Imagine as a high school student studying Chaucer in one period, and then walking a few steps to program a state-of-the-art welding robot or 3D printer. That’s a glimpse of what a school day is like at the high school held on the grounds of Volkswagen’s Chattanooga factory.

Volkswagen Chattanooga, Chattanooga State Community College and Hamilton County Schools recently celebrated the first graduating class from the Mechatronics Akademie, a two-year mechatronics program at Volkswagen Chattanooga open to eligible high school students of Hamilton County Schools. It’s an extension of the successful Volkswagen Academy, a apprenticeship program for high-school graduates that offers three years of on-site education, paid factory experience and a conditional job offer for those who graduate.

“We are excited that young people are gaining exposure to mechatronics training and the availability of technical careers through the programs offered in our Volkswagen Academy,” said Nicole Koesling, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Volkswagen Chattanooga. “I am proud of the graduates and look forward to watching them grow and develop as they take the next step towards successful careers.”

The fast-track Mechatronics Akademie melds high school and college courses that touch on combining mechanics, electronics and computing and applying them to the design of manufacturing. Students split their time between traditional classroom learning and technical, hands-on training. The students stay attached to their home high schools for sports and social activities, so attending the Akademie doesn’t mean missing out on prom.

“My expectation for the program was to get started on the career path I wanted. I want to do mechatronics engineering, so this prepared me and set me on the right track,” said Clayton Edward Watkins, a recent Mechatronics Akademie graduate.

This past spring, the first graduating class of 24 received their diplomas. Next year’s incoming senior class has 20 students and the upcoming junior class, while still working through the application process, is expected to fill approximately 24 spots.

“The program gave me a head start on my career because I graduated high school with 40 hours of college credit,” Watkins said. “I’m not aware of anyone from my high school with that many credits, so I feel the program has placed me a step ahead. For any high school students thinking of applying, do it. Get in, don’t waste time, and do the best you can because this program is a really good opportunity for young people like myself.”

In addition, more than 95 percent of the students are already looking forward to continuing their studies at post-secondary educational institutions, including 10 students who will start as apprentices at the Volkswagen Academy this fall.

“This is a very good program and I had such a great experience. I was a foreign student from Spain, so I was expecting to face challenges because of English being my second language,” said Maria Roig, a recent Mechatronics Akademie graduate and the daughter of a Chattanooga employee.

Roig continued: “Sometimes I would see or hear words I had never heard before, but my classmates and teachers would help me whenever I needed, and with their help I was able to be successful. Because of this program, I have gained the tools necessary to enroll in the apprentice program here at the Volkswagen Academy in the fall. This program is an open door to a new future.”

SOWO Partners’ European Experience, hosted in Savannah, Ga., was home to the debut of the Volkswagen 2018 Enthusiast Fleet. Embracing the enthusiast lifestyle, Volkswagen teamed up with several aftermarket companies to customize four vehicles, demonstrating what can be done with a few aftermarket items on each.

The Golf R Abstract Concept features a variety of items from aftermarket companies and is defined by the abstract artwork that covers the car. Abt Sportsline side skirts, exhaust system, and 20-inch wheels are mated to H&R lowering springs, bringing the car’s chassis closer to the ground, while a BAK Performance Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel brings a new experience to the cockpit.

The SoCal Concept, as featured on the all-new 2019 Jetta R-Line pays homage to the styling of the second generation Jetta with its retro graphics on the rear quarter panels. The Formula GT wheels by fifteen52 are color-matched, creating an all-white theme that fits right into the southern California cars of the ‘80s. KW automotive’s coil over system lowers the vehicle and some florescent accents around the car identify it as part of the 2018 fleet.

Volkswagen’s R-Line branding inspired the 2018 Tiguan R-Line’s aesthetic, creating a camouflage pattern across the car’s body and the Thule Motion Alpine cargo box. Air Lift Performance and satin black Rotiform CCV wheels quietly bring the SUV lower to the ground on command with a minimal complement to the camo pattern, while Thule’s cargo box creates some added storage space for everyone’s’ belongings.

