2013 GTI is a Mk6!

[stewek01604]

Damn, was hoping the 2013 GTI that my dealer is getting in a few weeks was a Mk7! The Mk7 will be new for '14 and will be available in the US Sept '13.

[roger2050]

Where'd you get this info?

I just finished reading a slew of articles trying to find a definitive release date. This helps if true.

Sources?

[stewek01604]

Been asking the local VW dealer for the last 3 months or so to let me know when the 2013 GTI was coming in. About a week ago I rec'd an email saying the 2013 w/b in in a few weeks. Which didnt sound right because we know so little about the specs. So a few minutes later I "chatted" with a VW of America rep who told me the 2013 GTI was a Mk 6 and that the Mk7 wasnt coming out until sept '13. Bummer!!

[roger2050]

Been asking the local VW dealer for the last 3 months or so to let me know when the 2013 GTI was coming in. About a week ago I rec'd an email saying the 2013 w/b in in a few weeks. Which didnt sound right because we know so little about the specs. So a few minutes later I "chatted" with a VW of America rep who told me the 2013 GTI was a Mk 6 and that the Mk7 wasnt coming out until sept '13. Bummer!!

Hmm, I wonder how accurate that date is.

For now, I think I'll hold off on trading in my mk6 though.

[1.8turboB5]

itll be june to oct release. 2013. just depends on things like training and such. Sept was the mk6 release and we started getting them in june so take that for what its worth.

since the mkVII is all new VW will likely want to do a full round of training classes accross the country or one central training location to get all the dealers up to speed before its release.

[Cajetan]

Looking for a beater to hold me over until then haha.

I told myself that I won't even consider buying a car until I at least see the new GTI debut in sept.

[roger2050]

itll be june to oct release. 2013. just depends on things like training and such. Sept was the mk6 release and we started getting them in june so take that for what its worth.

since the mkVII is all new VW will likely want to do a full round of training classes accross the country or one central training location to get all the dealers up to speed before its release.

Good stuff - sure hope we're looking at getting the mk7 around this time next year.

Looking for a beater to hold me over until then haha.

I told myself that I won't even consider buying a car until I at least see the new GTI debut in sept.

Haha, exactly. I will not even consider buying a new car until the mk7 is unveiled.

[jsausley]

Mk7 is supposed to be fully revealed in Europe in a few months right? It will probably come out there early next year and late next year here.

[jamie@vwvortex]

Golf 7 will be introduced at the Paris Motor Show this September and on sale in Europe by the end of the year (or sooner). Volkswagen wants to build our Golf 7 here in North America, so there will be a delay of about a year before we'll see the Golf 7 sold here. By that time though the full lineup should be out including the GTI.

Meanwhile there will be a limited number of 2013 Golf 6 GTI's available till they run out.

Hope that helps!

[feels_road]

...so there will be a delay of about a year before we'll see the Golf 7 sold here.

Jamie,

Do you know why VW wouldn't import cars from Germany, in the meantime? US engines not ready? They don't want to certify an engine that would go in for a short run, only (costs)? US interior materials will be different, and they don't want to downgrade mid-cycle?

I understand that the first several months production would be reserved for pent-up demand in Europe, but starting March or so they could produce batches of cars for the US, as usual - especially now that the exchange rate is much more favorable, and (supposedly) MQB production costs are lower.

[jamie@vwvortex]

MQB has longer-term cost benefits across the range of cars, but initially isn't any cheaper. In fact depending on the model and the shared components the costs for a given market may be higher because of (for example) the German market requirement for larger brakes due to unlimited speed limits on the Autobahn. The market with the highest requirements may dictate the basis for a given component across the whole line. In our case, sourcing them separately out of North America means that the overall North American/Central American market components can be sourced/developed uniquely for our market requirements, lowering costs.

Anyway, localizing production is priority one for VW in our market and the cost to certify and sell the German produced cars is significantly more expensive than locally sourced/produced products. That said, I can't see why they would be any worse than the current pricing for the time being (outside of selling cars at a loss or with little to no profit).

Either way, the good news is that we will have control over exactly what kinds of Golf/GTI model mixes are sold here and don't have to take the scraps that VWAG lets us have.

-jamie

[XM_Rocks]

Anyway, localizing production is priority one for VW in our market and the cost to certify and sell the German produced cars is significantly more expensive than locally sourced/produced products. That said, I can't see why they would be any worse than the current pricing for the time being (outside of selling cars at a loss or with little to no profit).

