Media Information

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive Herndon, Virginia 20171 (703) 364-7000 www.media.vw.com (Registration Required)

CONTACT:

Mark Gillies 703-364-7104 Mark.Gillies@vw.com

Corey Proffitt 703-364-7672 Corey Proffitt@vw.com

2012 VOLKSWAGEN GTI: THE ORIGINAL HOT HATCH KEEPS GETTING BETTER

Additional features and a new model further widen the appeal of this blast-to-drive, multipurpose sporting hatch Celebrating 35 years as the worlds top-selling hot hatch Close to two million sales since launch in 1976 One of Car and Driver Magazines 2011 10 Best An Automobile Magazine All-Star in 2011for the fifth year in a row GTI Autobahn adds LED Daytime Running Lights and unique 18-inch Serron aluminum wheels Still exceptional value with starting MSRP of just $23,695

Herndon, VA Thirty-five years after its ground-breaking debut in Europe and 28 years after it appeared in America, the Volkswagen GTI still sets the gold-standard in 'hot hatch' driving excitement. The award-winning formula is thrilling enthusiasts today as it was in the early 1980s; an exciting, dynamic driving experience coupled with multi-purpose hatchback versatility at an affordable price. It's no doubt the reason why Automobile Magazine voted the Volkswagen GTI one of its 'All Stars' winners for 2011the fifth year in a row it has received this coveted accolade. It's also the reason Car and Driver included the GTI as one of its 2011 '10 Best' describing it as the car that every enthusiast should own at least once in his or her lifetime. It's hard to imagine then that the original Golf GTI was planned as a limited series of just 5000 cars. Fast forward 35 years and five generations of GTI later, close to two million have been sold worldwide. New for 2012 For 2012, the sixth-generation GTI continues to be offered in bold two- and four-door body styles, powered by an advanced 2.0-liter 16-valve turbocharged and intercooled TSI four-cylinder powerplant. To group together some of the most popular stand-alone options into one package, Volkswagen is introducing a new version of the GTI for 2012the GTI with Convenience and Sunroof. This takes the

entry GTIeither two-door or fourand adds a power tilt/slide sunroof, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, and the Premium VIII touchscreen stereo with in-dash CD changer. The two-door version with smooth-shifting six-speed manual transmission has an MSRP of just $25,945. For the four-door version, it's $26,545. Changes to the next step-up GTI with Sunroof and Navigation include the addition of distinctive new LED daytime running lights, while the flagship GTI Autobahn also adds LED Daytime Running Lights, together with new 10-spoke, 18-inch Serron alloy wheels. Exterior For three decades, the GTI has defined the mold for the classic shape of the sporting hatchback. Clean, minimalist lines mixed with sharp, intricate detailing produce a style that always remains sleek and contemporary. See an early GTI on the street today and it still looks fresh and modern. And the design formula continues with the 2012 GTIa long wheelbase with short overhangs and a wide track to give that 'planted', road-hugging look. With this sixth-generation GTI, the aggressive front end features a striking black honeycomb grille with a simple GTI badge on the passenger side to reinforce the model's identity. Distinctive red stripes outline the grille which flows into the dramatic, angled teardrop headlight housings. Bi-Xenon headlamps with an AFS adaptive front lighting system are available on the GTI trim lines, with the Sunroof and GTI Autobahn. The GTI with Sunroof and Navigation model and the GTI Autobahn feature, as standard, new bright-white LED daytime running lights. Defining the GTI's front-end design is a large, full-width honeycomb fascia with twin air intakes below the bumper, flanked by twin, vertical halogen fog lights. The car's streamlined profile continues toward the rear, with a subtle pair of black side skirts running partially along the GTI's lower edge. To heighten the GTI's hunkered-down stance, blistered wheelarches cover hugely-distinctive, flat-faced 18-inch Detroit aluminum-alloy wheels shod with low-profile, allseason performance tires. For 2012, Volkswagen is differentiating the flagship GTI Autobahn model by fitting new 10-spoke 18-inch Serron alloys. At the rear, horizontal taillights are integrated into the quarter panels and hatch. In addition, smoked red brake lenses are underlined by clear reverse and turn signal lenses. Blended into the bumper are red running lamp lenses along with a blacked-out diffuser with cut-outs for the chrome-tipped, split dualexhaust. At the top of the rear hatch is a body color 'duckbill' spoiler which houses the third brake light. A real 'surprise and delight' of the tailgate is the VW badge which tilts to release the rear hatch. Interior It takes just a few seconds sitting behind the GTI's three-spoke, flat-bottom steering wheel to sense the exceptional quality and remarkable craftsmanship that goes into its cabin. High-quality, soft-touch plastics are integrated with tasteful aluminum and chrome highlights. Panel gaps are tightly controlled. As you'd expect from a sporting hatchback, the GTI's front seats are heavily bolstered to help keep driver and front passenger supported during enthusiastic cornering. And they come standard with eight-way manual adjustment on the two-door GTI, adjustable lumbar support, and height-adjustable head