The all-new 2019 Arteon R-Line rounds out the pack, fitted with 20-inch Vossen HF-2 wheels and H&R coil over suspension, and fully-wrapped in a fluorescent yellow shade, defining the Highlight Concept. A new model and vehicle style for the stateside market, enthusiasts were eager to see and experience a modified Arteon in-person, and the Vossen HF-2 wheels’ Brushed Gloss Black finish subtly complemented the gloss black and chrome trim accents that balance the Highlight Concept’s bright body color.

Also on display is the 2018 Atlas that Tanner Foust built for the SEMA show last year. Large tires and off-road wheels complement the extended fenders and lower body panel cladding to give the vehicle an extreme off-road look. The bumper design raises the approach angle to help provide underbody protection. Light bars inset into the bumper and mounted on the roof illuminate the night for backcountry camping trips, while the roof rack with access ladder make sure there’s even more room inside for the whole family. Minimal changes to the interior include plaid inserts in the seats that are reminiscent of Volkswagen GTI heritage and also reflect on Tanner’s childhood in Scotland.

Watch the video below to check out the fleet and details of each car.

The Volkswagen enthusiast fleet will be on display, at these events throughout the year:

• Euro Hangar | Holland, MI | June 22-23
• Waterfest | Atco, NJ | July 21-22
• Wolfsgart | Burlington, VT | Aug. 3-5
• VAG Fair | York, PA | Aug. 11-12
• SoCal Big Euro | San Diego, CA | Sept. 2
• Pacific Waterland | Woodburn, OR | Sept. 9

(Car appearances subject to vehicle availability)

For an exciting fourth year in a row, Volkswagen teams up with Food Network to present its hit competition series Food Network Star. As the exclusive automotive sponsor for the 2018 season, Volkswagen brings the Tiguan to this year’s party. Like the chefs competing on the show, the Tiguan will be showcasing its style, versatility, and sense of adventure in a sophisticated urban setting.

Through weekly challenges, competitors compete for a shot at stardom, and the Tiguan takes some starring roles in the action. On a special June 24 episode, you’ll see the interior of the 2018 Tiguan up close and personal when the contestants hit the road and get loaded up with all the fixins for a culinary showdown.

In their Tiguan SUVs, the competitors travel in style all-season long. Culinary explorations are par for the course, so they have to be ready for anything. And with an available 3rd row, sliding and reclining 2nd row, and cavernous cargo space, the Tiguan is more than up to the challenge. Celebrating summer, competitors can haul anything from coolers to cantaloupes and pineapples to picnic blankets, and still have room to relax, ride, and take a hands-free call.

So tune in Sunday nights and check out the on-camera charisma of the Tiguan and the contestants. It’s sure to be entertaining for VW fans and foodies, alike.

Food Network Star premieres Sunday, June 10, at 9/8c on Food Network. Follow VW on Facebook and Twitter for show updates and more.

The 1980 model year was a big one for Volkswagen of America. Known at the time mostly for the Rabbit hatchback, VW brought out four new models that year – the Rabbit convertible, the Rabbit-based Pickup, the then-new Vanagon (including its hip camper variant) and an all-new sedan named after the German word for “jet stream:” the Jetta.

It was not many years later that the Jetta became the best-selling German model in America, with more than 3.2 million models sold since. With the new 2019 Jetta hitting dealers now, we put a first-generation example side-by-side with the modern Jetta to show off just how much has changed in nearly four decades.

The Mk1 Jetta here is a 1982 model acquired and restored by Volkswagen of America last year to good driving condition that belies its 180,000-mile odometer reading. Designed to provide space and openness in a Rabbit-based package, sitting in the Jetta feels upright by today’s standards. In front of the driver lies the traditional VW analog dash in a minor symphony of brown and beige shades, from the chocolate-covered dash to the latte-colored cut-pile carpet.

By the standards of 1980, the Jetta offered enough power for a subcompact sedan – 76 horsepower from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. Acceleration was not rapid, especially with the optional three-speed automatic in place of the standard five-speed manual, but the Jetta’s handling and road feel were better than expected for the segment in the era. So too were the space for four, the sizable trunk and decent fuel economy for its competitive set.