Either way, the good news is that we will have control over exactly what kinds of Golf/GTI model mixes are sold here and don't have to take the scraps that VWAG lets us have.

-jamie

Interesting.

Do you know if VW will still have to "federalize" platform and engine/trans/drive combos if they make it here?

[jamie@vwvortex]

There are always costs involved with EPA and crash certifications of new models. However with the new 1.8T FSI and new version of the 2.0T that can be spread across multiple models, the testing can be condensed a bit.

-jamie

[John Y]

Volkswagen wants to build our Golf 7 here in North America,

Hope that helps!

Anyway, localizing production is priority one for VW in our market and the cost to certify and sell the German produced cars is significantly more expensive than locally sourced/produced products. That said, I can't see why they would be any worse than the current pricing for the time being (outside of selling cars at a loss or with little to no profit).

Either way, the good news is that we will have control over exactly what kinds of Golf/GTI model mixes are sold here and don't have to take the scraps that VWAG lets us have.

-jamie

That is all good news, indeed. Also looking forward to seeing what I what will still be a Euro-flavored Golf for the US market, and one with a 1.8TSI - that would make me a good deal less likely to want/need to pay extra for a GTI - especially if there is something more narrowly focused on the mission of "fun" in the garage, too.

[VR6Now]

Either way, the good news is that we will have control over exactly what kinds of Golf/GTI model mixes are sold here and don't have to take the scraps that VWAG lets us have.

-jamie

Not sure I buy that regardless of what VW tells you. We have domestic built Passats and North American built Jettas and Beetles and we still get limited options and choices. There are more accessories listed as options (floor mats, stripes, coffee mugs) at vw.com than real options (interior trims, fog lights, transmissions, HID lighting, reverse cameras). All the cars we get are packaged as take it or leave it bundles regardless of point of origin. We'll not only have to take the scraps that VWAG gives us but the limited choices from VWoA as well.

They don't need to offer the crazy array of options al a carte like Mini but its hard to be excited about floor mats and stripes either!

[VR6Now]

Anyway, localizing production is priority one for VW in our market and the cost to certify and sell the German produced cars is significantly more expensive than locally sourced/produced products.
-jamie

I don't doubt that this true for VW but the Federal standards are singular. The standards a German. manufacturer must meet are identical to those a U.S. manufacturer must achieve. Ask me how I know.

[dmorrow]

Not sure I buy that regardless of what VW tells you. We have domestic built Passats and North American built Jettas and Beetles and we still get limited options and choices. There are more accessories listed as options (floor mats, stripes, coffee mugs) at vw.com than real options (interior trims, fog lights, transmissions, HID lighting, reverse cameras). All the cars we get are packaged as take it or leave it bundles regardless of point of origin. We'll not only have to take the scraps that VWAG gives us but the limited choices from VWoA as well.

They don't need to offer the crazy array of options al a carte like Mini but its hard to be excited about floor mats and stripes either!

VWoA having control over what they build and sell and them giving the consumer a wide variety of ways to spec the car are two different things. Theoretically VWAG could tell VWoA to do whatever they think is most profitable and VWoA could come out with one lower cost, lower spec, no choices vehicle. I don't think it is probable but VWAG giving VWoA control doesn't mean you will get what you want or be able to build it how you want. Good news would be VWoA should have a better idea of what would be profitable here than VWAG. Bad news is this may not match what the enthusiast wants.

[luckeydoug1]

After witnessing what VWoA has done in the past couple of years with the Jetta and Passat, and now based on Jamie's statement that they want the new Golf to be built in the US, I am VERY glad I purchased my Golf R. Aside from the missing DSG, this is an outstanding car. I am willing to bet that the Mk VI Golfs will be the last decent ones we see.

Up to this point, my Mk V R32 is the single best car I have owned in over 40 years of automobile ownership. With a couple of tweaks, the Mk VI Golf R may yet be better than my 08.

[Blue Golfer]

Pray the US Golf Mark 7 is not a Westmoreland Mark 2.

[feels_road]

After witnessing what VWoA has done in the past couple of years with the Jetta and Passat, and now based on Jamie's statement that they want the new Golf to be built in the US, I am VERY glad I purchased my Golf R.

What's wrong with the Passat? It's so good that it has won numerous comparisons and awards.

[luckeydoug1]

What's wrong with the Passat? It's so good that it has won numerous comparisons and awards.

