VW planning more GTI variants, including diesel, high-performance models
09/29/2008, 11:50 AM
By Drew Johnson
Volkswagen is preparing to unveil its Mark VI Golf GTI at next month’s Paris Motor Show, but a new report indicates that the next-gen GTI will be just the first of many hot hatches based on the sixth-generation Golf. As previously reported, a hotter GTI-R will be part of the mix, but VW is also planning two more performance variants of the Mk VI Golf.
In addition to the GTI and the hotter GTI-R (also being referred to as ‘R20′ by Auto Motor und Sport) – which will boast 270 horsepower, all-wheel drive and VW’s seven-speed DSG transmission — the German automaker is also working on a diesel version of the GTI, dubbed the GTD. The GTD’s setup will be identical the GTI’s, but the GTI’s 211 horsepower 2.0L gas engine will be swapped for a 2.0L diesel unit, outputting 170 horsepower and about 260 lb-ft of torque, according to Motor Authority. Power will be routed through either a six-speed manual transmission or VW’s DSG unit. Although the GTD won’t be able to match the GTI in raw performance — with a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds — the new model promises to offer a nice blend of performance and fuel economy.
Also in the works is a true R32 replacement model, being referred to as the R42. Although the R42 moniker suggest that VW might be trying to shoehorn Audi’s 4.2L V8 under the Golf’s hood, the next-gen R42 will actually be motivated by a smaller, 2.5L five-cylinder powerplant – the same unit earmarked for duty in the next Audi TT-RS and RS3. Despite being down one cylinder from the R32, the R42’s inline-five utilizes twin-turbos to generate an impressive 350 horsepower. With that amount of power on tap, look for VW to equipped the R42 with a beefed-up version of the GTI-R’s AWD system.
No word on U.S. availability, but European buyers should expect to see the GTD in VW showrooms by 2009, with the R42 following a year later.
09/29, 11:52 AM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Tow teruck drivers rejoice More business!
09/29, 12:00 PM
posted by:
shaver
Hopefully some weight reduction will come with new chassis.
09/29, 12:08 PM
posted by:
RaineMan
VW definately needs to work on weight reduction. The current and previous-gen R32s would be a lot nicer if they weren’t so heavy.
I am sad to see the VR6 go though… the exhaust note those things make is legendary.
09/29, 12:14 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
Ya, the sound of a VW engine self-destructing is legendary as is their reputation for UN-reliability.
09/29, 12:48 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Hello, Jerry!
09/29, 12:53 PM
posted by:
Stinky007
My opinion is they are unnecessarily complicating their line-up…
But I guess that is what the undecided youth in Europe want! Slow overpriced “performance” diesels…
I should know better, most of my friends think I’m “archaic” because I still thing the otto engine is a better performance engine. Lower weight, cheaper to maintain, higher power output per liter and per kg of engine. These rational arguments don’t seem to matter for the followers of the “Church of Diesel”, who think a few extra mpgs can make up for almost anything!
09/29, 1:52 PM
posted by:
ktulu
OK
09/29, 2:00 PM
posted by:
wakeNbake
GM….please recommend a similar car in the GM line up if you don’t like the GTi.
09/29, 2:27 PM
posted by:
Need more oil for GM
HHR SS
09/29, 2:58 PM
posted by:
Jordan
sooo… why is it called the r42?
09/29, 3:02 PM
posted by:
andy
to add with the HHR SS, both it and the Cobalt SS have a 290hp upgrade coming
09/29, 3:24 PM
posted by:
RagazzaCompetizione
Amen to Stinky007 speaking the TRUTH.
09/29, 4:01 PM
posted by:
doghis
HHR SS….LOOOOOL
i allmost died laughing!!!
thanks GM! good one!
09/29, 4:27 PM
posted by:
A4
I always thought a diesel GTI should have been called the GTDI
R42 is a dumb name, just stick to R25t or R5t for the cylinder count with the turbo.
And you better make sure there are three pedals this time around on the high performance models or you’ll be reliving the discount prices on the MKV R32’s. The MKIV’s sold out incredibly faster than the MKV’s and for good reason – 3 pedals and a 6 speed stick.
09/29, 8:40 PM
posted by:
Get Real
Hey VW:
Less Models….More Quality. Sales will improve.
I wish I could speak German to explain this concept to them.
09/29, 10:31 PM
posted by:
nickkop
the R42 is an illogical name and whoever thought of that one needs a new job… if its a 2.5 called an R25… stick to your scheme… at least a R22 or something close.. but regardless of how illogically named it is, it will be a beast, and will embarass the american competion who are just about to catch up to the last generation of engineering… hhahaha .. just better keep it well under 35.. or you are pushing it and dont even bother… Yes I am American love my country.. but I am not in denial.. we make some ****ty cars compared with the euros and japanese
09/30, 10:54 AM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
Umm seeing that the R32 is sold in the U.S for over 30k, the only thing that it competes with as far as price range goes ends up being the Lancer EVO, and Subaru STi, which totally kick it’s ass.
