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  • VW Golf GTD diesel sports hatch hits the market

    VW Golf GTD diesel sports hatch hits the market June 8th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 8th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 6 Comments

    VW Golf GTD diesel sports hatch hits the market Late last year, reports emerged claiming Volkswagen was working on three separate sports-oriented versions of the popular Golf hatchback. The first of these we've already seen in the form of the recently launched GTI, and this spring the second star of the trio, the GTD oil-burner, was revealed ahead of its debut at the Leipzig Motor Show. Today, the car is officially on sale in Germany, accompanied by a sheaf of new photos.

    The GTD features a 2.0L turbodiesel engine with 170hp (127kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. This engine will fully comply with tough Euro 5 emissions standards, yet still accelerate the car from 0-100km/h in 8.1... Late last year, reports emerged claiming Volkswagen was working on three separate sports-oriented versions of the popular Golf hatchback. The first of these we've already seen in the form of the recently launched GTI, and this spring the second star of the trio, the GTD oil-burner, was revealed ahead of its debut at the Leipzig Motor Show. Today, the car is officially on sale in Germany, accompanied by a sheaf of new photos. The GTD features a 2.0L turbodiesel engine with 170hp (127kW) and 258lb-ft (350Nm) of torque. This engine will fully comply with tough Euro 5 emissions standards, yet still accelerate the car from 0-100km/h in 8.1 seconds when equipped with VW’s six-speed DSG (a six-speed manual is also available). At full-throttle, the GTD will be able to reach a top speed of around 222km/h. While the acceleration figures don’t seem that impressive for the GTD, the torquey nature of the engine and low-end pulling power should ensure performance fans won’t be too disappointed - the peak torque of 258lb-ft (350Nm) comes on at just 1,750rpm. However, fuel consumption is where the GTD really shines, with a claimed fuel-economy of 44.4mpg (5.3L/100km) for the European cycle – a marked improvement over the GTI's more thirsty figures of 31mpg (7.4L/100km). Combine this with the car’s 55L fuel tank and theoretically it will be able to drive over 1,000km on a single fill. Other features of the car include a unique rear diffuser, dual exhaust pipes, a chrome grille, 17in alloys and a sports chassis. Production for the GTD will start next month, with sales following soon after that. Luckily for Golf fans, the GTD is not the last of the hot Golfs - VW has one more card up its sleeve in the form of the upcoming 'R' variant of the Golf, set to replace the current VW Golf R32. Details are scarce, however early reports are claiming the car will be fitted with a 270hp (201kW) engine churning out power to all four wheels - 22hp (16kW) more than the outgoing R32. The engine is expected to be a four-cylinder turbo model, unlike the R32 which used a naturally aspirated V6. There's no definitive word yet on whether VW will bring the GTD to the U.S., though rumors are circulating that hint it's under consideration. Check out the 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD gallery below to see the new photos of the car.VW Golf Mark VI official photos2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK VI2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD Read More

  • Volkswagen makes switch from Rabbit to Golf official

    Volkswagen makes switch from Rabbit to Golf official March 30th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, March 30th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 2 Comments

    Volkswagen makes switch from Rabbit to Golf official Volkswagen’s Mark VI Golf hatchback will lose the Rabbit nameplate when it goes on sale in the U.S. later this year. VW of America decided to bring back the Rabbit nameplate three years ago after it was dropped following the demise of the first-generation Golf back in the early 1980s. The idea was coined to help promote the Golf by touching on some of America’s nostalgia for the Mark I Golf, but unfortunately VW had forgotten about the poor quality and lackluster image the original Rabbit had left with many American buyers.

    Not surprisingly, reintroducing the Rabbit nameplate did little to boost sales of the Mark V Golf and so... Volkswagen’s Mark VI Golf hatchback will lose the Rabbit nameplate when it goes on sale in the U.S. later this year. VW of America decided to bring back the Rabbit nameplate three years ago after it was dropped following the demise of the first-generation Golf back in the early 1980s. The idea was coined to help promote the Golf by touching on some of America’s nostalgia for the Mark I Golf, but unfortunately VW had forgotten about the poor quality and lackluster image the original Rabbit had left with many American buyers. Not surprisingly, reintroducing the Rabbit nameplate did little to boost sales of the Mark V Golf and so it’s not entirely unexpected that VW will be calling the Mark VI model a Golf when it arrives here later in the year. “The Golf is an iconic nameplate for the Volkswagen Brand and it is known throughout the world,” said Mark Barnes, COO, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “The Golf is Volkswagen’s best selling global nameplate with more than 26 million units sold in over 120 countries. Making the change back to Golf is an important step in realigning with our global heritage." It’s not clear which models of the Golf will be available for sale in the U.S., but in Europe the car is available with four different petrol engines ranging from 80hp (60kW) to 160hp (118kW). Fuel economy for the base engine is rated at 36.75mpg (6.4L/100km), while the more powerful 1.4L TSI unit with 160hp is rated at a more economical 37.33mpg (6.3L/100km). Diesel fans are treated with several engine options, including two 2.0L units developing 110hp (81kW) and 140hp (103kW) respectively, plus the all-new GTD diesel rated at 170hp (127kW). Fuel economy for the 110hp model is rated at 52mpg (4.5L/100km), while the more powerful 140hp unit is rated at 48mpg (4.9L/100km). Efficiency of the sportier GTD remains high as well, at 44.4mpg (5.3L/100km). By the middle of the year, VW will also start selling the high-performance Golf GTI over here. This version will be available in both three and five-door bodystyles and come with a 210hp (155kW) 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine. An even more potent GTI-R is also expected later on, to replace the defunct R32 model.VW Golf Mark VI official photos2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK VI Read More