It may have won awards, but it still doesn't measure up to the B5.5 or B6 in terms of equipment, interiors, looks, handling, etc. I owned a 2004 Passat wagon for several years. One of the best cars I ever owned.

[feels_road]

It may have won awards, but it still doesn't measure up to the B5.5 or B6 in terms of equipment, interiors, looks, handling, etc. I owned a 2004 Passat wagon for several years. One of the best cars I ever owned.

I agree compared to the B5 - the longitudinal engine layout and Torsen AWD is superior. But I prefer the new Passat over the B6 - also in the looks department.

[theBOYER]

There are always costs involved with EPA and crash certifications of new models. However with the new 1.8T FSI and new version of the 2.0T that can be spread across multiple models, the testing can be condensed a bit.

-jamie

EPA/Certification's run about 1 million dollars per model, the manufacturer has to sell quite a few cars to recover that expense.

[TWinbrook46636]

Either way, the good news is that we will have control over exactly what kinds of Golf/GTI model mixes are sold here and don't have to take the scraps that VWAG lets us have.

-jamie

Oh that's such bad news. I'd rather have the scraps VWAG lets us have than the de-contented, stripped down and "Americanized" version of the Golf VWoA is undoubtedly going to offer us. Oh this is going to be bad. Very very bad.

[South.American.GTI]

MQB has longer-term cost benefits across the range of cars, but initially isn't any cheaper. In fact depending on the model and the shared components the costs for a given market may be higher because of (for example) the German market requirement for larger brakes due to unlimited speed limits on the Autobahn. The market with the highest requirements may dictate the basis for a given component across the whole line. In our case, sourcing them separately out of North America means that the overall North American/Central American market components can be sourced/developed uniquely for our market requirements, lowering costs.

Anyway, localizing production is priority one for VW in our market and the cost to certify and sell the German produced cars is significantly more expensive than locally sourced/produced products. That said, I can't see why they would be any worse than the current pricing for the time being (outside of selling cars at a loss or with little to no profit).

Either way, the good news is that we will have control over exactly what kinds of Golf/GTI model mixes are sold here and don't have to take the scraps that VWAG lets us have.

-jamie

Jamie, I understand what you mean by this synergies, but do you think building the mk7 in Chattanooga could be better (in terms of costs to VW not only to VWoA) that building it in Mexico ? Because there could be some strategies that include far more markets than the U.S. I think, besides the US market, the whole american continent is pretty interesting to VW !

Nowadays, the US and Canada are the only American countries getting the Golf and the GTi in a range of models. The rest, from Mexico down to Argentina, only a few countries get only the GTI, at a very high price due to Euro cost and shipping/duties, etc.

VW has missed for almost a decade the midsize hatchback segment in the rest of the Americas, because the mk5 never really penetrated those markets. So, from the 2007 that the original mk4 was discontinued in Brazil, the Golf is absent from all these markets, while the competition has increased its presence even building in Brazil and Argentina midsize 5 door hatchbacks about the size of the VW Golf/GTI. (Peugeot 308, Ford Focus II, etc.). Volkswagen has factories and it is very strong in Brazil and Argentina also, and they are lacking TERRIBLY a midsize hatch like the Golf over here. Due to currency exchange, it is almost impossible to sell massively a German built Golf in South America.

I always heard the rumor, that Mexico was to built the mk7, besides from already constructing the SILAO engine factory....

What do you think ???

[jamie@vwvortex]

Oh that's such bad news. I'd rather have the scraps VWAG lets us have than the de-contented, stripped down and "Americanized" version of the Golf VWoA is undoubtedly going to offer us. Oh this is going to be bad. Very very bad.

Knowing who is currently in charge of VWoA product planning, I'd say this new MQB Golf will be a better car than the Golf 6. Will there now be a cheaper version available? Probably, but I expect that our Golf won't be too watered down.

Will we get all the same options as Germany? Not likely. Most of those options are build to order in Germany and get to be pretty expensive. Our pricing is already consistently cheaper here for comparably equipped cars as compared to German-market pricing - even with the VAT subtracted out.

HID's are coming back to the Jetta in 2013 and I'd expect them to be back in the Passat as well. As VW sells more bread and butter cars profitably, they can offer more of the expensive or unique options enthusiasts are willing to pay for.

I'd expect any Golf 7 made in North America to also be offered throughout North and Central America (and maybe beyond). However it is up to the individual markets to decide what model mixes to offer.

