Volkswagen officially unveiled its sixth-generation Golf/Rabbit earlier this year, followed shortly after by the news that two performance versions – the GTI and GTI-R – would be included in the next-generation Golf range. Although details remained scarce on the performance Golf models at the time of the hatch’s unveiling, we now have a few more pieces of the hot-hatch puzzle.
According to Automotive News, VW is preparing the next-generation GTI for an October debut at the Paris Motor Show. Underhood, the GTI will sport a 210 horsepower version of VW venerable 2.0L turbocharged four. Although not world-beating power, the hot-hatch will be able to scoot from 0-60 in 7.2 seconds and hit a top speed of nearly 150 mph.
European pricing will start at 26,400, translating into a less-than-useful $38,150 U.S. The current MkV GTI had a starting price in the low $20,000 range, so expect something similar when the new car hits U.S. shores.
Fans waiting for the R32-replacing GTI-R will have to wait slightly longer for their hot-hatch fix. Automotive News says the GTI-R is not scheduled to make its public appearance until November 2009 – likely at the Los Angeles Auto Show. However, the long wait should be worth it as the GTI-R is expected to feature a 270 horsepower powerplant, all-wheel drive and plenty of aero bits. No pricing information has been announced for the GTI-R.
