fan blade that pulls air through the radiator is usually included on the water pump pulley with a fan clutch to control it. The fan clutch functioned by allowing the fan to turn with the belt at low engine speed and shift to “free-wheel” at higher speeds. A damage fan clutch should not be taken for granted since it may cause your vehicle to overheat.

An electric fan that can function by itself or with an auxiliary mechanical fan is usually equipped for front-wheel-drive Volkswagen. These two types of fans are controlled via a temperature sensor that is found on the radiator specifically on the upper radiator hose or on the thermostat or water pump housing. This sensor is usually an on/off type switch with a fixed temperature setting.

The other common temperature sensors that are found on Volkswagen vehicles include: gauge sender, warning light sender, lambda and/or fuel injection sensor/s and the thermo-time switch. Controlling the engine temperature is critical to obtain high performance and emission control. But unfortunately it is also the system that is one of the most difficult to fix getting a VW professional is highly advised.

On the other hand maintenance of your cooling system sensors is a no sweat task since there is nothing to maintain in the first place, all you have to do is to keep them clean internally and externally. Likewise, checking and replacing all parts at the set factory-recommended time or mileage limit also help to maintain the good running condition of your VW car.

LIttleton's Best Volkswagen Repair

There are a few big Volkswagen dealers in Littleton that offer Volkswagen repair and service but charge way too much! There are also many repair shops that will fix volkswagen vehicles but the problem is which one is best.

I strongly recommend using Autoworks Colorado as your Littleton Volkswagen repair shop because they are very trust worthy and only fix what your VW needs to get it out on the road again. I have had several great experiences with my volkswagens and Autoworks Colorado. I was told by another auto repair shop in Littleton that I needed to get 3,000 worth of repairs. I took my vw to Autoworks and he called me and said it was only a fuel pump and new spark plugs! I was so relieved and have been taking my car there ever since, even for oil changes!

Autoworks Colorado services Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Porsche and of course Volkswagens in Littleton. They are experts at repairing German cars and have been doing so in Littleton for over 25 years! The owner is in the back working on cars too so its not like the cars that come in are not important to them. They treat their clients really well and I cant believe how clean the shop is!

Check out Autoworks Colorado in Littleton off of E-470 and Ken Carl on 8110 Shaffer Pkwy

Germany's Luxury Car- The Porsche

By Janette Vince

When people think luxury, they think of the Porsche. With its cars' high price tags, powerful engines, and smooth, sleek lines, there's no question that Porsche is one of the most prestigious automakers in the world.

The genius behind the company was a man named Ferdinand Porsche. Born in what is now the Czech Republic in 1875, he demonstrated astonishing mechanical aptitude at a young age. He was the third of five children. His father, a plumber, expected Ferdinand to take over the family business-but Ferdinand had other dreams. At eighteen, after completing an apprenticeship with his father, he took a job in Vienna with the firm Bela Egger & Co.

At the company, Ferdinand demonstrated impressive skill for his age. He built an electric wheel-hub motor, and was soon attracted across the street to rival Jakob Lohner & Co. This company was actively developing electric cars, and Ferdinand felt his skills could be better used there. And they were-three years after joining the company, Porsche had built an entire electric car.
This historic car, the Lohner-Porsche, was innovative in several ways. The two wheel-hub motors on the front wheels had an output of 2.5 horsepower, generated an astonishing 120-rpm, and were completely silent. The battery could travel 50 kilometers between recharges. The car could travel up to 50 kilometers per hour.

But this was only the beginning. Porsche began experimenting with internal-combustion motors, and his next car, the System Mixt, had internal-combustion wheel hub motors. Porsche went on to win several speed records and widespread acclaim-his name was now well-known not just in engineering circles, but also to the general public. In 1905, he won the coveted Poetting Prize as Austria's most outstanding engineer.

In 1906, Austro-Daimler offered to make Porsche its chief designer. Porsche accepted the job, and in 1910 he designed an 85-horsepower car for the Prince Henry Trial, an international competition named in honor of Prince Henry of Prussia. Porsche's designs won the top three places at the trial.

With the start of World War I, Austro-Daimler began to focus on producing war materials such as trucks, airplane engines, and mechanized weapons. Porsche saw his star rise further in these years; in 1916, he became Austro-Daimler's managing director. He was also awarded an honorary doctorate from Vienna Technical University. This honor was very meaningful to him. Ever afterwards, he was known as Professor or Doctor Porsche, and incorporated the honor into his company's name.

Dr. Porsche had competed in rallies and speed competitions since he became interested in building cars. He believed that by building racecars, he could improve the performance of all his vehicles. As a result, he developed an interest in building small, light, high-performance cars.
Unfortunately, he and Austro-Daimler did not see eye to eye. The company's board did not agree with the direction Porsche wanted to take, and eventually Porsche left. He went on to a position at Steyr, but the Great Depression made car-making an unprofitable business. The company collapsed, and Dr. Porsche was unemployed.

So he moved to Stuttgart, a town with a strong connection to the automotive industry and the location of several prominent car companies, and started a consulting business. His team consisted of people he had worked with before, and a few family members-including his son, Ferry.

The company's aim was to help other companies design better cars-not to design them itself. So in the beginning, none of the cars the company designed had the Porsche name. That changed when the government, now under Nazi control, came to Porsche with a project: design a car "for the people"-a Volkswagen.

Porsche as a company has always been closely tied to Volkswagen; many of the components of the early Porsche cars came from the Volkswagen Beetle. Porsche's Volkswagens were popular, affordable cars that survived after the collapse of the Third Reich. Porsche and his son, and later his grandson, went on to design such ground-breaking cars as the 911, the Boxster, the Spyder, the Roadster, the Carrera, and many others.

Porsche survived the Great Depression, the Third Reich, and dramatic corporate restructuring to keep its place at the forefront of the automotive industry. No matter the country, everyone knows that Porsche cars stand for luxury, power, and performance.

Englewood Volkswagen Repair

If you have an Englewood Volkswagen and you need it serviced, there's only one place to go! No matter what the problem, big or small, Autoworks Colorado can fix any type of Volkswagen. They specialize in auto repair on German vehicles and give the best service in the entire Denver Metro.
Why would you waste your time going to Emich Volkswagen or Osborn Automotive? They charge way too much for a service you could get done for nearly half the cost! Not only will you be saving money going to Autoworks Colorado, you will get the best customer service in the automotive repair industry.
They are located off of E-470 and Ken Carl in Littleton, Colorado and have a very clean shop. They have been fixing Volkswagen's for over 20 years so if your looking for an Englewood vw mechanic with lots of experience you need to check out Autoworks Colorado.
I am so happy that I found this repair shop a few years back, totally changed my view of auto mechanics. I will NEVER go to a Dealership again to get my vw fixed.
If you live in Englewood and drive a volkswagen, it is seriously worth checking them out. Trust me it is worth the short drive from Englewood to Littleton to get your car worked on by these guys.
They got a new website: www.autorepairindenver.com I believe and their number is (303) 932-9990