Volkswagen unveiled its 2011 Jetta in New York, with more legspace and a bigger body. But most eyes were trained on slim pop singer Katy Perry the German car maker hired to combine sex with horse power. Walter Pfaeffle was there for a closer look.

Thousands braved the hot mid-day New York sun on Tuesday, as the 25-year old pop princess jumped on top of the 2011 Volkswagen Compact Sedan for what was called the "world premiere" of the vehicle. (Watch video here )

"Thank God she isn't wearing that awfud blue wig," someone in the crowd was saying.

Perry gave a mini concert of three songs, starting out onstage singing her famous I kissed a Girl  and the Hot N Cold She jumped on top of the Jetta to wrap up the set with her new California Gurls .

"I love New York. I think I will buy an apartment here," she belted out to the crowd. "But where are you going when it gets real icy cold, and you can't walk without your snot freezing? To California!" 

A beach-style venue was constructed for the event, described as an “urban oasis” by Volkswagen of America CEO, Stefan Jacoby. It even had sand, grass and plenty of sunshine.

VW wants to make a splash with its most important model in its largest market, and pulled out all the stops to do so.  

The result was a big tournout for the German manufacturer who sells more cars in Europe as any other competitor, and wants to repeat this success in America.

Given the bad luck suffered by US car makers as a result of the financial crisis, and Toyota's recent acceleration problems, the Wolfsburg-based company may just succeed.

Volkswagen started selling cars in the US in 1955. Volkswagen of America Inc, the wholly-owned unit of Volkswagen AG, Germany, is headquartered in Herndon, VA.

Today marks the beginning of a new era for Volkswagen and the Jetta," said Jacoby, who followed Katy Perry on the Times Square stage.

"The all-new 2011 Jetta is a class-up driving experience with a kind of styling, design and power under the hood normally found in more expensive luxury cars." Photo: Jacoby (right) with Walter de Silva.

If Tuesday's cheering crowd is any indication, the Jetta may do well. At a starting point of around $16,000, the new Jetta features more legroom and a new design by Walter de Silva and Klaus Bischoff.

The Jetta 2011 will go on sale the fall.

For more information on the Jetta and other VW products, please visit www.vw.com