Not to mention a FWD Cobalt SS Turbo for almost 10k less will also man handle a GTI and R32…
10/01, 1:55 PM
posted by:
nickkop
Need4speed: ya but very few who look at an R32 look back at a friggin cobalt, not because it has much lower performance (acceleration) but because it (R32) is much more upscale, classier looking, better handling and higher -caliber automobile, personally if I were shopping for a GTI or esp. an R32, I would definitely look at some competitors ( WRX and STI, Ralliart and EVO) and not others for various reasons. I see the only real competitor for the HHR SS and Cobalt SS being the Dodge SRT-4, many true enthusiasts look at it this way: there is American Sport Compact and Import Sport Compact. Two different segments due to appeal and perceived quality. And i speak for many I am sure, not just myself.
10/01, 1:59 PM
posted by:
nickkop
@ Need4Speed still : a cobalt will definitely not come close to “man handling” an R32 on a road course, or a twisty stretch or freeway (where the R32 was designed, iintended, and created to dominate within its class) while stll being the practical, entry-luxury (definitely not a cobalt appeal) hot hatch that it is.
10/01, 2:03 PM
posted by:
nickkop
granted i would much prefer an STI or EVO over an R32,,,, now when we get this GOLF PLUS (R20) and R42 or whatver the 2.5 turbo AWD beast of a golf will be… ohhh ****… byte bye… americans.. maybe even the japs.. even if for a couple of grand more up front
10/01, 2:04 PM
posted by:
nickkop
btw Need4 speed,, just wondering what do you drive? or what have you driven in the last decade or so that you can legitimize your opinions with ??
10/01, 2:18 PM
posted by:
nickkop
FYI : I have personally owned many sport compact or sport luxury cars (most or all of which with many performance upgrades ), and also sold cars so have driven many others.. so i do speak from some experience, as well as having many friends who are fellow enthusiasts… previous cars:
1997 HONDA CIVIC coupe with JDM H22A DOHC VTEC motor (header, exhaust, filter, hondata, coilovers = 200+ wheel HP , 166 + lb-ft torque)
1998 Audi A4 1.8 Turbo 5-speed Quattro (stock)
2002 Audi S4 2.7 BiTurbo 6-speed Quattro (coils, exhaust, apr chip, turbo inlet bi-pipe )
2004 VW Jetta GLI 1.8 turbo speed ( FMIC, APR custom tune, turbo-back exhaust, cold-air, inlet pipe)
2003 Vw GTI 1.8T 6-speed (APR custom tune, cat-back exhaust, cold-air, inlet pipe, struts/springs)
2007 VW Jetta GLI 2.0 FSI Turbo DSG 6 speed (APR chip)
2006 Jetta TDI DSG… lol… i will get back into the scene…
10/01, 9:05 PM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
Apparently you haven’t seen C&D’s 2008 Lightning lap.
The Cobalt SS/TC pulled a quicker lap time vs a Lotus Elise SC, EVO MR, STI, Challenger SRT-8, Lexus IS-F just to name a few… here you go. I think a Cobalt SS/TC will have no problem taking on a R32…
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/features_classic_cars/the_lightning_lap_2008_feature
You asked for it…
10/02, 9:14 AM
posted by:
nickkop
dude did you read what i said ??? the numbers are important but definitely not everything, and you know it.. so stop being so salty
10/02, 10:27 AM
posted by:
nickkop
NFS : i do see what you are saying..that is one impressive cobalt… i would love to drive one.. but i would still probably never buy one if i were looking at any of its (more expensive) competitors
10/02, 10:46 AM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
I was kidding.
I love all cars. It’s just a cobalt.
And yeah, I have a good buddy that has an 04 GLI, w basically what you have. Turbo inlet valve, APR Stage 2 tune, turbo back exhaust, CAI. It’s pretty quick. The Recaros are very nice and the BBS rims that came with the car are beautiful.
It’s funny because I actually do have a Cobalt SS. I bought it because it’s affordable, and quick for a 4cyl, and I do participate in autocross and track events, so it seemed to be a bargain performance car.
But I actually do rant and rave about my friend’s GLI. Overall the quality and fit, and finish of his GLI is way better than my balt. The interior pieces are 10X better.
It’s almost funny because sometimes he wants my car because it’s slightly quicker, and I want his car because overall it’s a nicer ride…
10/02, 2:17 PM
posted by:
nickkop
hahah ive been there a lot before with my buddies…