2008 VOLKSWAGEN NEW CAR MODEL GUIDE

Volkswagen of Germany offers up its favored nameplates for 2008 including the Beetle, Jetta, hot-hatch GTI and Rabbit. The top sedan available is the deluxe, mid-size Passat, while the Touareg SUV now offers powertrain choices with six, eight or even 10 cylinders.

Rabbit
Volkswagen's subcompact series of three-door and five-door hatchbacks use the iconic label of Rabbit, which traces to VW's original small hatchback marketed in the United States from 1974 to 1982. The 2008, 5th-generation Rabbit totes a new powertrain — VW's 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine, which generates 170 horsepower while linked to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic or five-speed manual transmission. A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is now standard for 2008 models, while all-disc ABS brakes and a non-skid device called electronic stability program (ESP) is also available.

GTI
Charged with the kick of a turbo engine, VW's hot-hatch GTI is a compact two-door coupe masked as a convenient hatchback with precise mechanical components. The 2.0-liter turbo engine feels vigorous and quick, netting 200 horsepower. Additionally, there are two choices for the GTI transmission, either a six-speed manual or six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) Tiptronic automatic with paddle shifters. The GTI's exterior package features a brash face with big, matte-black grille. Lots of new equipment goes into the 2008 model including Sirius satellite radio. The GTI is available in both the GTI and GTI Autobahn trim.

New Beetle
VW's compact, two-door coupe shows keen, slick styling and a bold face with large oval headlamps and a mesh grille. The Beetle's standard engine is a 2.5-liter, five-cylinder rig, which achieves 150 horsepower through a five-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic shifter. This year's equipment upgrades consist of a traction control system (TCS) with ESP added to all models, along with a TPMS. New trim tags emerge this year as the New Beetle S and New Beetle SE. The S model rolls on new 16-inch alloy wheels, while the SE is mounted on 17-inch alloys.

New Beetle Cabriolet
This VW is a convertible conversion for the New Beetle hardtop created by Karmann Coachworks in Germany. With its top raised, the convertible maintains the arched roof of the coupe, leaving its cabin dimensions relatively the same. The fabric-lined top has three layers of insulation, plus a rear window constructed from glass and imbedded with a defroster element. The cabriolet's top opens and closes by manual mode or with optional semi-automatic power controls. The model's powertrain compares to the hardtop, with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder plant bringing 150 horsepower.

Passat
The mid-size Passat sedan and five-door wagon offer new trims for 2008 including the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. There are two powertrain options along with the choice of front-wheel-drive (FWD) or VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction. The base engine for the Passat is a 2.0-liter, four-in-line, which adds a turbo-charger and direct fuel injection to generate 200 horsepower through a manual six-speed transmission on the Passat Turbo or a six-speed electronic automatic with Tiptronic sequential shifter. More juice flows from the 3.6-liter V6 sparked to 280 horsepower. The Passat VR6 now stocks bi-xenon headlamps with the Adaptive Front lighting System (AFS), curtain-style air bags and ESP.

Eos
Eos of Greek mythology applied to the goddess of the dawn, and this VW version allows that sun to come up with push-button ease, converting the model from a hardtop coupe to an open-top convertible. The sleek two-door — with seating for four in its well-stocked cabin — uses the Rabbit/Jetta platform with FWD and two powertrain options. A 2.0-liter, four-in-line turbo produces 200 horsepower through a manual six-speed transmission or six-speed DSG Tiptronic automatic. Additionally, VW's twin-cam 3.2-liter V6, mated exclusively to the DSG, hits 250 horsepower. New 2008 trims include the Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6.

Jetta / GLI
The Jetta's crisp styling features a brash face with chrome grille flanking corner lamps and aerodynamic lines sweeping across the arching roof. The model's five-seat cabin has surprising room for a compact. A new powertrain is available, VW's 2.5-liter five-cylinder plant delivering 170 horsepower. Additionally, a 2.0-liter, four-pack with turbo-charging nets 200 horsepower for the upscale GLI, tying to a six-speed manual or optional six-speed DSG automatic Tiptronic. The GLI and new GLI Autobahn editions have a reduced ride height, creating a sporty stance. 2008 Jetta trims include the S, SE and SEL.

Touareg
The Touareg SUV from VW has a five-door design with a tight unibody structure. It's sleek in style and large in scale for the mid-size class, offering a spacious cabin, seating for five and plush appointments. The Touareg employs VW's four-wheel-drive (4WD) traction device labeled 4XMotion, which provides uncanny traction for all wheels, plus optional locking rear differential and an air suspension. The available engines contain six, eight and even 10 cylinders. The massive, 5.0-liter, V10 turbo-diesel delivers 300 horsepower through an automatic six-speed transmission, achieving a tow capacity of 7,716 pounds.

R32
VW's quickest hatch lands late in 2008, but flashes bold exterior lines, cool, cabin styling cues and boosted power ratings. The R32's power package consists of the 3.2-liter, VR6 engine with 250 horsepower, the dual-clutch DSG Tiptronic automatic with paddle shifters and 4Motion AWD traction. The R32's cockpit stocks sports seats, a leather-wrapped, tri-spoke steering wheel, alloy foot pedals, automatic climate controls (Climatronic), anti-theft alarm, cruise control, rain sensing wipers and heatable washer nozzles. Also available is a deluxe audio kit with CD player and 10 speakers.

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