restraints. Four-door GTIs have power recline on driver and passenger sides. Trademark GTI cues run throughout the cabin: on all models up to the GTI Autobahn, theres the famous plaid cloth upholstery panels in the seats. Bold red stitching that's also featured on the headrests, center armrest, shift lever boot, and leather-wrapped steering wheel is a GTI cue, too. A performance car demands performance instrumentation and the GTI delivers, with its oversized tachometer and matching speedometer that has an integrated engine temperature gauge and fuel gauge. Positioned between the black analog gauges is a multi-function onboard computer display that provides the driver with key information regarding fuel mileage, odometer, outside temperature and more. Another sporting element is the GTI's race-inspired, brushed metal-finish pedals that include rubber inserts for extra grip. And on the left side of the footwall, there's an all-important over-sized footrest for added support and comfort. Practicality and versatility are also key attributes of the latest GTI. Its high-lifting tailgate provides easy ingress and egress to a load area that offers 15.2 cubic feet of space. And with the folding rear seat back split 60/40and featuring a pass-throughthere's real flexibility for load carrying. Engine and Transmissions Under-hood, the 2012 GTI features the award-winning double-overhead-cam, 16-valve, 2.0-liter turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine, with TSI fuel-injection and maintenancefree hydraulic lifters. Producing 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque, the 2.0T offers up athletic performance. With all 207 lb-ft of torque delivered in a flat line from just 1800 rpm to 5000 rpm, the turbo engine is extremely flexible and responsive, making for rapid passing and fast, back-road progress. It's remarkably efficient too. The 2.0T engine and six-speed manual transmission deliver an EPA-estimated 31 mpg highway and 21 mpg in city driving. For drivers who want the performance of a traditional manual transmission with the precision of an automatic, the GTI is available with an optional DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The transmission's advanced dual-clutch system features one clutch that controls the 'odd' gears plus reverse, while the other operates the 'even' gears. So, if the GTI is being driven in third gear, fourth is already selected but not yet activated. As soon as the ideal shift point is reached, the clutch on the third-gear side opens, the other clutch closes and fourth gear engagesall in the space of four-hundredths of a second. The result is crisp, rapid-fire shifts without the loss of power that is typical with a traditional manual gearbox. This shaves a couple of tenths off the manual transmission car's 0 to 60 mph acceleration time and improves fuel economy: EPA estimates show a remarkable 33 mpg on the highway and 24 in the city. Buyers who opt for the DSG transmission can switch between fully automatic and automated manual operation, which enables the driver to control every gearshift. The DSG transmission lets the driver shift up and down using either the finger-operated paddles mounted on the GTI's steering wheel, or by tapping the gearshift selector up or down.

As an added performance bonus with DSG, a Launch Control program can be engaged which, when the car is stopped, allows the engine to build revs before the first clutch is engaged, creating a perfect quick-off-the-line launch with controlled wheel-spin. Suspension To deliver the kind of responsive, precise handling enthusiasts expect from a GTI, fully-independent, European-tuned suspension is employed at all four corners. At the front, damper struts with lower control arms and a stiff, tubular anti-roll bar help keep the front tires planted during hard cornering, reducing body roll and heightening steering feedback. Keeping the car settled at the rear without sacrificing passenger comfort, a compact multilink independent layout features coil springs, telescopic dampers, and an anti-roll bar. The four-link layout features three lateral control armsthe spring mounting, the track rod and upper control arm, and a trailing link at each wheel. Suspension assemblies are attached by way of a rear-axle subframe and, as at the front, rubber and metal mountings that are soft in torsion but stiff radially are used to help ensure the anti-roll bar responds immediately and suppresses body roll effectively. On each side of the car at the rear, the spring and damper units are located separately, with the coil spring bearing directly on the trailing link and the damper attached to the wheel hub assembly. This enables the suspension geometry on the compression stroke to generate a toe steering effect that maintains neutral behavior, or some slight understeer, in all driving and load-carrying situations. It also helps ensure excellent driving stability on rough, uneven road surfaces. To help ensure that power is applied properly in challenging conditions, the GTI features the XDS crossdifferential (limited slip) system that electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the front wheel with the most traction. Steering and Brakes The GTI's highly-praised electro-mechanical power steering system is able to vary the feel of the steering wheel to suit the speed and driving situation. It is firm and direct when driving fast, requiring less effort at parking speeds. Other advantages of the system include its mild self-centering action, and its ability to help compensate for driving hazards like crosswinds and steep road cambers. Bringing the GTI to a halt are 12.3-inch-diameter vented front discs and 11.3-inch-diameter solid rear disc brakes, each with distinctive, red-painted calipers. Naturally, anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard, along with electronic brake pressure distribution (EBS) and hydraulic brake assist (HBA). Safety and Security The 2012 GTI comes with an array of standard safety features, both active and passive. For driving security, enhancements include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), and Engine Braking Assist (EBA). To protect those inside, there are driver and passenger front and side thorax airbags together with Side Curtain Protection head airbags in front and rear. The GTI also includes Volkswagen's advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and even switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in certain types of collision.