- jamie

[randomkoreanguy]

Knowing who is currently in charge of VWoA product planning, I'd say this new MQB Golf will be a better car than the Golf 6. Will there now be a cheaper version available? Probably, but I expect that our Golf won't be too watered down.

Will we get all the same options as Germany? Not likely. Most of those options are build to order in Germany and get to be pretty expensive. Our pricing is already consistently cheaper here for comparably equipped cars as compared to German-market pricing - even with the VAT subtracted out.

HID's are coming back to the Jetta in 2013 and I'd expect them to be back in the Passat as well. As VW sells more bread and butter cars profitably, they can offer more of the expensive or unique options enthusiasts are willing to pay for.

I'd expect any Golf 7 made in North America to also be offered throughout North and Central America (and maybe beyond). However it is up to the individual markets to decide what model mixes to offer.

- jamie

Offering an inexpensive, low feature content, stripped entry level Golf doesn't bother me. I'm not so much concerned about a cheaper, base model trim as long as they don't start stripping features off of the GTI (or Golf R if that's even feasible for a domestically produced MKVII), like for example the lighter weight aluminum that will supposedly be welded into the GTI's frame (as opposed to steel in the standard Golf). I could see someone somewhere rationalizing that we, the American consumer, wouldn't notice if it was missing. I realize that some of it is over engineered, but I feel like that's what gives the car its character and personality. It overall feels and drives much nicer because it's engineered to a higher standard, or at least that's the perception. If they start chipping away at it here and there to save cost, it'll change the entire driving feel of the car and that would greatly upset me as an enthusiast. I don't want a watered down GTI.

That being said, I don't expect or demand all the crazy Euro-spec luxury options either, but I do think VWoA should be a bit forward thinking and look to the competition when considering what options to add. Some of the competitor vehicles offer some pretty compelling tech for what's supposed to be a compact hatchback. The Focus, for example, has a list of things the Golf doesn't offer and I'm not entirely convinced at this point that the MKVII Golf will have a lot of it either. (And I'm not talking about multicolor ambient lighting. ) Things like rear parking sensors, rearview camera, automatic wipers, auto-dimming mirror (automated parallel parking is a nice toy, but I can park my car myself). I realize a lot of these are top spec Titanium package options, but supposedly the take rate on top spec Focus models is surprisingly large. After living with my R32 which has some of that tech in it, I think it would be nice to have these features in my next VW purchase.

Also, I think VW should be mindful of the Focus ST. I'm sure that they're already aware and such, but as an enthusiast, I have to admit that it looks like a really compelling car based on what's been released so far and the small number of reviews out there. I could probably go off on a tangent about it, but suffice it to say that Ford as really upped the ante. Hearing talk about cost cutting and decontenting is somewhat disturbing as a VW fanatic when thrown into this light. We already know the Euro spec GTI will be fantastic based on all the rumors floating about and the small amount of details that have been released about the MQB architecture. I just think we want assurances that the NA spec one will be essentially the same car. I would like to note that Ford has already made this promise to their enthusiasts regarding the Focus ST, which they assured would be the exact same car as is sold in Europe, except for changes required to pass safety regs and emissions.

[luckeydoug1]

Unfortunately, the stipping of content is already with us, going from the MKV to MKVI. I will ignore the DSG/manual as well as 6 cyl/4cyl debate, but rather focus on content, or lack their of on the MKV R32 vs MkVI Golf R:

1. No autosensing wipers on the MkVI
2. No auto dimming mirror on the MkVI
3. No auto headlight on the MkVI
4. The dual climate control on the MkVI increases/decreases by 2 degrees at a time as opposed to 1 degree at a time on the MkV.
5. The RNS 315 is a downgrade from the RNS510 (neither is standard on the MkV)
6. The door trim is now nearly impossible to swap out in the MkVIs while it is a piece of cake in the MKVs.

Each of these by themselves may seem trivial, but taken as whole, the MkVI is not as luxurious nor upscale as the MkV. I hate to think what else will be removed for the MkVIIs.

[roger2050]

Unfortunately, the stipping of content is already with us, going from the MKV to MKVI. I will ignore the DSG/manual as well as 6 cyl/4cyl debate, but rather focus on content, or lack their of on the MKV R32 vs MkVI Golf R:

1. No autosensing wipers on the MkVI
2. No auto dimming mirror on the MkVI
3. No auto headlight on the MkVI
4. The dual climate control on the MkVI increases/decreases by 2 degrees at a time as opposed to 1 degree at a time on the MkV.
5. The RNS 315 is a downgrade from the RNS510 (neither is standard on the MkV)
6. The door trim is now nearly impossible to swap out in the MkVIs while it is a piece of cake in the MKVs.