Driving the 1982 edition today reminds you of how much vehicles have grown. Riding on 13-inch wheels, the Jetta feels diminutive in traffic, but also wonderfully connected with the road. The unassisted steering can be a bit tough in a parking spot, but once at speed it’s easy to see what made the original Jetta attractive to drivers in its era.

Switching from one to the other, you’re instantly struck by how much more the 2019 Jetta brings to the driver’s comfort, from cupholders (eight total, versus none in the Mk1) to the standard infotainment system with App-Connect, Bluetooth and a number of ways to stream music. (The original Jetta did come with two ashtrays; the 2019 Jetta makes no such provision.) Much like the wind eroding the face of a cliff, the Mk1 Jetta’s upright, squared-off lines have been refined for better aerodynamics over the years into the slippery shape of the 2019 edition.

The Jetta has also grown over the years to hold five passengers and their luggage, with markedly better performance and fuel economy. Where road noise thrums into the Mk1 Jetta, it’s in the background of the 2019 edition. And the new Jetta offers a menu of standard safety features — like eight airbags and post-collision emergency braking — along with several available driver-assist technologies, like lane departure warning and automatic cruise control, which were only concepts in 1980.

For all these dramatic changes, the biggest one may be the least obvious: how much the Jetta’s value has grown. The 2019 Jetta’s MSRP starts at $18,545, before destination charges, a price cut from its previous generation, and comes with a long list of standard features. At its launch, the 1980 Jetta base sticker price was $7,650, excluding extra-cost options such as alloy wheels or air conditioning. Adjusted for inflation, that’s more than $23,000 in today’s money.

What the first-generation Jetta and its 2019 counterpart share is the philosophy that an affordable compact car doesn’t have to sacrifice performance or comfort. That will be true no matter how many more decades the Jetta rolls through America.

The first season of Americas Rallycross began with a familiar sight – two Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross drivers on top of the podium.

Tanner Foust claimed victory and Scott Speed took second in the inaugural round of Americas Rallycross last weekend at Silverstone Circuit in England. The pair faced a mix of old and new competitors around the 0.6-mile dirt and asphalt track, but Foust and his No. 34 Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle dominated the field, with top-three finishes in each of the four qualifying rounds and a victory in his semifinal race. With pole position for the final, Foust led from flag to flag.

“I’m super stoked to get the first Americas Rallycross win with Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross today,” said Foust after the race. “The team’s worked really hard, giving me and Scott awesome Beetles to race, and I’m glad we got to wrap up a victory for them and Rockstar after a long trip away from home.”

Reigning rallycross champion Speed had a minor setback in the second qualifying round after contact with another competitor but won his semifinal in the No. 41 Oberto Circle K Beetle Rallycross and started next to Foust on the front row of the Final.

After losing a little ground on the first lap, Speed moved back up through the field but was unable to catch Foust, settling for a second-place finish.

“We didn’t manage to get a win, but that was one of the better races of my career,” said Speed. “It’s super fun to come here and race with hard but fair competition, and I’m happy to grab a 1-2 finish for the Volkswagen Andretti team.”

The race sets the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross drivers as the duo to beat when Americas Rallycross is back in action this July at Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.

After winning the U.S. rallycross titles for the past two years, the Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross team gets back in action this weekend with Scott Speed, Tanner Foust and their Volkswagen Beetle Supercars at one of the world’s most historic race tracks.

The team will compete against several world-class rallycross drivers in the newly launched Americas Rallycross series, with events throughout the summer culminating in a championship race this September at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Their first challenge: the new rallycross circuit at Britain’s Silverstone circuit, part of its Speedmachine festival, where fans will be able to see the U.S. rallycross stars and the British round of the separate World Rallycross Championship.

The race will be a homecoming of sorts for Foust, who won races at Silverstone in the 2011 and 2012 European Rallycross Championship, the first American to do so. “Having World Rallycross expand its reach to the U.S. is going to make the competition so much more accessible for fans to better understand the sport,” said the No. 34 Rockstar Energy Drink Beetle driver. “ARX will be a great platform to find new fans and spread the word about rallycross.”

Speed and Foust will again run in the Beetle Supercars built by Volkswagen Motorsports in Europe. The cars have been updated to improve their handling, but will race with the same 2.0-liter 560-horsepower turbocharged engines that propelled the team to success in 2017.

