Just read that the new Bora (Jetta) has a 6 speed tranny, AWD and 204 hp VR6. Modifying this car should easily bring hp to around 230 (for not much money). This same setup is planned for the US Jetta in 2001. So, now I have a real problem. I was getting ready to buy an Audi 1.8tq and modify (at a hefty price) to achieve 240hp. Any help on what to do?

unless you introduce a force induction system.... getting that extra 20-30 hp is really tough to achive with simple (let alone cheap) bolt-ons. If you are talking air filter/exhaust/chip ... all that will give you maybe another 10hp. After that, you are talking; cams (in the VR6 - $1000/pair), then... variable intake manifold ($2000)... to get that extra 10/15 horses. Thus the reason you don't see too many 200hp+ Corrados/GLXs/GTIs running around.
It may be cheaper to just bolt on a blower.

Also, what the European market gets, may not be the same ast the US. Look at the S4 Euro-spec, compare to NA spec.

Cris

that would have to be good for at least 280hp. Even chip/air filter/exhaust mods should be close to 225 hp. If Audi would just offer the sport seats in leatherette, my decision would be much easier. My quandry continues!!

to be able to buy a poor man's Audi. VW just kept making promises and missing the dates. So, given their track record, I would expect an AWD (4motion Haldex from the TT) Jetta (remember that US availability usually trails European introductions) with 240hp (VR6?) and a six speed to be available September of 2003. So go out and buy the Audi now!!!

MAC 99.5 1.8QMS

VW has always had the 'better' models in Europe and speculations have always been that someday we would get the Golf synchro or some other bad-ass VW. I don't think that VW would bring a lesser (read less expensive) model over to compete with the A4 market share. This is just my opinion but lets say they did bring the Jetta spec'd just as you say over with VW's new 4-motion (I think that's what it's called?), 6-speed and the new Multi valve VR6. It would probably cost around $24-$26K right? That would mean that it costs the same as the V6 Passat and I don't think VW would do that either???

But we can always hope! ;)

Yeah,

And I've had to tell customers they can't have a Passat in a V6 or AWD for all that time. VW said we'd get those cars when they first trained us on the Passats over two years ago.

You would think that with all the money car companies shell out for marketing folks to determine everything from color selection to car names to performance specs that they could avoid confusion between their different marques (e.g. Audi vs. VW, Honda vs. Acura etc.). However, we consistently see rather strange situations where the car companies appear to be slitting their own throats by overoptioning the non-luxury marque to the point that it is no longer clear to the consumer what they are getting by purchasing the luxury marque.

VW is apparently having a very tough time with this concept lately and have dealt with it by disappointing/screwing people who are waiting for AWD or GLX Passats that never seem to materialize. How they deal with this Jetta situation is anybody's guess.

Mitch
'99.5 A6Q

I have had 5 VWs 1975 Rabbit, 1980 Cabriolet, 1986 Jetta GLI (Wolfsburg), 1987 GTI 16v and am still working on a 1967 Karmann Ghia Convertible. I have only had 3 Audis 1989 200Q, 1993 90S, and of course my 1999.5 A4 1.8T QMS. VW has the right engineers and a kick ass CEO, just tell the product planners to get their heads out of ... well you know ...glutias maximus cranial extraction.