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DSG is one of the most amazing pieces of technology out there in new cars right now. It was initially intoduced by VW in 2003 Golf R32 (did not make it to US), and 2003 Audi TT, which was available in US. It is available in these VW GTI, TDI Jetta and Gol, 2010 Passatf and Jetta MkV 2.0T (US Market). Audi has it in all variants of A3, TT, and S4. Once this transmission proved itself with VW – other manufacturers started adopting it as well. Most notable models are Nissan GT-R, 2008 BMW M3, Mercedes SLS AMG, all new Porsche sports cars, and lately others  are planning to catch up – such as Ford and GM.

Here is the quick overview of the technology: it has two separate manual gearboxes (and clutches), contained within one housing, and working as one unit. By using two independent clutches it achieves faster shift times and eliminates the torque converter. There is an extensive article in Wikipedia.

What I wanted to add is an actual video demonstration of how this system operates from a driver’ seat, same demonstration I give my clients that are interested in automatic versions of DSG-equipped cars:

We just got details on the configuration, packages and pricing for 2011 Touareg:

Sport model (VR6/TDI) 3.6L, 280 HP / 265 lb-ft FSI engine (VR6) or 3.0L, 225 HP / 406 lb-ft TDI® engine, 4Motion® 8-speed automatic transmission, 18” Tacora alloy wheels w/all-season tires, steel “Offroad” suspension, chrome plated rectangular tail pipes,  silver roof rails, power adjustable exterior side mirrors, Bi-Xenon headlights w/ LED day-time running lights, dynamic headlight range adjustment, front fog & cornering lamps, heated washer nozzles, 4-12V power outlets plus 1-115V outlet, remote opening & closing power tailgate w/ closing assist, power locks, rearview camera, cruise control, Climatronic dual-zone A/C, Premium color multifunction display, Homelink®, silver metallic interior inlays, black high-gloss center console, leatherette seat covering, 8-way power, heated front seats, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel w/ manually adjustable steering column, 40/20/40 split rear seat, leather shift knob, front & rear carpeted floor mats, Bluetooth, satellite radio, 8-speaker sound system w/ single CD & MDI w/ iPod® cable, Navigation system, ESP,
ISOFIX w/ top tether, driver/passenger front airbags, alarm w/ immobilizer, TPMS, trailer hitch preparation

$44,450 for VR6, $47,950 for TDI

Lux (VR6/TDI): Includes Sport features, plus: 19” Everest alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, panoramic powered sunroof, heated power-adjustable exterior side mirrors w/ memory, Burr Walnut interior inlays, wood center console, Vienna leather seat covering, 12-way power front seats w/
driver seat memory & power adjustable lumbar, electric rear seat release switches in trunk

$48,300 for VR6, $51,800 for TDI

Executive (VR6/TDI): Includes Lux features, plus: 20” Pikes Peak alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, heated multifunction steering wheel, heated front & rear seats, KESSY keyless entry system w/ push-button start, rearview camera w/ Park Distance Control (PDC), Dynaudio premium sound system

$54,000 for VR6, $57,500 for TDI

Hybrid: Includes Sport features, plus: 3.0L, 380 HP / 428 lb-ft TSI™ Hybrid engine, 19” Everest alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, panoramic powered sunroof, heated power-adjustable exterior side mirrors w/ memory, KESSY keyless entry system w/ push-button start, rearview cam-
era w/ Park Distance Control (PDC), Burr Walnut interior inlays, wood center console, Vienna leather seat covering, heated front & rear seats, leather wrapped heated multifunction steering wheel, power adjustable steering column w/ memory, 12-way power front seats w/ driver & passenger memory, power adjustable lumbar support, metal scuff plates on door sills, aluminum appearance pedals

$60,565

Add Destination charge to all configurations.

Trailer hitch: $500

Colors:

Campanella White

Black Uni

Toffee Brown

Night Blue

Canyon Gray

Dark Flint

Cool Silver

Galapagos Gray

Tungsten Silver (Hybrid only)

I am back from 2011 Touareg launch training, and this is the initial write-up. We didn’t get to actually drive the car, so that will come later, but we got a lot of time to sit in the car, play and learn with the features, and learn about the new car.

Let’s start from hard facts: there are no new engines for 2011, other than the supercharged hybrid, which we don’t know anything about, other than it should have an output of 380 horsepower. For now – there is the V6 3.6, which produces 280 HP/ 265 torque, and TDI with 255/406. The big improvement on the powertrain is the new 8-speed transmission. Having tried it on new Audi A4 and Q5 – I can tell that it makes a big difference in power, acceleration and overall driving experience. I had customers driving the new A4 right after BMW 3-series, and they were amazed at how much more powerful Audi was (even though it wasn’t). Another benefit of the new transmission is the mileage – TDI will get 28 MPG on highway!

