Volkswagen today took the wraps off a pre-production version of the all-new GTI, based on the recently redesigned Golf. Described as a “concept,” the GTI show car will be on display at the Paris Motor Show next month. In reality, it is almost identical to the production GTI that will arrive at European dealers in the spring.
The new GTI features a number of “firsts” for the range, including the option of Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which comprises adjustable pneumatic dampers. Also for the first time, the GTI will be available with an electronic limited slip differential (XDS) linked to a sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program) system.
Powered by a 2.0-liter 207 horsepower TSI engine, the new GTI is more powerful, yet also more fuel efficient, than its predecessor. Fuel consumption is estimated at 31.3 miles per U.S. gallon — an impressive figure for a car that can sprint to 62 mph in 7.2 seconds and hit a top speed of 148 mph.
Styling was handled by Walter de Silva (Director, Group Design), Klaus Bischoff (Director, Brand Design) and Marc Lichte (Director, Exterior Design). The car bears visual links with the original 1976 model. “We wanted a consistently clear GTI design, a car that has power, but style as well,” commented Walter de Silva.
The 18-inch ‘telephone dial’ wheels from the Mk V GTI make a reappearance, albeit in subtly evolved form on the Mk VI GTI. Finished in milled silver with gloss black inserts, the new wheels are reminiscent of those first fitted to the GTI W12-650 concept.
Interior highlights include a flat-bottomed steering wheel finished in black leather with contrasting red stitching, plus a set of contoured sports seats finished in grey tartan cloth reminiscent of the Mk I and Mk V models.
Plans for U.S. availability have not yet been announced. The GTI is expected to be sold in America following the debut of the new Rabbit (the U.S. version of the new Golf).
09/25, 12:10 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I find GTIs a lot like Miatas. You have to be a real aficionado to distinguish one year- or even one generation- from the other. And there sure are a lot of electronic nannies available now for what used to be a pretty basic pocket-rocket. That’s progress, I suppose.
09/25, 12:24 PM
posted by:
t-ak-box
I like this Model, it seems like its more slick and less of a porker than the current model. Don’t get me wrong current model is nice but its seems a bit chunky. Also the rims look dully they should have used BBS or even VW Vision V looks much better.
09/25, 1:13 PM
posted by:
A4
this is my next car
book is closed
09/25, 1:14 PM
posted by:
A4
and t-ak-box, BBS makes all the rims for the GTI, the huffs are BBS rims, as are every rim on the GTI since its inception. BBS is the official supplier.
09/25, 1:51 PM
posted by:
HoosierHero
For some reason I love the plaid pattern on the seats. They just seem to fit the car. I’ve never liked that style of rim though. Don’t know why. Are they making a 4-door version? If so, then I would consider this.
09/25, 1:53 PM
posted by:
manoverboard987
I’m with you A4. I’ll take mine exactly as pictured – candy white, plaid cloth seats, multifunction wheel… *drool*
09/25, 2:01 PM
posted by:
JakeK66
This is a new generation? Come on… I own a ‘07 GTI w/ DSG and those are the same seats as mine but now in fabric. I like the red stiching, one of my personal recomendations to VW on the current one because it looks so black inside. On a whole, I guess it’s improved, but by a whole bunch? I still like my front end, but the back of the car looks better, especially with the dual exhaust. I was scared with the kinda geeky Golf that my next car wouldn’t be a VW, but now that the GTI hasn’t changed much makes me like it more! I still hate the Huff wheels with the black inserts, ugh, the 17 inchers with the same Huff design look alot better…
09/25, 3:24 PM
posted by:
wakeNbake
As a former MkII owner, I love it. Really don’t like those wheels. Now VW needs to price it more competatively and they might have a winner.
09/25, 4:00 PM
posted by:
mhb11
Wow! I love the current model, so I thought that all VW could do was screw up a good thing, but this looks great. I think it makes the previous generation look a little clumsy. Love the improved interior (the plaid seats look awesome). I wonder if the ride height in these photos is accurate – I hope so. I feel like it is considerably lower than the MkV.
09/25, 4:13 PM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
Not bad looking.
Still slow…
09/25, 4:19 PM
posted by:
Jon
Actually, I owned a GTI VR6 Driver’s Edition that had seven-spoke alloys that were NOT made by BBS. I remember looking this up when I had the car and they were make by another company but the name escapes me… help anyone?
09/25, 10:14 PM
posted by:
aexcorp
Front limited diff and dynamic suspension should make this quite an improved drive over then previous gen. I imagine these two things will improve its handling, reduce torque steer and so forth. The 0-60 is slow but the engine should have headroom for tuning. I expect the price will be go up compared to the current gen, but part of it is rising material cost.
09/25, 11:03 PM
posted by:
VWgrouP
YES YES YES!
Yet another beautiful designed car..Thank you Volkswagen!
But I just HATE that plaud seat..
09/26, 12:05 AM
posted by:
tyler_is_aero_tt
I swear I’m the only person on earth that thinks this car is ugly.
09/26, 12:44 AM
posted by:
maxcar
i own the current v model in the same color. thought i would hang on to it for a few years. thought wrong.
09/26, 8:14 AM
posted by:
56oval
That is so much sharper than the MkV. I never liked the giant silver shield grill on the current stuff. The new Sirocco front end, this and the Robust all look a lot more mature.
09/26, 2:44 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Unreliable German crap. Buy GM or move to Europe you unAmerican A-holes
09/26, 3:49 PM
posted by:
wakeNbake
they were make by another company but the name escapes me… help anyone?….Speedline?
09/26, 5:56 PM
posted by:
brocky
My next car. I’m sold. Exactly as pictured please
09/26, 10:46 PM
posted by:
RTT10
need more oil is a piece of **** redneck with his aveo… anyways i want this.. i just go the MK V though soo AHHHHHH i love this though and the seats too
09/27, 12:16 AM
posted by:
The Stig
Nice evolutionary styling which is fairly appealing. Unfortunately it’ll come with electrical gremlins as standard equipment, mediocre air conditioning and, let’s not forget, that horrid VW dealership network. But that’s the thing with VW – they look more expensive than they are.
09/27, 5:38 PM
posted by:
Jon
@ wakeNbake: Yes! I think you’re right… they were Speedline’s. And the interesting thing about them was that the GTI VR6 of that year had a 5-bolt pattern whereas regular Golfs still stuck with a 4-bolt pattern. I’m pretty sure that was one of the big reasons my wheels never got stolen.