“I’m excited to compete with ARX,” said Scott Speed, driver of the No. 41 Oberto Circle K Beetle. “The competition is going to be tough, but our Beetles are ready. I think this new series will be a great place to push our team and the cars in 2018.”

Four qualifying rounds, followed by the semifinals and finals will be held across Saturday and Sunday, May 25-27. The ARX champion of Speedmachine will be crowned live on the ARX Rallycross Facebook page, with additional coverage on CBSSports.com.

For one weekend in April each year, the small village of Fontana, North Carolina, hosts a gathering of Volkswagen friends and owners casually known as WITW. What ties these cars together, apart from the VW badge, is that their engines all produce a beloved exhaust note. This year I joined over 100 of these special cars for some fun, both in the village and on the famous roads that surround it.

The Golf R32 and Golf R cars have been a staple in the VW enthusiast community ever since the first model was released in the United States in 2004. The first two generations of the sportiest Volkswagen hatchbacks were powered by the famous compact six-cylinder engine, the 3.2 liter VR6, and it’s this exhaust sound that gives the event its name — namely the similarity between the VR6’s exhaust and a certain popular sci-fi space yeti who communicates in deep, throaty roars.

Modifying vehicles can adversely affect warranty coverage and compliance with required safety and other standards. See vehicle owner’s manual for details and limitations. Consult aftermarket manufacturer for accessory installation instructions and further information.

What makes WITW so special for the attendees is that it is billed as a car meet up that encourages you to drive more. Fontana, nestled in the Great Smokey Mountains near the North Carolina-Georgia state borders, hosts exactly one fuel station and one ice-cream shop and is a rest stop for Appalachian Trail hikers. Surrounded by forests with exquisite winding roads that do indeed make you want to drive more. There are no cell phone towers in the village, so the main pastimes visitors come for are relaxation, barbecuing, hiking, and driving the spectacular local roads.

The “Tail of the Dragon,” one of the most fun driving routes in North America, features 318 curves over only 11 miles and starts just a few miles away from Fontana. The surrounding valleys and waterfalls vie for your attention, but on the Dragon, the next corner demands your concentration, as you find a rhythm with your car and the curves. There are plenty of parking spots at picturesque vistas throughout, which allow great viewing of the cars and motorbikes as they drive through. Lucky for us, they do continuously throughout the day. Part of the fun is seeing what comes next; a nearly 40-year old Volkswagen Rabbit with gleeful passengers was one highlight, with a cheer going up as it drove by.

My own ride was a brand new 2018 Volkswagen Atlas SEL Premium with the 3.6 liter VR6 power-plant that Volkswagen loaned me for the event. This 276-hp engine shares its design and sportiness with the hatchback Golf R32 but has an even greater power output, and a more family-friendly exhaust system. When configured with the VR6 and the optional factory-installed towing hitch, the Atlas can tow up to 5,000 lbs.1,  which would help with getting through the mountains in Tennessee. I was able to tow a twin-axle trailer carrying what might be considered the grandfather of the R, a 1989 VW Golf Rallye, to the event.

For the drive down, the Atlas and I joined a group of enthusiastic employees from the Volkswagen of America headquarters, who I would be cruising on the I-81 highway with. Among their cars was a privately owned low mileage 2004 VW R32, a 2018 Golf R with optional Oettinger body kit, and a special 7th generation VW Golf SportWagen. All three of them were bright blue colors, which would fit well with a popular conversation that would pop up later at the event.

As we entered the village, we were greeted with signs welcoming the WITW attendees, and waves from fellow Volkswagen owners as we drove past. Dan Borin and Saige Sandy, from Barrie, Ontario, brought home-baked cookies which they handed out throughout the weekend. “We brought about 60, and they went really quickly”, said Dan, who quickly added that “next year I’m not allowed to help Paige make them though, as I ruined one batch. We planned to bring 100!”

Dan and Saige had made an 860-mile drive in Dan’s 2004 Golf R32 and were joined by his father driving his 2002 VW Jetta. This was their fifth year at the event; it’s the “laid-back atmosphere, the hanging out, and enjoying the cars on the road” that keep them coming back.