Another big change is the 4-Motion. No longer it will be the 4X-Motion, now the AWD system in Touareg is identical to Audi’s Qauttro, just like Q5: Torsen system with 60% bias to the rear. No more high/low differential. This allows to lower the weight, improve driving experience and increase mileage. It will have an offroad mode, but it will be more of an electronic thing – different ABS and ESP settings, hill-climb and hill-decsent programming, etc.

Dimensions: the car will be 1.6″ longer, slightly lower and slightly wider than the old one. The big improvement again is the weight reduction – 460 lbs. lighter than the old car, and here is the really good news: 157 lbs out of the 460 is the weight reduction on the chassis. This means 157lbs less of unsprung weight, which equals to about 500 lbs of body weight in terms of performance improvement. With all the weight reduction – they managed to improve torsional rigidity by 5%.

Bells and whistles: the main thing is the new RNS-810. Very similar to the RNS-510 with these changes:

• 8″ screen vs. 6.5 – looks great!

• You can copy music to the HDD from commercial CD’s
• Total memory 60 GB, actual free space – 18 GB.
• Displays vehicle functions and settings – no more playing with the steering wheel controls, now everything is on the big display.
• 3D buildings and topographic features

• Some downsizing – no more Sirius seek, picture navigation or selecting destination on map – nothing to cry about IMO.

Other notable features:

• KESSY – keyless entry and start – optional

• New key
• New driver display – same size and quality as the 2011 Audi A8

• Vehicle comes with MDI with both iPod and AUX cables, USB and mini-USB are optional
• Bi-Xenon lights are standard

• Roof rails are standard
• AutoHold – same as Tiguan and Passat

• Panorama sunroof
• 115V power outlet

• New adjustable headrests

Packages:

Sport morel comes standard with leatherette seats, navigation, Bi-Xenons, 18″ wheels, Bluetooth and rear-view camera.

Lux adds 19″ wheels, leather, power seats with memory

Executive adds 20″ wheels, KESSY, heated rear sears and heated steering wheel and Dynaudio.

TDI comes in same packages.

Overall impressions: from one side – the car look and feel like a VW – simple lines, not overwhelming, even with all the new technology – it looks classy. Interior feel roomy, well-lighted (in part – thanks to the panorama sunroof). New seats are comfortable and supportive. There is more room in the back seat, and more room in the trunk. From another side – this car is very similar to Audi, specifically Q5, but it offers more space, and much more functional standard features: compare base Touareg that should be priced at about $40K with nav and camera to a base Q5 3.2 at $43K with less space, less power, no nav or camera – you pay for leather and the logo.

AT the training they let us compare the Touareg to a loaded MDX and X5. I don’t want to go into details of thrashing those cars, but a couple of points: the ONLY thing that is going to MDX is the 3rd row, which is not even very functional, and the only thing that is impressive on X5 is the twin-turbo engine, but the list of features for the price that you have to pay  is dismal, especially once you are done adding packages.

Now we are going to wait for the cars to arrive from port, and we will do some driving.

Also, I am going to Hybrid training next month, so stand by for another review.

I took the new Jetta SEL for a look and a ride in Potrero Hill in San Francisco. Please don’t expect me to badmouth it, everybody knows that the car is missing some of the feature of the old Jetta, but I am positive that this will be a winner. The car I drove has MSRP of $24,400, which is less than a comparable Mazda 3 GT with Tech package, has more room, better build quality, equipment and safety.

Take a look:

Yesterday I went to the launch training for the new 2011 Jetta, and I wanted to share my personal impressions. I already posted packaging and pricing before (http://vwmico.com/2010/07/20/details-and-pricing-for-2011-jetta-are-here/), but people shouldn’t buy cars by numbers, because not everything can be expressed in horsepower, length and price.

First, the looks: in one word – classy. Clean lines, little chrome, pleasant proportions. Most common reaction was that the new Jetta looks like Audi A4, with a few saying that it reminded them of BMW. Inside – it is a traditional VW: easy controls, few buttons, you cannot mistake it for anything else. Especially when comparing it to Japanese cars – your eyes rest after all the different blinking screens and displays. The driver display is small, but very easy to read, it shows the odometer, trip computer, temperature and fuel.

Room and comfort: I don’t think anyone will ever need more room than this car. Plenty of room in the front, my knees didn’t hit the steering wheel, the way they do in Jetta MKV, decent shoulder room. If you put the driver seat all the way back – I could still sit in the rear seat without touching the front seat with my knees. The trunk is just as big as the current model, but the pass-through with rear seats folded look more narrow.

