Volkswagen will launch a new high-performance VW Golf GTI soon after its standard flagship hatchback, company sources have revealed.
It should arrive in showrooms in spring 2009, but we may get a sneak preview of the new GTI as soon as October, when a concept is tipped to be unveiled.
The new Volkswagen Golf GTI will keep the current car’s well-judged balance of ride, handling and refinement, although an extra edge will be added to improve steering and handling. This will help close the gap with the sporty new Scirocco, which makes today’s GTI feel a little soft.
Power will come from a 211bhp turbocharged 2.0-litre version of the group’s new global EA888 engine, equipped with the new valve-lift system developed by Audi.
Volkswagen is keen to make maintenance easier, and access to the turbo and oil cooler will be improved in a bid to cut servicing costs.
The VW GTI will get beefed-up looks too. It will have new bumpers front and rear, as well as different head and tail-lights. The headlights will have Audi-style LED running lights. Five-spoke 18in alloys will be standard, with 19in items on the options list.
The bad news for six-cylinder Golf fans is that there are no plans to replace the current R32 version, mainly because of EU emissions legislation.
Instead, VW plans to launch a four-wheel-drive R variant with a 265bhp version of the GTI engine.
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Re: Scoop: New VW Golf GTI
I really think that, in general, VW have got it right with the Golf series, and their sales seem to support this. The no fuss clean external lines, overall well-designed interiors and good mechanicals and under-pinnings make their appearance and driveability almost timeless. The new 6 series is simply an evolution of these concepts. We in Australia have the 5 series "Pacific" which sits inbetween the 5 & 6 series, perhaps because the 6 series will only make it to these shores some 12 months after Europe. The Golf (and other models) make for a great contrast to some of the ill-conceived fussy designs out there. Now if only VW could improve the build quality (reliability) and allow the rear bolster to fold forward for a flat-load rear space then in my opinion they would have an near unbeatable product.
Re: Scoop: New VW Golf GTI
Ah yes, the hatchback version of the Scirocco is coming!
Re: Scoop: New VW Golf GTI
Are you referring to boy racers in general or do you have someone specific in mind?