IX GEARS FOR ALL MODELS
A high-tech automatic spoiler, advanced 20-valve engine, well-bred all-wheel drive, and now six-speed transmission are building a new, more exotic image for Volkswagen. While the others are found on today's VWs, the six-speed shifter is a new consideration. In a world where three-, four- and five-speed trannys drive all cars except the most expensive, the Wolfsburg automaker is pondering a six shifter for all models, it recently said at a Hannover trade fair. Frank Metzner, manager of engine production, lists improving fuel economy as one of Volkswagen AG's most important goals. The addition of what would be two more gears in cars now equipped with a four-speed automatic, and one more in cars now equipped with a manual or manumatic Tiptronic, would improve engine efficiency and decrease noise. Both automatic and manual gearboxes would get six speeds.

With a new coupe and convertible, Volkswagen wants BMW's 3-series buyers. The UK-based AutoExpress reports VW is working on roofless and two-door versions of its sleek Bora/Jetta. In addition to the refinement, sophistication, luxury and elegance a BMW offers, VW will have a distinct advantage: lower prices.

Pictured at top right is Volkswagen's Coupe Jetta (CJ) concept that was shown at 1998's North American International Auto Show. The idea didn't fly too far from the drawing board — in fact, it caught the lip of the trash can. But now it's been learned a two-door version of the Jetta is being planned, along with a convertible, shown at left . Volkswagen is looking to make the Jetta convertible a true open-air tourer with extra stiffness built directly into the chassis to compensate for the vacant roof. This means no unwieldy rollbar, a feature drivers of the Golf-based Cabrio must live with. AutoExpress states the convertible will only be available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 2.3-liter V5. A 2.8-liter V6 is likely to follow.

We've been reporting how Porsche hooked up with Volkswagen to carve out a piece of the seemingly limitless SUV market. Now we've had a pretty good look at what the VW version of the vehicle looks like. This version will be powered by an Audi-based 2.8-liter V6 producing 195 hp driving Audi's quattro awd system. The Porsche-badged, upmarket version will undoubtedly be powered by something bigger and stronger, and have different styling and a considerably higher sticker. Expect to see these on our shores sometime during 2001.

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News from Europe says Volkswagen's 2001 sport-utility vehicle, codenamed Colorado, will hit its market with V6, V8 and W12 gas engines as well as V8 and V10 TDI diesels.

Built on the next-generation Transporter/EuroVan platform, the SUV will have a wider stance than Mercedes' M-Class and a lower ride height for better on-road driving dynamics. Volkswagen is developing the Colorado jointly with Porsche. While the Porsche will embody the 911/Boxster's sporting character, the VW will bear the classy and sleek Jetta/Bora family resemblance, especially in the front fascia. Inside, the VW's layout will be similar to the Passat.

In North America, expect to see the Colorado initially available with a VR6 (VW's 24-valve unit, but tuned for more torque), with the VR8 possibly forthcoming.