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February 19, 2003
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This Week:

• New Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG Makes Debut in Chicago

• Toyota Stages World Premiere of All-New Tundra 'Big Rig' Double Cab Pickup at 2003 Chicago Auto Show

• Avanti Responds to GM Lawsuit Over Studebaker XUV

• Hyundai and Kia Celebrate the Grand Opening of a New $30 Million California-Based Design Center

• 2003 Volkswagen GTI 20th Anniversary Edition Revs Up for Chicago Debut

• GM, Ford Officially Sign Agreement To Develop All-New Front-Wheel-Drive Transmission

• The Volkswagen Group in Asia-Pacific

• 2004 Acura 3.5 RL Debuts at Chicago Auto Show

• American Suzuki Introduces Two New Cars, Mid-Size Verona and Premium Compact Forenza at Chicago Auto Show

• All-New Ford Freestar Minivan To Be Produced At Oakville Assembly Plant

• Global Engine Alliance Selects Michigan for New Production Facility in the U.S.

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2003 Volkswagen GTI 20th Anniversary Edition Revs Up for Chicago Debut

Photo: VW

CHICAGO - Unveiled at this year's Chicago Auto Show is the Volkswagen GTI 20th Anniversary Edition -- a celebration of GTI success in North America since the model first arrived in 1983. The original pocket rocket comes to showrooms this spring, with only 4,000 being produced at a price of $23,225. For Volkswagen driving enthusiasts across the continent, the GTI 20th Anniversary Edition is chock full of performance, standard features and styling cues that commemorate the original Rabbit GTI. This limited-edition GTI features a dynamic six-speed manual transmission coupled with Volkswagen's award-winning four-cylinder 1.8 T engine, and accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in just over seven seconds. The 1.8 T delivers 180 horsepower at 5,500 revolutions per minute, with a hefty 173 lbs. ft. of torque in the wide range of 1,950 to 5,000 rpm. Delivering six- cylinder performance from a four-cylinder engine, the 1.8 T is fuel-efficient and engaging, employing a turbocharger, intercooler and Volkswagen's innovative five-valve-per-cylinder technology.

This five-valve configuration allows excellent top-end breathing, while dual overhead camshafts provide for optimal valve control. The sole option for this special edition is Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP(R)), a system that uses sophisticated yaw and position sensors to help automatically prevent oversteer or understeer in the event of a sudden maneuver.

A lowered sport suspension, 18-inch Z-rated summer performance tires and larger, vented four-wheel disc brakes (312 millimeters by 25 mm at the front and 256 mm by 22 mm at the rear) also contribute to pulsating performance. The sporty new design of the 15-spoke alloy wheels reveals red calipers -- further accenting this distinctive GTI.

Volkswagen purists will immediately recognize the sport-performance styling cues on the GTI 20th Anniversary Edition. At the front, a red "GTI" badge reminiscent of the original accents the grille. Headlights feature a black surround, while the body-color bumper and chin spoiler add dramatic ground effects. Side mirrors are housed in black, and body-color side valances carry the sporty theme to the rear. Further distinguishing this special edition are a body-color lowered rear bumper, fixed body-color spoiler above the hatch and a larger-diameter, single polished exhaust. The rear also features darkened taillamps, a red "GTI" badge and classic, polished-metal Rabbit logo.

The GTI 20th Anniversary Edition is available in three exterior colors: Black Magic, Imola Yellow and new Jazz Blue. The interior features black and gray sport-cloth seating and a black headliner, creating a cockpit feeling for every trip. The aggressive Recaro(R) Sport seats have larger bolsters to help hug passengers during spirited driving.

Further differentiating the GTI 20th Anniversary Edition's seating is gray stitching and horizontal striped sport cloth, complemented by "GTI" embroidered in red on the driver's and front passenger's seatbacks. This special edition also has matching striped safety belts and black floor mats with gray borders to highlight the unique interior.

The signature "golf ball" shift knob sports a red "GTI" logo and is accented by a perforated black leather boot with gray stitching. A three- spoke steering wheel and handbrake are also wrapped in black perforated leather for an upscale, sporty appearance. Each limited edition features a brushed-aluminum plaque (located in place of the in-dash cup holders, which now reside in front of the center console) that indicates the exact production number for the model, anywhere from 1 to 4,000. The custom plaque also features "GTI 20th Anniversary" badging.

Sporty brushed-metal accents surround the climate control and stereo unit, and the instrument panel gauges are aluminum and black with a chrome surround. The brushed chrome motif continues on the interior door locks, handles and surrounding the driver's power control bank on the armrest. Alloy foot pedals and footrest feature black grip nubs and the doorsills welcome passengers with the look of alloy and a red GTI logo.

The GTI 20th Anniversary Edition offers many standard features, including: a power sunroof; CFC-free air conditioning; Monsoon(R) Sound System with CD player; power windows and locks with remote keyless entry; anti-theft alarm system; cruise control; Volkswagen's Side Curtain Protection(TM) airbag system; a rear-window electric defroster; and rear-window wiper with intermittent feature and washer.

For 2003, all Volkswagen cars have a standard four-year/50,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper warranty, covering wear-and-tear items and adjustments during the initial 12 months or 12,000 miles of ownership.

Additional coverage includes a five-year/60,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, corrosion perforation coverage for 12 years with unlimited mileage for all fully galvanized Volkswagen vehicles (EuroVan for eight years), and four years/50,000 miles of 24-hour roadside assistance.

"ESP" is a registered trademark of DaimlerChrysler AG. "Recaro" is a registered trademark of Keiper Recaro GmbH & Co. "Side Curtain Protection" is a trademark of Volkswagen AG.

(Feb 12, 2003)