Driving: we drove both SEL with 2.5, and S with 2.0. There were no surprises with SEL, same power as the current model, plenty of mid-range tourqe, transmission is very responsive – you can squeeze it up to 6,000 RPM in Drive mode, or you can get lower shifts, depending on the throttle. Very little body roll, even with 15″ wheels. Steering does feel different coming straight out of MKV, but still way better than competition (especially Nissan). I couldn’t feel any difference with braking – still brakes well, even after the car was being driven hard for hours. We got to compare this car against the competition – Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Honda Civic and Nissan Centra. In one word – all these cars are a joke. The only reason they sell that many of them is the perception of reliability, which is already fading, especially for Toyota. The only car that stand out of the crowd is Mazda – the most fun to drive for a Japanese car, but very noisy inside, and cramped in the back. Even comparing the Jetta S to those cars – I don’t see how anyone would choose anything other than Jetta. About the S model – obviously not a speed rocket with 115 horsepower, but compare it to its price range – and it wins it driving, options, roominess and looks.

About the downgrades: as it has been discussed in detail in forums – there are a few downgrades: starting from drum brakes and suspension, going to cheaper material for the dashboard. This is what I noticed: no hydraulic arm for the hood, no AC vent in the glovebox, armrest doesn’t extend, no valet feature for rear seats, no power adjustment for front seat recliner. Of course there will be people that some of these things will be deal-killers, but in my opinion – the important stuff was not compromised – the build quality, attention to details and overall value. Things like one piece doors, laser-wielded roofs, driving characteristics – I would rather have those than AC vent in the glovebox (what was the point of that anyway?)

Final verdict: would I drive one? Coming from 2009 Jetta Wolfsburg Edition – I would definitely wait for either TDI or GLI, and most likely settle for TDI based on the pricing. If I wasn’t spoiled with 2.0T engine and DSG – I would be very happy with SEL, especially given that even with sport package and automatic transmission – it is still less than $25K. Also finally customers will be able to get an automatic Jetta with navigation for about $23K, which will be the first for VW.

2011 Jetta SEL, Toffee Brown

2011 Jetta SEL with optional 18" wheels and body kit

2011 Jetta S

We just got our first Mazda 2′s, and I shot a quick video walk-around. Overall – nice car for driving around the city, very quick on acceleration and cornering, even though it is only 100HP. If Golf is too big for you – this is a great alternative.

As we get closer to the actual release of the new 2011 Jetta – little new information appears, and a lot of new rumors. Yesterday I got a phone call, and a guy asked if we have the 2011 Jetta in stock. When I said that they are not going to be here until September – he said that he just saw one on the freeway, that I don’t know what I am talking about, and he is going to find a dealer that has them in stock. I hope he is still looking…

But here is what we know:

Timetable: We hope for September, but it could be delayed to October. I searched today in VW inventory system – no cars in the system nationwide. I am sure that cars are already being built, but not loaded into the system yet. We know for sure that a few cars are driving around in the country, probably being tested or for training purposes. Speaking of training: NCS Launch training will begin July 22nd in Southern Region, then Eastern Region, and I personally will go to the class in August.

We expect the availability to be limited in the beginning, probably a few base cars, and a few cars with 2.5 engine per dealer. Real supply should arrive in November-December.

TDI will not get here before January 2011, and GLI should be here in May 2011.

Models:

Jetta Base 2.0 – no AC or radio

Jetta S 2.0 – with AC and radio

Jetta SE

Jetta SE with Convenience package

Jetta SE with Convenience package and sunroof

Jetta SEL

Jetta SEL with sunroof

Jetta SEL with Sport package

All models will be available in manual and automatic

Base model: This is a very touchy topic for a lot of VW fans, because technically this is a step back for a Jetta – this car will have the same engine as MkIV, or 2001-2004 Jetta and Golf. This car will have 2.0 4-cylinder engine producing 115 horsepower, plus a few other downgrades. While this doesn’t sound like something that I would want to drive – there is a logic behind the decision to bring this car here. The main reason for it is cost and pricing. VW wants to have a car in the same price range as Japanese competitors – Corolla and Civic, and this car will be priced in $16K range. Technically they could have brought one of European small engines, such as 1.4 TSI, but the cost of introducing a new engine to American market is huge, and it would defeat the purpose of having a cheap car. The 2.0 engine is not new to USA, therefore it doesn’t have to go through Federal tests. Again, if this car doesn’t sound like something you would want to own – there is 2.5, TDI and 2.0T for GLI.

Changes from fifth generation: The design will resemble the current Audi A4 model. Size – it will be 182.7 inches long, compared to 179.3 for the current model, and 185.2 for Audi A4. The gain is all in the rear seat legroom – the most common complain with compact cars. This means that the car will be very comfortable for rear seat occupants, and it will be easier to fit infant seats. The bad news is that city drivers – like us in San Francisco – will have harder time finding parking.

