Now, this Jetta isn’t just a Golf sedan. Volkswagen designed this generation of their entry level sedan specifically for the American market. Translation: It’s bigger than the last one to accommodate our fat asses. Even just judging from the leaked pictures, this does look to be a larger car an the last iteration, but thoughtfully sculpted bodywork managed to hide any added visual bulk, helping the new Jetta retain it’s nimble athletic look. It also sports the new, more aggressive corporate face along with more creases and angles than the last one.

There are no surprises with the engine choices. Though this car was designed for us bigger yankees, this is a global car. The 2.0 liter turbo we’re accustomed to will likely be the only engine choice other than the 2.0 liter TDI. Our friends across the pond get the same mills, but will also get to pick from a 1.2 liter TSI, 1.4 liter TSI, and 1.6 liter TDI.

Check out the pics below and let me know what you think of the redesign. I found these on Autoblog.com.

-Triple_Deuce

-Triple_Deuce

Well, leave it to say they should redesign the badge with a phoenix instead of a griffin. The glittery hand of Spyker, another Swedish niche brand, gripped Saab tight and raised it from perdition. As a result, the latest Saab 9-5 has been able to see the light of day and is achingly close to being to being somewhere you can get your hands on it. Talk about rising from some ashes.

The video posted below speaks for itself, so there’s not much reason to say anything else about this car aside from drivetrains. This car will be available with a 2.0 liter turbocharaged four cylinder engine pumping out 220hp and a 2.8 liter turbo V6 making 300hp. The 2.0T gets front wheel drive and either a six speed row-it-yourself or a six speed set-it-and-forget it transmission (by Ron Popeil). The 2.8 turbo includes the Haldex XWD (cross wheel drive) torque vectoring systems and adaptive suspension. Check out the video below of how sharp this luxury sport jet on wheels is on this test track. Outstanding!

-Triple_Deuce

Previous generations of the Phaeton have been based on the A8 and this one is no different. From the pictures given, it’s clear that this one is packing the 4.2 liter V8 and will also be available with the 6.3 liter W12 engine. European markets will get a six cylinder diesel and six cylinder petrol engine to choose from. We’re left to assume this car will also feature the 7 speed automatic featured in the new A8 as well. Volkswagen’s 4-Motion all wheel drive comes as standard along with all the luxury and technology you’d expect in a car in this segment such as 18-way adjustable seats, 4-zone climate control, lane change assistance, and radar guided cruise control. You can also opt for the long wheelbase variant if you want more space for your international dignitaries…or kids.

Outside, things are…not much different from the last time we saw this car. The front is of course taken from Volkswagen’s current design language which gives the Phaeton a more aggressive look. LEDs in the headlamps aren’t a bad touch either. Every element works well together here and should give a fairly commanding presence if you seen one in your rear view mirror. In profile, subtly-flared wheel arches hint at (some) sportiness and, along with the sleek, crisp lines, give the car a look of being musclar, but not bulky. The rear is…boring, but unoffensive. So, that works out alright.

All in all, this is shaping up to be a nice offering in the segment. But with competition such as the redesigned Audi A8, Mercedes S-class, new BMW 7-series, and even the Hyundai Equus coming to town, the Phaeton is up against some monstrous stiff competition. Frankly, I don’t think it has a Nazi’s chance in hell, but we’ll see what happens. Check out the pics down below.

-Triple_Deuce

-Triple_Deuce

-Triple_Deuce

I’ll be discussing the coming-and-gone Geneva Auto Show and some of the interesting cars that showed up there. I have a few brainfarts and drop a few F-bombs along the way. Let me know what you think. Hope you enjoy!

P.S. – Touring made that Bentley Continental GTC Flying Star

BUT!!!! I have not abandoned The Steering Column. In fact, while taking the time off, I’ve been thinking about what I want to do to make this place more entertaining for you, the visitor. One just invention will be a weekly podcast. Not sure how long they will go on for, but I’m thinking at least an hour. Might find some profanity in there, but we’re all adults. So, just be ready for it.

Also, I’m thinking about not trying to keep up with all the news in the industry and sticking to things that are interesting that I’m sure I can say something interesting about. Other news might be compiled in a single blog post at the end of the week just to round things out.

Thanks again for stopping by the blog and reading. I hope you enjoy yourselves and, as always, constructive criticism is welcome. You want to see something on this site, let me know. I do this for the people, so I need the people to tell me something.

Now, how not to do a burnout.

Pfft!! More power! Duh!

That said, it’s only 10 more ponies, but the power isn’t the big story here. What Ford’s SVT has done is take the 5.4 liter V8 block they use for the GT500 and made it out of aluminum instead of iron. Along with lighter wheels, this amounts to 120lbs shaved off the Shelby’s curb weight mostly over the front axle. They’ve also gone about fiddling with the suspension to compensate for the weight reduction. SVT also used low-friction steel coating in the engine in addition to bigger piping, helping the blown 5.4 liter V8 now make 550hp and 80% of the torque comes in as long as 1750rmp. Talk about brutal acceleration!

Check the vid and pics down below and let me know what you think.

-Triple_Deuce