Well over 200mph . . . in a Jetta!

VOLKSWAGEN will this weekend attempt to break a world speed record for a production saloon car.

They are aiming to break the land speed record in the BGC/G class of the Southern California Timing Association on Lake Bonneville – the salt flats in the US state of Utah – with its specially prepared but near-production version of the new-generation Jetta.

This car is powered by a four-cylinder turbo engine (TSI) with a power output of significantly more than 500bhp.

A similar engine with a slightly more demure power rating will also be used in the new Jetta GLI, which will soon be launched in the US.

Engines in this series are used to power vehicles including the Golf GTI Performance2 and the Golf R3.

On Lake Bonneville, the TSI engine must accelerate the modified Jetta (right) to more than 208.572 mph (335.5 km/h) to equal the existing record for a car in this class

The car can reach a speed of more than 335 km/h as it is very light (the interior comprises only the controls for driving, a bucket seat with racing belts and a roll cage) and has excellent aerodynamics (Cd value: 0.27)

The aerodynamics also ensure a very high downward thrust, essential in making sure the Jetta stays safe on the salt flat track, even at extreme speeds.

The Jetta, developed by Volkswagen of America in cooperation with the Bonneville specialists at THR Manufacturing in Ventura, California, has further technical refinements on board.

In addition to a very low chassis, these include special salt flats wheels and tyres, a limited slip differential for optimum grip and two brake parachutes in the rear end.

If the attempt succeeds, this Jetta will be the fastest near-production Volkswagen ever to be put on wheels. The record is currently held by a 540bhp Beetle LSR, which – also powered by an EA888 engine – reached a speed of 205.122 mph (330.11 km/h) on Lake Bonneville.