Volkswagen in the United States has revealed a specially tuned Jetta that is set to attempt the Southern California Timing Association’s BGC/G class record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Wendover, Utah in August 2018.
Based on the US-spec Jetta, the modified vehicle is fitted with VW’s familiar EA888 turbocharged 2,0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, with some choice upgrades, of course. Built by THR Manufacturing, VW says this particular Jetta’s engine previews the powertrain that will be used in the upcoming Jetta GLI performance model.
Other modifications to the vehicle include an aerodynamic makeover, which brings the drag coefficient down to 0,27. To make the car lighter, much of the cabin’s trim has been stripped out, while a bucket seat and a roll cage have been added. The gauges are still in place, but the official readings will be displayed on an AEM display screen mounted to the cage.
Volkswagen and THR Management have not revealed any official specs for the Bonneville machine, but the German automaker has confirmed that it has set a top speed target of at least 208,472 mph (335,503 km/h, or the existing class record).