This friendliness and sense of community were one of the nicest things during the weekend. It was quickly apparent that meeting new people and making new friends could be as simple as walking up to any group and simply saying hello, and perhaps asking which car they’re driving. All weekend long everyone shared stories about their Volkswagens, their drives from across the country, and how they have personalized their cars or kept them looking clean and original.

Chris Stogsdill had made the drive in his Lapiz Blue Metallic 2016 Golf R, his second time visiting from Staten Island, N.Y. The Golf R had his own touches applied, and isn’t his first Volkswagen; he had previously owned a Reflex Silver 2004 R32. The color of the cars would continue to pop up in chats all weekend long, and would often be a main topic of conversation. “Red is the fastest!” “Black suits the cars the best,” and quite simply, “blue, of course!” were heard again and again.

By Saturday evening both the cars and drivers had likely driven thousands of twisty corners together, and it was time to unwind. The evening started with a “sound off,” with all Golf R32 and Golf R vehicles in attendance parking together for photographs, followed by a chorus of revved engines that filled the valley with their calls.

Afterward, just a short walk away was the R-BQ, with hundreds of enthusiasts packing into the community hall for the meal, and a chance to give something back via a charity raffle. Each year the raffle raises thousands of dollars, with this year’s proceedings benefiting the local volunteer rescue team, and a children’s hospital in Chicago.

Now fully fed, the crowd moved to a fire pit, or straight to their chalets for one more night’s sleep in the less-than-quiet village. Any chance to spend time with friendly people who like to travel and share great stories should be relished, and when this amount of enthusiasm and fun driving opportunities come together, it makes for a R-eally great time.

__________________

Jamie Orr is an ardent enthusiast of the Volkswagen brand, a professional parts and car importer and a freelance automotive journalist. He was compensated by Volkswagen of America for this article, and the opinions expressed are his alone. 

What do you get when you combine music, art, fun and the all-new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta? An experience called Jetta Haus – and it rolls into New York this weekend.

This Friday through Sunday, Volkswagen will stage a pop-up for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta in Brooklyn. Guests will be able to get up close with the new Jetta, take a colorful test drive on an illuminated closed course and sample the Jetta’s new technology – all before the Jetta arrives at dealers.

Inside Jetta Haus you’ll find the Betta Lab, two art spaces that engage your senses through light, sound and motion, inspired by the Jetta’s turbocharged power, its available 10-color ambient lighting and available premium BeatsAudio sound. It’s a stunning backdrop for you to win the weekend’s social updates.

Between all that, there’ll be music brought to you by Beats by Dr. Dre,  Red Bull Records and SiriusXM® from breakout local musicians like The Aces and City of the Sun, an arcade of hit retro games and an interactive art car experience where you can leave your mark. Red Bull will bring the refreshments, and best of all, there’s no cover charge to get into Jetta Haus; it’s free to the public.

Go here to reserve your place at Jetta Haus New York and check your directions to rock with the 2019 Jetta. The party runs Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

JETTA HAUS NEW YORK SCHEDULE

FRIDAY | MAY 18

4:00 PM-5:00 PM SiriusXM’s JOHN FUGELSANG

5:30 PM-6:30 PM DJ PARLER

7:00 PM-7:35 PM ADRIAN DANIEL

8:30 PM-9:30 PM LOUIS THE CHILD

SATURDAY | MAY 19

12:30 PM-2:00 PM DJ NIKS

3:00 PM-4:00 PM DJ PARLER

5:00 PM-6:30 PM SiriusXM’s TORAE

7:30 PM-8:30 PM CITY OF THE SUN

9:30 PM-10:00 PM THE ACES

SUNDAY | MAY 20

1:00 PM-2:30 PM DJ NIKS

3:30 PM-4:10 PM TOPAZ JONES

5:30 PM-6:15 PM OAK & ASH

Lineups subject to change

What do you get when you combine music, art, fun and the all-new 2019 Volkswagen Jetta? An experience called Jetta Haus – and it rolls into Los Angeles this weekend.

