In this ever evolving era of automobiles, it is only a handful of carmakers that have stuck to a particular brand. While some still produce legendary names, vey few have retained the original formula for these names. One such example is the Volkswagen Jetta.
VW America has now announced the start of production of the rare 40th Anniversary Edition of the 2024 Jetta GLI, which will be offered exclusively in North America, to pay homage to the brand.
Since its introduction in 1984 as a 'GTI with a trunk,' the GLI's purpose has been straightforward: to provide an affordable German performance sedan. A limited run of 1,984 units will be built for the United States to commemorate 40 years of providing a fun-to-drive vehicle without sacrificing any of the usability and efficiency that drivers expect from the brand.
The vehicle will be available in three exterior colours: pure grey, pure white, and rising blue, with front-to-back blackout detailing that contrasts with the GLI's signature red trim. 18-inch black ten-spoke wheels contrast with a black grille, mirror caps, door handles, and spoiler are also offered with the sedan.
Inside, there are many 40th anniversary details. Embossed molecular cloth seats, custom-made for this limited-edition specification, will differ in each of the 1,984 vehicles produced. The GLI logo is engraved on one cupholder and 1984 on the other, while seat tags and front door sills say 'GLI 40' and the steering wheel has a '40' clip at the six o'clock position.
The 40th anniversary edition, like the current GLI Autobahn, is powered by a turbocharged EA888 2.0-liter engine producing 228 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque and is available with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.
It also has larger brakes, a sport HMI performance monitor, a VAQ electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential and XDS electronic differential lock, the DCC adaptive damping system, and a sport exhaust, all of which are standard on the sporty Jetta.
The first Jetta was launched to American audiences in 1979 as a 1980 model in response to a need for a golf-sized car with a trunk. The Jetta, at the time, offered 76 horsepower along with fashionable style for the subcompact sedan segment.
VW debuted the Mk2 in 1985 following favourable consumer feedback. The Mk4 gained 100 horsepower and additional cosmetic and internal refinement. The redesigned Jetta was larger in every dimension than the Mk1 and could now seat up to five passengers, elevating it to the small category. The second-generation model was a big success, and in 1991, the Jetta was the best-selling European Volkswagen automobile in North America.
The Jetta grew in size and power during the 1990s. The Mk3 debuted in 1993, with the brand's distinctive narrow-angle V-6 engine producing 172 horsepower under the hood, as well as updates to the styling, safety, and interior. It was during this time that American buyers began to take notice of the Jetta.
With the introduction of the Mk4 in 1999, VW's brand impact grew. This model was more related to, and visually identical to, the larger Passat than the smaller Golf. A wagon model was later introduced to the lineup, and it is still the car that many Americans associate with the name 'Jetta' to this day.
GLI Days
While the Jetta remained a practical people's car, VW chose to launch a GLI derivative of the mid-size sedan in 1984 with the goal of providing GLI power with four doors.
It received a sporty engine which in its first form was a 1.8-litre with 90 horsepower connected to a close-ratio five-speed manual gearbox. An upgraded sports suspension was also installed and, because the original GLI was only produced for one model year, it is now considered a rare classic. The Jetta progressed with the Golf and, in 1990, the GLI received a 2.0-liter 16-valve engine.
The legendary 2.8-litre narrow-angle VR6 engine was introduced in 2002 while a more efficient 1.8-litre 20-valve turbo was introduced in 2004. The GLI borrowed from the GTI again in the Mk5 model, receiving its 2.0-litre TSI engine with up to 200 horsepower.
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