Each of these by themselves may seem trivial, but taken as whole, the MkVI is not as luxurious nor upscale as the MkV. I hate to think what else will be removed for the MkVIIs.

x2

It's the decontenting that upsets and scares me.

VW did a good job of cutting costs while maintaining and, imho, improving the interior's perceived quality. This is a trend I'd like to see continue. I will say, however, that as an enthusiast, I'd be disgusted to see hard plastic dashboards on our MKVII GTIs.

[cwgti11]

Damn, are the US Mk6's lower spec?

Our Mk6 GTI comes stock standard with auto headlights, auto wipers, auto dip rearview mirror, heated side mirrors, heated leather seats, climatronic, cruise control. Think that's about it.

[Eurofan4eva]

Damn, are the US Mk6's lower spec?

Our Mk6 GTI comes stock standard with auto headlights, auto wipers, auto dip rearview mirror, heated side mirrors, heated leather seats, climatronic, cruise control. Think that's about it.

Yup the U.S. market always gets screwed, but let's hope that moving production to Mexico will change that...

[jamie@vwvortex]

Also, I think VW should be mindful of the Focus ST. I'm sure that they're already aware and such, but as an enthusiast, I have to admit that it looks like a really compelling car based on what's been released so far and the small number of reviews out there. I could probably go off on a tangent about it, but suffice it to say that Ford as really upped the ante. Hearing talk about cost cutting and decontenting is somewhat disturbing as a VW fanatic when thrown into this light. We already know the Euro spec GTI will be fantastic based on all the rumors floating about and the small amount of details that have been released about the MQB architecture. I just think we want assurances that the NA spec one will be essentially the same car. I would like to note that Ford has already made this promise to their enthusiasts regarding the Focus ST, which they assured would be the exact same car as is sold in Europe, except for changes required to pass safety regs and emissions.

I think the Focus is an interesting example. Historically this car (especially being American built) has been a big seller for Ford and the current model doesn't reflect that. In fact I'll bet top trim level Focus sales are pretty thin.

Now that change can be blamed on two things. The Focus decided to go upmarket in price and features while the new Fiesta seems to be carrying the torch where the Focus used to be priced. Kinda funny that a Polo-sized replacement (Fiesta) for the old Focus price segment isn't getting panned a bit more. Plus I'm sure Ford is laughing all the way to the bank on the Fiesta as pricing on that car is fairly steep for what it is. Likewise with the Focus pricing now. The Jetta in comparison went the opposite direction and has had success in doing so. Not so good from the enthusiast perspective as the standard Jetta isn't up to the same standards we've been used to. The GLI is much, much closer and with a few minor tweaks to the interior (door cards especially) it would be a nicer car than the Jetta 5. I drive a GLI every day and actually like the car and the conservative looks have grown on me over time to the point that I think the car is aging nicely. 2013 will see rear view camera, HID's and more things added to the Jetta lineup as options. Plus VW continues to make both running changes and specific model/trim changes to address the criticisms levied against the Jetta (despite the sales success). The fact that VW is willing to address the things we don't like, even in the face of very strong sales tells me that the right people care and understand the larger reason to fix those things. The Passat launched much stronger without the same level of dumbing down of the product despite the $6000+ price drop. VW is actually moving in a good direction now and I have regular discussions with people internally there making decisions about future product and feel good about the current team and the plans they have. If it makes you guys feel better, I think we're going to see more "R" models coming in the next few years beyond just Golf. I'm excited for the first time in a while with the future product coming.

Regarding Golf 7. The thing with VW's MQB architecture is that is designed to be one single component platform. While it has flexibility in how it gets built, overall Golf 7 will be more universal worldwide than ever. Hatch sales are always slippery here in the U.S. but the current product planning people want the Golf 7 to shine as a very good product (which it is) over the Golf 6.

-jamie

[luckeydoug1]

Hatch sales are always slippery here in the U.S. but the current product planning people want the Golf 7 to shine as a very good product (which it is) over the Golf 6.

-jamie

Now this is encouraging news!

[South.American.GTI]

Yup the U.S. market always gets screwed, but let's hope that moving production to Mexico will change that...

