VW Wants the Jetta to Go 208 MPH

Volkswagen announced today that it will take a modified version of the 2019 Jetta to Bonneville this summer with a view to setting a class record.

The Jetta will compete in the BGC/G class and will need to go 208.472 mph in order set a record at the famed Bonneville Salt Flats.

Although it will be fitted with a roll cage, racing seat, and emptied of any unnecessary weight, the Jetta will still run with its 2.0-liter ea888 engine, albeit a modified version.

The car, built by THR Manifacturing has also been lowered and fitted with special wheels, tires, a limited slip diff and even a parachute for duty on the flats.

“We are delighted with the reception for the all-new 2019 Jetta in North America,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North America Region. “With the attempt on the Bonneville speed record with the Jetta, we want to underline the Jetta’s sporty credentials and get customers excited for the more performance-oriented Jetta GLI on the way.”

To be sure it looks the part, VW sent the Jetta to its southern California design center to give it a special graphics package.

“This was a truly fun project to be involved in,” said Reto Brun, Director, Volkswagen Design Center California. “We wanted to highlight the sporty nature of the Jetta and give the car design graphics that would make it really stand out on the alien-like environment of the Bonneville Salt Flats. We wish the team luck as they attempt to make this the fastest Jetta—and the fastest production-based Volkswagen—ever seen!”

In 2016, VW sent a Beetle to the Bonneville Salt Flats where it hit a speed of 205.122 mph, the fastest speed ever achieved by a Beetle at the time. That car also ran a modified 2.0-liter engine making 543 hp.

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