The 2013 Volkswagen GTI Driver's Edition was revealed at the Chicago Auto Show with the Beetle Turbo convertible R-Line.
By: Jake Lingeman on 2/07/2013
Volkswagen made its sporting intentions known on
Thursday at the Chicago Auto Show with the reveal of two
limited-edition GTI models and the new Beetle convertible R-Line.
The GTI Wolfsburg Edition and the Driver's Edition mark the end of the current
generation, while the Beetle will join the CC, Tiguan and Touareg with the
appearance upgrade.
A redesigned GTI is expected to
arrive next year. Before that happens we get two limited-edition models, which
are offered only with four doors and only in three colors -- white, gray and
black.
The Wolfsburg Edition goes on sale
this quarter and gets the GTI's standard options plus 18-inch Laguna wheels, a
golf-ball shifter and red-stitched carpeted floor mats. A six-speed manual is
standard on the Wolfsburg, which starts at $25,095. Adding VW's dual-clutch
transmission adds $1,100 to the sticker price. VW will only produce 2,000
Wolfsburg Editions.
The GTI Driver's Edition will hit
dealerships this summer. It combines the Sunroof and Navigation packages with
18-inch Laguna wheels and the golf-ball shifter. Red-stitched mats are also
included, along with partial leather seat covers. The Driver's Edition will
cost $29,695 with a six-speed manual transmission. Only 3,000 will be sold in
the United States.
Both cars come with a certificate of
authenticity and a special package of GTI gear, including a hat, keychain and
parking sign.
The 2014 Beetle Turbo convertible R-Line will get
exclusive 19-inch wheels with low-profile all-season tires. Additional upgrades
include R-Line badges and bixenon headlights.
Inside, the R-Line has a
metallic-finish dashboard and doors, a flat-bottomed, multifunction steering
wheel, sport pedals and leather seats. Keyless access is also included, as well
as navigation, and premium audio with an amplifier and subwoofer.
Pricing will be announced later this
year.
About
the Chicago Auto Show
The 2014 Beetle Turbo convertible R-Line was revealed at the Chicago Auto Show alongside two versions of the GTI.
The Chicago Auto Show is held every
February at McCormick Place and bills itself as "The Nation's Largest."
Pickup trucks traditionally have had a big showing in Chicago, as have green
and small cars. This year marks the 105th Chicago Auto Show; press days are
Feb. 7-8 while public days are Feb. 9-18.
