CEO of Volkswagen, Jonathan Browning, was on hand at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show to unveil the newest addition to its performance lineup: the lighter, speedier and more accessible 2012 Jetta GLI. Available this summer, the GLI comes complete with VW’s fun-to-drive 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, 18” alloy wheels, sunroof, dual zone climate control, heated V-Tex Leatherette seats and the Fender Premium Audio System.

And while a great sound system is amazing, turbo AND a Fender system is definitely better, simply because you get to rock out to 200 horsepower and 207 lb. ft. of torque at 1,700 rpm. The Jetta GLI also comes with a six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment for the true car enthusiast out there.

Not surprisingly, the Volkswagen Jetta GLI is already generating positive buzz. No less than Car & Driver calls it “an honest-to-goodness German performance sedan.” With a starting price of around $23,495, VW has once again upheld its promise to deliver accessible German engineering to its North American audience.



If you like to see more exclusive photos of the new GLI, click here