Transmission Issue Stops Play At VW’s Bonneville Record Attempt

Volkswagen intended on setting a new land speed record in the BCG/G class at Lake Bonneville this week, but the attempt has been called off.

While attending Bonneville Speed Week and walking around the paddock late last week, Jalopnik was surprised not to see any sign of VW and its Jetta. Upon further investigation, it was discovered that a transmission issue forced the automaker to pull the plug on the record attempt.

“We had a silly transmission issue on the first dyno run and while it got fixed, it meant we were behind on the program,” Volkswagen said in an emailed statement.

“Instead of making the team work 18-hour days, we decided to give this one a miss and go back in September.”

That is when the Bonneville World of Speed event is held, and while it is much smaller than Bonneville Speed Week, it will give VW some much needed time to ensure the bright blue and white Jetta is ready to blast along the salt flats.

The Jetta has been created by Volkswagen of America alongside THR Manufacturing in California. It is based on the upcoming Jetta GLI. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine pumping out 493 hp.

To ensure the car is as slippery as possible, Volkswagen has fitted it with wheel covers and lowered the ride height, resulting in a Cd value of 0.27.

In order to achieve its goal next month, the car will have to exceed the current 208.472 mph (335.503 km/h) record.