News_Stig Posted November 3, 2005 Report Share Posted November 3, 2005 <font color="#666666">"Volkswagen used its first appearance at SEMA to launch three performance-tuned products that could show up in the automaker's line-up in the future. The models included a Touareg R-GT, which was lowered, given 22-inch wheels, and upgraded to 500bhp. The interior featured a Bugatti spun-aluminium trim kit and matching his-and-her iPods. VW also applied the R-GT designation to a 535-hp version of the Passat, which racer and project car specialist Townsend Bell dubbed "an M5 killer." The candy-white Passat featured an aggressively reshaped nose, with flush bumpers and a new fascia, 19-inch titanium anodized wheels and an integrated rear spoiler. Top speed? Over 190 mph. The third project car was the Jetta R-GT. This "sinister" interpretation was outlined in ghost graphics and ground effects. Track-ready, it featured a full roll cage surrounding Recaro seats. Based on the new Golf R32 platform, the Jetta R-GT's track was widened for improved performance and handling - which would also be enhanced by full-time all-wheel drive, according to Townsend. There's a growing likelihood that the R-GT models will, if they don't make it into production, at least influence some future members of the VW line-up, suggested Adrian Hallmark, the new US head of Volkswagen. Hallmark also hinted there could be significant changes coming at VW in the near future, as it moves to improve its position in the US market, including starting to produce vehicles specifically designed for America. How soon might new products appear? "It won't happen in a year," Hallmark said, but he added that the goal is to move fast." Taken from 4car </font> TSN thread here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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