VW Jetta GLI Momo Edition debuts at SEMA, complete with roof rack

By Stephen Edelstein November 2, 2015

What is it with Volkswagen customizers and roof racks? Spot a modified late-model VW on the street, and often no matter how impractical the changes are, it’ll still sport a rather un-stylish roof rack. Because even if your car is too low to get over speed bumps, there’s no reason to sacrifice practicality, right?

Debuting at the 2015 SEMA show in Las Vegas, the 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI Momo Edition was built by the Italian racing-equipment company to show what a possible collaboration between it and VW could produce. It’s got all of the custom touches one normally sees on a Jetta, including the roof rack.

Momo didn’t take as aggressive an approach as other companies do with their SEMA concepts, sticking to bolt-on parts for what it calls an “OEM-plus” look. But there are still some notable changes that give the Jetta GLI more attitude and show off Momo’s wares.

The company is well known for its wheels, so naturally the Jetta got a set of 19-inch “Revenge”-style rims that preview a design Momo will put on sale next year. There’s also an upgraded suspension system from H&R, and a beefier brake setup that mixes calipers and rotors from Brembo at the front, with hardware from the Volkswagen Golf R at the back.

On the inside, the Jetta gets a Momo GT50 Anniversary steering wheel, a special design made to commemorate Momo’s 50th anniversary. There’s also yellow trim throughout the mostlystock interior. Momo also added a vehicle-information display that fits into the driver’s side air vent. It can show everything from 0-to-60 mph times and speed to turbo boost pressure and throttle position.

The Jetta GLI powertrain remains mostly stock, with the exception of a stainless steel cat-back exhaust system. That doesn’t change the output of the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which still produces 210 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The GLI is essentially VW’s sedan counterpart to the GTI hatchback, although it sits in the GTI’s shadow to some extent.

The Momo Edition 2016 Volkswagen Jetta GLI won’t go into production, but it would probably please fans if VW got onboard.

Topics

Stephen Edelstein

Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Cars

Mercedes-Benz EQG: range, price, release date, and more

Concept image of the larger electric G-Wagon

The G-Class is going electric. We already knew that Mercedes-Benz was working on an electric, small-size G-Wagon, but it looks like the company is also working on a larger G-Class SUV, in the form of the EQG. In fact, Mercedes has gone as far as to show off a concept version of the off-roader.

While there's much we don't know about what will become the production model of the EQG, Mercedes has also shared a lot about it. Curious about whether the Mercedes-Benz EQG could be the EV for you? Here's everything we know so far.
Design
Fear not -- the EQG will retain many of the design aspects of the G-Class that you already know and love but with a modern face-lift. The EQG will keep the boxy design that gives the G-Class a classic look but with some additional modern styling, at least if the concept version is anything to go by.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Kia EV9: battle of affordable electric SUVs

Kia EV9 GT-Line Three Quarters

The long-awaited Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it's an excellent option for those who want an electric SUV that doesn't completely break the bank. Sure, the R2 isn't cheap -- but it's a whole lot cheaper than most other EVs out there, especially when it comes to SUVs. But Rivian isn't the only company trying to tackle the problem of the budget electric SUV. The Kia EV9 is finally available, and it too offers a modern design and a range of helpful features.

Given the fact that the Rivian R2 and Kia EV9 are two electric SUVs in a similar price range, you might be wondering which is better for your needs. That's why we put the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 head-to-head.
Design
Both the Rivian R2 and the Kia EV9 are actual SUVs -- not crossovers pretending to be SUVs, like plenty of other EVs out there. The two vehicles offer big, boxy designs and plenty of interior space, making them excellent options for families or those who need that extra storage.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs R1S: How will Rivian’s cheaper SUV compare?

The front three-quarter view of a 2022 Rivian against a rocky backdrop.

Rivian has finally unveiled the R2, its long-awaited attempt at a more affordable electric SUV. The new vehicle may not be available just yet, but fans of Rivian's design aesthetics and feature set are already looking forward to being able to order the new car. The R2 is targeted at being a more affordable take on the electric SUV and will sit alongside the flagship-tier R1S.

Let's get this out of the way right now: The R1S is most likely going to be a better vehicle than the R2. Rivian isn't replacing the R1S with the R2 — it's releasing the R2 as a more affordable alternative, and there will be some compromises when buying the R2 over the R1S.