Like all 2012 Volkswagen models, the GTI is covered under the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. All scheduled maintenance is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, all current Volkswagen vehicles use synthetic oil which, when combined with state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5000-mile oil change, and allows owners to go farther between scheduled oil changes. Model Line-up The hallmark of every GTI model is its exceptional level of standard equipment and attractive pricing. GTI Even the entry $23,695 GTI 2-door comes equipped with air conditioning; cruise control; a lockable glovebox and 60/40-split folding rear seat with pass through; and Bluetooth technology. The eightspeaker sound system has a single CD changer, AM/FM/SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and auxiliary input jack along with an iPod adapter. GTI with Convenience and Sunroof This adds a power tilt/slide sunroof, leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, and the Premium VIII touchscreen stereo with in-dash CD changer. GTI with Sunroof and Navigation With a starting MSRP of $27,495, the GTI with Sunroof and Navigation model features new LED Daytime Running Lights, Bi-Xenon headlamps, and a touch-screen RNS315 navigation system with a five-inch high-resolution display. GTI Autobahn For the ultimate in GTI sporting luxury, the GTI Autobahn package for both two and four-door models adds Titan black-paneled leather seating surfaces front and rear; keyless entry with push-button start; BiXenon headlights with LED DRLs; and a power sunroof. It has a starting MSRP of $29,935. The package also includes a Dynaudio 300-watt sound system and new 18-inch Serron alloy wheels. About Volkswagen of America, Inc. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagen models come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control. This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more. Notes: This press release and images of the GTI are available at media.vw.com. TSI, DSG, VW, Volkswagen, XDS all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. Carefree Maintenance is a registered trademark of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Dynaudio is a registered trademark of DYNAUDIO International GmbH. iPod is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. SiriusXM and SiriusXM Satellite Radio are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio, Inc.

Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries. Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. All other fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for the USA; those EPA estimates were not available at time of release. MSRPs exclude taxes, title, transportation, options and dealer charges.

Media Information
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

VOLKSWAGEN OF AMERICA, INC. 2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive Herndon, Virginia 20171 (703) 364-7000 www.media.vw.com (Registration Required)

CONTACT:

Mark Gillies 703-365-7104 Mark.Gillies@vw.com

Corey Proffitt 703-364-7672 Corey.Proffitt@vw.com

2012 GTI Pricing

Model
GTI

Price

Features
2.0L TSI, 200 hp / 207 lb-ft engine, front and rear disc brakes, dual exhaust tips w/ polished finish and sound generator, 18inch Detroit alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, GTI sport suspension w/ vehicle lowering, hill hold assist, rear window wiper, red-painted brake calipers, body-colored: mirrors, moldings, door handles, and bumper, rear roof spoiler, sport front, rear, and side valences, heated washer nozzles, fog lights, power-adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, halogen headlamps, daytime running lights, front and rear carpeted floor mats, adjustable front center armrest w/ integrated storage box, leather-wrapped brake handle and shift knob, tilt and telescope steering column, split-folding rear seat w/ armrest w/ storage and pass-thru, alloy pedals, leather-wrapped sport steering wheel, power windows, cruise control, adjustable intermittent front windshield wipers, power outlets (3), power locks, rear window defroster, compass, trip computer, climatic manual AC, 8-way manual and heatable top sport front seats, Interlagos cloth seat trim, easy-entry front seats (2-door only), RCD 310 radio w/ single CD, Sirius satellite radio, Media Device Interface w/ iPod cable Bluetooth connectivity, dual front airbags: driver and front passenger, front side airbags, curtain system for front passengers + Six-speed DSG automatic transmission, launch control, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters

2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (manual 4-Door (automatic) GTI w/ Convenience and

$23,695 $24,795 $24,295 $25,395

(Includes GTI features)

Sunroof 2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (manual) 4-Door (automatic) GTI w/ Sunroof and Navi 2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (manual) 4-Door (automatic) GTI Autobahn $25,945 $27,045 $26,545 $27,645

