VW Jetta TDI Cup - ET Event

Lower emissions, better gas mileage, less noise, environmentally friendly; you wouldn't expect all these claims to be made about a diesel motor, not to mention a race car! But Volkswagen has done just that with its '09 Jetta TDI that's set to hit dealers this summer.

With an expected 40mpg city and 50mpg on highways, the new Jetta TDI is an awesome choice for car owners concerned about gas mileage. In fact, these diesels outperform most hybrids on the road today!

But the new VW Jetta TDI isn't just a car for sissies worried about money and mileage. A TDI offers the best of both worlds. Not only does a TDI get more miles for your dollar, but also burns clean and performs well on the road because turbo-diesels offer low-end torque for immediate acceleration. Matched to VW's DSG transmission, the Jetta TDI is a peppy sedan out of the box.

To promote the model's introduction into North America, VW Motorsport brought dedicated VW racing back to road courses across the US with the Jetta TDI Cup series. It's designed to showcase the benefits and performance of the new Jetta TDI, which has been tuned by VW Motorsport technicians. Sanctioned by the SCCA, the series will help new drivers improve their skills to pursue professional racing careers.

More than 700 applicants registered for the TDI Cup but were narrowed down to 60 qualifiers after the essential $35k enrollment fee. The 60 hopefuls traveled to Firebird Raceway, AZ where the final 30 were selected on skill, potential and ability. The chosen drivers range from 16 to 26 years of age and represent regions across the US, Canada and Mexico.

With the first round at Virginia International Raceway already complete (and the third round complete by the time you read this), competition has already heated up. After all, the series winner will receive $100k and the opportunity to receive an additional $150k if signed by a professional race team.

If you'd like to learn more about the exciting Jetta TDI Cup or sign up for next year's season, visit www.vwmotorsportusa.com

Inside A TDI Cup Car
With the wrenching and expertise of VW Motorsport, you'd think these Jetta racecars were far from stock. In actuality, they're 70% stock, using 20% OE upgrades and 5% custom pieces.

The two liter inline four cylinder 16v diesel retains the stock turbo, diesel filter and exhaust. The only changes are a deleted muffler and VW Motorsport software. This bumps the stock output of 140hp and 235 lb-ft of torque to 170hp and 258 lb-ft, which is available from 1900rpm.

The FWD drivetrain uses VW's six-speed DSG automatic tranny. A front differential is installed, while gear reduction and quicker shifting has been achieved with software improvements.

The suspension is heavily upgraded using Sachs adjustable race parts. The brakes are derived from the Audi R8's four-piston calipers and 14" rotors.

Weight saving is important, so the interior has been stripped although the dash and body panels remain intact. The weight watchers program saved the car 406 lb, reducing it from 3250 to 2844 lb.

The racer's wheels are available to the public. The 18x8.5" Ronal wheels have 240/40-18 Michelin slicks wrapped around them.

The body kit is stock and available from VW Accessories as well. You'll notice the front bumper is based on the SEMA project Thunder Bunny.

Safety features make up the rest of the car, including an FIA rollcage and fire extinguisher plus Recaro Pro Racer SPG Hans seat with six-point Schroth harnesses.

Sam's Diary
Ten of us made the 240-mile trek from VW's new headquarters in Herndon, VA to Virginia International Raceway. Our convoy included SEMA project cars RGTI, Thunder Bunny and Sportwagen. When we arrived, tension was high for the first round of the TDI Cup, especially amongst VW staff - it's been years since a successful VW series hit US shores.