VW Announces September '09 Introduction for GTI and Rabbit

Americans love VWs GTI, as evidenced by '07 sales of that model that were 15,000 strong, more than a third of total '07 Rabbit sales. Due to that fondness for the GTI, explains Edmunds, VW pursued a quick schedule to get the car on sale in the U.S. after its June sale date in Germany.

VW hopes to sell more than 100,000 Rabbits and GTI's annually in the U.S. by 2018, part of it and Audi's corporate strategy of aggressive worldwide growth. At this point anyway, they look poised to deliver on the audacious goal, with a worldwide sales increase of some 15 percent in the third quarter of '08.

And despite numerous updates and upgrades to the new model, VW is keeping prices in check, with an average $250 increase across the model lineup. Under the hood of the GTI will be Volkswagen's excellent 2.0-liter TFSI (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection, or direct injection for the layman). Rabbits will feature the 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder, and optional will be the new 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel four. Rumor has it that a new 1.8-liter TFSI will eventually replace the 2.5-liter unit.--Colin Mathews

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Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius. 2010 Volkswagen RabbitEnlarge PhotoAmericans love VWs GTI, as evidenced by '07 sales of that model that were 15,000 strong, more than a third of total '07 Rabbit sales. Due to that fondness for the GTI, explains Edmunds, VW pursued a quick schedule to get the car on sale in the U.S. after its June sale date in Germany. VW hopes to sell more than 100,000 Rabbits and GTI's annually in the U.S. by 2018, part of it and Audi's corporate strategy of aggressive worldwide growth. At this point anyway, they look poised to deliver on the audacious goal, with a worldwide sales increase of some 15 percent in the third quarter of '08. And despite numerous updates and upgrades to the new model, VW is keeping prices in check, with an average $250 increase across the model lineup. Under the hood of the GTI will be Volkswagen's excellent 2.0-liter TFSI (Turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection, or direct injection for the layman). Rabbits will feature the 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder, and optional will be the new 2.0-liter TDI turbodiesel four. Rumor has it that a new 1.8-liter TFSI will eventually replace the 2.5-liter unit.--Colin Mathews --- Make sure you check out our partner sites dedicated to focused news, reviews and more for Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, and the Toyota Prius.