I don´t think it has anything to do. Because one market gets the cars as its distributors ask it to be configured.
For example, you get the Jetta Sportwagen in USA without a lot of items, just because VWoA configures it that way! The same wagon, made in the same factory in Mexico that sends it to the US, mades an euro version super complete, with lots of items not available in America. I have mine for instance, sold in Argentina where I live, and has climatronic, front and rear foglights, some chrome trim, undeseat drawers among other equipments, just because VW of Argentina wanted to sell it that way. But in Brasil they get it with leather and bixenon projectors for instance and we don't. Proximity has nothing to do. Markets are independent of some options and engines, as long as the factory can provide those options.

Each country distributor/importar has the chance to configure the model according to their market and their needs (or what they think they need )

There also one thing you americans have to understand : the Golf and the Jetta in the US are in a lower segment of the car market than they are in Europe. Just as a clear example, the Golf and the Jetta are the cheapest and smallest VW cars in your market. In Europe, latinamerica, etc, below the Golf you have the Polo, and below that one the Up!. That clearly has an inlfuence on how you configure models and what they should come equipped with according to their status in that particular market. The Golf is a midsize car in Europe. For you, it's a compact.

Sorry If my english is not the best, I think you may understand what I meant.

[randomkoreanguy]

I think the Focus is an interesting example. Historically this car (especially being American built) has been a big seller for Ford and the current model doesn't reflect that. In fact I'll bet top trim level Focus sales are pretty thin.

Now that change can be blamed on two things. The Focus decided to go upmarket in price and features while the new Fiesta seems to be carrying the torch where the Focus used to be priced. Kinda funny that a Polo-sized replacement (Fiesta) for the old Focus price segment isn't getting panned a bit more. Plus I'm sure Ford is laughing all the way to the bank on the Fiesta as pricing on that car is fairly steep for what it is. Likewise with the Focus pricing now. The Jetta in comparison went the opposite direction and has had success in doing so. Not so good from the enthusiast perspective as the standard Jetta isn't up to the same standards we've been used to. The GLI is much, much closer and with a few minor tweaks to the interior (door cards especially) it would be a nicer car than the Jetta 5. I drive a GLI every day and actually like the car and the conservative looks have grown on me over time to the point that I think the car is aging nicely. 2013 will see rear view camera, HID's and more things added to the Jetta lineup as options. Plus VW continues to make both running changes and specific model/trim changes to address the criticisms levied against the Jetta (despite the sales success). The fact that VW is willing to address the things we don't like, even in the face of very strong sales tells me that the right people care and understand the larger reason to fix those things. The Passat launched much stronger without the same level of dumbing down of the product despite the $6000+ price drop. VW is actually moving in a good direction now and I have regular discussions with people internally there making decisions about future product and feel good about the current team and the plans they have. If it makes you guys feel better, I think we're going to see more "R" models coming in the next few years beyond just Golf. I'm excited for the first time in a while with the future product coming.

Regarding Golf 7. The thing with VW's MQB architecture is that is designed to be one single component platform. While it has flexibility in how it gets built, overall Golf 7 will be more universal worldwide than ever. Hatch sales are always slippery here in the U.S. but the current product planning people want the Golf 7 to shine as a very good product (which it is) over the Golf 6.

-jamie

I see your point about the Fiesta and it does make a bit of sense. All of these small cars popping up lately have seemingly taken their cue from the MINI Cooper and priced themselves accordingly, which I find a bit odd. (I mean, the pricing on a Scion iQ is ... crazy.) I've seen lots of Jettas out and about and while the base trim has never appealed to me and the 2.5l base engine also does nothing for me, you're right the GLI has grown on me too. Seeing it in top spec trim, I can see the appeal and the news that they're increasing the amount of nice options next model year is indeed a positive.

More to the point, though, I think it's good to hear that you really believe in the product planners, because that gives most of us a bit of hope that things are heading in the right direction. Given how the launch of the Jetta went, I think it's a bit understandable that we enthusiasts would panic slightly at the notion of a domestically produced Golf/GTI (in spite of the Passat, which does seem really nice but is more of a family car rather than enthusiast material. In all fairness, I did try to get excited about it, but it's not really an exciting car... nor is it meant to be). VW could have easily just taken the fantastic sales numbers and left it there, but their move to fix the car's criticisms along with your faith that they are going to do the right thing with future products will hopefully allow us to keep a positive outlook on future NA market offerings.

As for an increased R model portfolio, I'm very eager to see what else they have planned beyond the Golf R. Hopefully it will be a chance for them to really spec up the models (in our market) with a bit more of the bells and whistles. (And of course the increased performance, but I think that goes without saying. )