+Power tilt and slide glass sunroof, leather-wrapped multifunction sport steering wheel, Premium VIII touch-screen radio w/ 6 CD changer + Six-speed DSG automatic transmission, launch control, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters

$27,495 $28,595 $28,095 $29,195

(Includes GTI w/ Convenience and Sunroof features) + Bi-xenon head lamps w/ LED daytime running lights and adaptive front lighting system, RNS 315 navigation system +Six-speed automatic transmission

2-Door (manual) 2-Door (automatic) 4-Door (manual) 4-Door (automatic) Destination

$29,935 $31,035 $30,535 $31,635 $ 770

(Includes GTI w/ Sunroof and Navi features) +18-inch Serron alloy wheels w/ all-season tires, leather seat coverings, leatherette door and side trim, keyless access w/ push-button start, Dynaudio sound system + Six-speed DSG automatic transmission

All prices exclude destination

Volkswagen of America, Inc. Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the worlds largest producers of passenger cars and Europes largest automaker. VWoA sells the Eos, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. All 2011 Volkswagen vehicles come standard-equipped with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). This is important because the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called ESC the most effective new vehicle safety technology since the safety belt. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or www.media.vw.com to learn more.

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2012 GTI Technical Specifications

GTI 2.0T
ENGINE Type Bore Stroke Displacement Compression Ratio Horsepower (SAE) @ rpm Maximum torque, lb-ft @ rpm Fuel Requirement ENGINE DESIGN Arrangement Cylinder block Crankshaft Cylinder head Valvetrain Front mounted, transverse Cast iron Forged steel, five main bearings Aluminum alloy, crossflow Double overhead camshaft, chain driven, four valves per cylinder, maintenance-free hydraulic lifters, variable intake timing 2.0L inline four cylinder, 16V, turbocharged/intercooled, TSI 3.25 in 82.5 mm 3.65 in 92.8 mm 121 cu in 1984 cc 9.6:1 (149 kW @ 5100) 200 @ 5100 (280 Nm @ 1700) 207 @ 1800 Premium unleaded recommended

DRIVETRAIN Driven wheels Transmission Gear Ratios:1 Front wheel drive Manual 1st 3.36 2nd 2.09 3rd 1.47 4th 1.10 5th 1.11 6th 0.93 Reverse 3.99 3.94 Final I Final II 3.09 Automatic 3.46 2.15 1.46 1.08 1.09 0.92 3.99 4.06 3.14

CAPACITIES Fuel Tank STEERING Type Turns (lock to lock) Turning Circle (curb to curb) Ratio INTERIOR VOLUME - SAE EPA Class Seating Capacity Passenger Volume Cargo Volume Volume Headroom (in/mm) Shoulder room (in/mm) Legroom (in/mm) Compact Five 93.5 cu ft 15.2 cu ft Front 51.1 cu ft 39.3/998 54.7/1390 41.2/1046 Rack and pinion, electric power assist 3.01 35.8 ft 10.9 m 16.4 : 1 14.5 gal 55 L

Rear 42.4 cu ft 38.5/979 53.6/1362 35.5/901

BODY, CHASSIS AND SUSPENSION Type Body Material Front Suspension Rear Suspension Brakes Unitary construction Steel stampings Strut-type with lower control arms, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar Multilink with coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar Power assisted, dual circuit, 12.3 x 1.0-in vented front discs and 10.7 x 0.4-in solid rear discs Standard, all four wheels, three-channel with electronic brake pressure distribution Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) Mechanical 7.5J X 18-in aluminum-alloy wheels 225/40 R18 92H all-season tires

Anti-Lock Braking System

Stability Control Parking Brake Wheels/Tires

2012 GTI Technical Specifications

GTI 2.0T
DIMENSIONS Wheelbase (in/mm) Front Track (in/mm) Rear Track (in/mm) Length (in/mm) Width (in/mm) Height (in/mm) Ground Clearance (in/mm) WEIGHTS Curb Weight 2D Curb Weight 4D GVWR 2 door GVWR 4-door Payload 2 door Payload 4 door Manual Automatic Manual Automatic Manual Automatic Manual Automatic Manual Automatic Manual Automatic 3034 lb 3080 lb 3113 lb 3160 lb 4256 lb 4300 lb 4256 lb 4300 lb 1076 lb 1074 lb 997 lb 994 lb Manual 21 31 1376 kg 1397 kg 1423 kg 1433 kg 1931 kg 1951 kg 1931 kg 1951 kg 488 kg 487 kg 452 kg 451 kg Automatic 24 33 101.5/2578 60.4/1534 59.7/1516 165.9/4213 70.0/1779 57.8/1469 5.0/128

FUEL CONSUMPTION City mpg Highway mpg

Specifications, equipment, options, and prices are subject to change without notice.