This Friday through Sunday, Volkswagen will stage a pop-up for the 2019 Volkswagen Jetta in Culver City. Guests will be able to get up close with the new Jetta, take a colorful test drive on an illuminated closed course and sample the Jetta’s new technology – all before the Jetta arrives at dealers.

Inside Jetta Haus you’ll find the Betta Lab, two art spaces that engage your senses through light, sound and motion, inspired by the Jetta’s turbocharged power, its available 10-color ambient lighting and available premium BeatsAudio sound. It’s a stunning backdrop for you to win the weekend’s social updates.

Between all that, there’ll be music brought to you by Beats by Dr. Dre and SiriusXM® from breakout local musicians like Vincint and Lorine Chia, an arcade of hit retro games and an interactive art car experience where you can leave your mark. Red Bull will bring the refreshments, and best of all, there’s no cover charge to get into Jetta Haus; it’s free to the public.

Go here to reserve your place at Jetta Haus New York and check your directions to rock with the 2019 Jetta. The party runs Friday from 4 to 10 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

JETTA HAUS LOS ANGELES SCHEDULE

FRIDAY | MAY 18

4:00 PM-5:00 PM SiriusXM’s COVINO & RICH SHOW

6:30 PM-7:30 PM DJ MILLIE

8:30 PM-9:00 PM ALUNAGEORGE

SATURDAY | MAY 19

12:30 PM-2:30 PM DJ AARON COLBERT

3:30 PM-4:30 PM DJ MILLIE

5:30 PM-7:00 PM SiriusXM’s RICH DAVIS

8:00 PM-8:30 PM BRAYTON BOWMAN

9:30 PM-10:10 PM VINCINT

SUNDAY | MAY 20

12:30 PM-2:30 PM DJ AARON COLBERT

3:30 PM-4:10 PM ASHE

5:30 PM-6:00 PM LORINE CHIA

Lineups subject to change

In the official Volkswagen parts list, it’s item no. 199 398 500 A — one of the world’s most unique sausages, and a Volkswagen original celebrating its 45th year of production.

First created in 1973, Volkswagen has made its own currywurst sausage ever since, and in the process turned it into a symbol of the company throughout Europe. While it’s a staple of the factory cafeterias in Wolfsburg and other European Volkswagen plants for breakfast or lunch, it’s also sold in grocery stores under the “Volkswagen Originalteil” (German for “original parts”) brand. Dealers in Germany often give five-packs of them to customers as gifts. And it’s a huge hit: last year, Volkswagen made 6.8 million currywursts – more than the number of vehicles the VW brand sold worldwide in 2017.

What does the VW currywurst taste like? To an American palate accustomed to bratwursts and other sausages typically labeled “sweet” or “hot,” the currywurst walks the broad space in between. There’s a strong yellow curry flavor, but with a kick from the pepper and ginger in the spices. The actual recipe, as devised by the original Volkswagen butchers in 1973, is an official company secret known only to a few people. It’s typically served either intact or chopped into bite-size slices on a paper bowl and drenched in ketchup – preferably the curry-flavored variety also made to Volkswagen’s recipe.

Since its inception, the currywurst has been made in-house by Volkswagen employees. Today, about 30 workers, most of them trained butchers, oversee the process at VW’s flagship plant in Wolfsburg. Three times a week, the plant takes in fresh pork from nearby farms and grinds choice cuts into a precise mix. “Our currywurst has a fat content of only 20 percent. Normally, it’s around 35 percent,” explains Head Butcher Franco Lo Presti, who has been making VW currywurst since 1979.

After mixing in the spices and packed into casings, the sausages are dried, smoked over beechwood and steamed for 100 minutes at 176 degrees. The final product is weighed, inspected and packaged for shipping to other Volkswagen plans or retailers, with a typical output of 18,000 sausages a day. For those workers who don’t prefer meat, VW has also made a vegetarian variant since 2010.

The best chance to taste Volkswagen’s hand-crafted cuisine for yourself will likely involve a trip overseas. Fresh currywurst can’t be imported here; for those rare occasions when Volkswagen has wanted to serve currywurst in the United States, it has flown the butchers into the country and replicated the production line with local ingredients. But there’s no need to rush, as Volkswagen’s most popular non-vehicle part will be in production for many years to come.