More models will be available with Bluetooth – I believe that from SE and up all cars will have Bluetooth. Base sound system will be RCDE 310, and Convenience package will  include navigation – RNS 315. This system has all the basic functions as the RNS 510, but smaller screen, and lower price point will allow to add it to a more affordable models.

There are plenty of photos available on VW.com and other websites, so I am not going to repost them here, but I will try to get some videos next month.  Subscribe to my blog to stay updated!

Volkswagen is keeping on pushing 2010 year model, so we will have room for 2011, and this is the perfect time to get a 2010 – while they are offering incentives AND there are cars available (which is not the case with GTI’s anymore, that ship has sailed)

Here are the highlights:

0% APR is available on ALL 2010 Gas models for 36 months, and for the following models up to 66 months: Golf, Beetle, Jetta, Eos, CC, Touareg and Routan. The rest has 1.9% for up to 66 months.  Special APR for TDI models – 3.25% with Tier A+ credit (has to be perfect credit!)

Friends and Family Bonus program:

• Golf (gas) – $1,000
• Passat sedan – $1,000
• CC 2.0T – $1,000
• Sportwagen (gas) – $500

New program is being introduced for returning Jetta lessees: if you have not used all your alloted mileage – you  can get a credit towards your new lease or purchase (financed through VW Credit) for up to $750.

Specific vehicle specials will be posted as always on our dealership website: http://www.royalmotorsalesvw.com/specials/new.htm

2011 cars are on the way, we already have 2011 GTI, Eos, Tiguan and Sportwagen  in transit, so if you want one – please contact me.

Audi is moving along with their plans of increasing market share in USA, and they are making some positive changes to the model line-up. Here is the summary by model:

A3: Same models – 2.0T FWD is available with manual or DSG, starts from $27,270, Quattro and TDI are available with DSG only, Quattro base price is $30,850, and TDI is $30,250. The packaging gets better: Bluetooth Value package is added – BT, multifunction steering wheel and power passenger seat for only $600, and you can add dual sunroof to that (no need to order Premium Plus package). New color is available – Scuba Blue.

A4: No major changes, Frontrak is available with automatic CVT transmission only, 2.0T engine with 211 HP is the only choice. Two trim levels for CVT – Premium and  Premium Plus, pricing starts from$31,950. Quattro starts from $32,850 for manual, $34,14 for automatic. New color is added – Teak Brown, and Monza Silver is available with S-Line package. Avant starts from $35,940, automatic Quattro only. Titanium package is available for Quattro models.

S4:  No major changes, manual starts from $46,60, 7-speed DSG – $48,000. They fixed the packaging issue with rear sensors and camera – now it will be included with Prestige or Navigation package, and Audi Side Assist is available as a separate option. Titanium package is available.

A5:  2.0T is the only engine choice, no other major changes. Manual starts from $36,500, automatic – $37,790.

S5:  Still V8 engine, $53,100 for manual, $54,300 for automatic, Premium Plus and Prestige trims. Titanium package will be released later.

A5 Cabriolet:  Frontrak CVT starts from $42,000, Quattro automatic – $44,190. New colors – Teak Brown and Arum Beige.

S5 Cabriolet:S  This is an exciting car – same powertrain as the S4 – supercharged V6 with 333HP and 7-speed DSG, starts from $58,450. Same packaging as the S4, Sports Rear Differential package is highly recommended.

A6: No major changes, 3.2 CVT, 3.0T (supercharged) Quattro, and V8 are the model choices. This could be the last year for A6 V8. 3.2 starts from $45,200, 3.0T – 50,200, Avant 3.0T – 53,310 and V8 – $59,150.

S6:  Similar to 2010, the questions is whether they will actually let us order it, because we haven’t seen on 2010 S6.

TTS: 2.0T with 265 Hp, and DSG is the only powertrain for coupe and roadster. Coupe starts from $47,000, and roadster is a round $50K.

Q5: Major change – 2.0T version is available. Starts from $35,200, $4,200 more for Premium Plus, sunroof, B&O and navigation are optional. 3.2 version will be available in Premium Plus and Prestige, starts from $42,500, sunroof, 19″ wheels and exterior S-Line package are standard.

Q7: Another model that has huge potential: supercharged V6 will be the only gasoline engine choice. 300 HP output for Premium and Premium Plus, 333 HP for S-Line Prestige. $45,700 for base, $58,900 for S-Line. TDI will start from $50,900.

A8: Completely redesigned, and highly anticipated. V8 372 HP and 8-speed automatic, 20GB Jukebox,Adaptive air suspension, Audi Drive Select, Bose Premium surround system, Audi Pre-sense, HD Radio, HDD navigation with real time traffic, MMI Touch – this is only a part of standard equipment. We expect to see the first demo in October, no pricing is available yet.

No Audi TT for 2011, and since we only get to drool over R8 – I am not getting into that.