Image: Volkswagen
Image: Volkswagen
Image: Volkswagen
Image: Volkswagen
Image: Volkswagen
Image: Volkswagen
South Africa has an obsession with SUVs but that means that sedans have slowly become defunct. Volkswagen’s latest concept; the Jetta GLI Performance is thus something that we will never get to see.
Image: Volkswagen
That being said, the Jetta GLI Performance remains a concept at this point but Volkswagen has thought out of the box, creating something that would comfortably fit as a bespoke V-Dub. The venerable model that served for generations in South Africa was officially killed off in 2019, serving up to the generation before this updated generation; displayed at the SEMA show.
The Specialty Equipment Market Association show in Las Vegas is home to some outer-worldly creations. Some are from independent tuners, others from private owners and occasionally, OEMs like to get in on the action too. The Jetta GLI Performance serves as a motorsport-inspired version of the Wolfsburg sedan and an hommage to its touring car history.
Image: Volkswagen
It isn’t tricky to determine that this is a modified sedan. The visual cues on the outside make it immediately apparent that there is more to the model than meets the eye. Using the 2022 Jetta GLI Autobahn as a foundation, the model boasts widened front and rear fenders which already give it a menacing look. This is further emphasised by side skirts, redesigned air intakes and an upgraded front bumper. Within the four-wheel wells are massive 20-inch Rotiform monoblocks with custom covers while the surface finish of the car itself includes matte black and a hex-themed vinyl wrap – very cool!
To give the sedan as much bite as it has bark, RacingLine has incorporated a new performance package that allows more seamless operation of the 2,0-litre motor. This includes a new intercooler, cold-air intake, oil management system and cooler to name a few. This takes power up from the modest 170 kW and 350 N.m all the way up to a whopping 261 kW and 504 N.m. So it is pretty capable too, but the best part is that it has retained its stock six-speed manual gearbox while a performance clutch replaces the standard component.
Image: Volkswagen
To help with stopping and cornering are new six-piston forged calipers with carbon-ceramic brakes which coilovers and lowering springs are fully adjustable with what Volkswagen describe as “a track-worthy suspension that is just as at home on the street.”
Keyword: Volkswagen’s Jetta GLI Performance concept is a 6-speed manual sedan we will never see