  • Volkswagen launches Golf GTI in Europe, U.S. sales start this Summer

    Volkswagen launches Golf GTI in Europe, U.S. sales start this Summer March 23rd, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, March 23rd, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 12 Comments

    Volkswagen launches Golf GTI in Europe, U.S. sales start this Summer At last year’s Paris Motor Show Volkswagen unveiled a thinly disguised 'concept' of the Mark VI Golf GTI, the latest iteration of one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market. New shots released today show the concept car was in fact a doppelganger for the production model, right down to the fog lights and license plate holder.

    As expected, the Mark VI GTI's styling remains similar to the outgoing model and is differentiated mostly by a new front-end design. The last generation was purchased by 1.7 million people and it’s expected that the new model will do just as well, if not better. With both three and five-door... At last year’s Paris Motor Show Volkswagen unveiled a thinly disguised 'concept' of the Mark VI Golf GTI, the latest iteration of one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market. New shots released today show the concept car was in fact a doppelganger for the production model, right down to the fog lights and license plate holder. As expected, the Mark VI GTI's styling remains similar to the outgoing model and is differentiated mostly by a new front-end design. The last generation was purchased by 1.7 million people and it’s expected that the new model will do just as well, if not better. With both three and five-door versions available, it should appeal to a wider range of buyers looking for a sportier-than-average euro hatch. The Mark VI Golf platform is the basis for the GTI update and, like its more mundane companions, the GTI is an evolutionary step forward. The performance hatch retains a 2.0L turbo engine but now develops 210hp (155kW), which is just 10hp (7kW) more than the outgoing model. Top speed is limited to 240km/h and the 0-100km/h benchmark takes approximately 6.9 seconds. Just as impressive is the engine’s flexibility. In fifth gear, the GTI accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in 7.5 seconds, and even in sixth gear this feat takes less than 10 seconds. This is because the engine has been tuned to ensure torque throughout the rev range, with the GTI developing 206lb-ft (280Nm) as early as 1,800pm. The low-end grunt also helps the car achieve fuel economy of only 31.6mpg (7.4L/100km), according to the European cycle. Drive is sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Rather than adding lots power to their hot hatches, like most car companies do, VW has concentrated on improving the dynamics of the new GTI with a new sports suspension, DCC adaptive damping and an XDS electronic differential. The car’s front end is lowered by 22mm compared to the regular Golf, which the rear sits 15mm lower. The entire architecture of springs, dampers and rear stabilizers was completely re-tuned as well. DCC, or dynamic chassis control, continually reacts to the roadway and driving situation and modifies the damper characteristic accordingly in a matter of seconds. The DCC can be switched between Normal, Sport and Comfort modes. The XDS electronic transverse differential lock is an extension of the electronic limited-slip differential (EDS) integrated in the stability system. In fast cornering, as soon as the car’s electronics detects that the wheel at the inside of the curve on the front axle is starting to slip, the stability system hydraulics builds up braking pressure at this wheel to restore traction. In essence, XDS acts as a type of transverse differential lock that compensates for the understeering that is typical on FWD vehicles when driving fast through corners. Inside, the GTI comes standard with sports bucket seats in the front that are swathed in a mix of tartan fabric and optional leather. The headrests, which feature an upholstered GTI logo, are anti-whiplash units. Other goodies include stainless steel pedals, an aluminum look gear knob, and a leather steering wheel with the GTI symbol sitting center. Up to five adults can comfortably sit in the car, and with the rear seats folding storage space expands to 1,305L. Otherwise, there is just 350L of trunk space. First sales will start in Germany this week, with North American versions scheduled to arrive by the middle of the year.VW Golf Mark VI official photos2009 Volkswagen Golf Rabbit GTI Mark VI2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI MK VI2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI driving in Saint Tropez Read More

  • More details on VW's planned Golf GTI ‘R-Series’

    More details on VW's planned Golf GTI ‘R-Series’ March 12th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, March 12th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 7 Comments

    More details on VW's planned Golf GTI ‘R-Series’ Last November Volkswagen unveiled a thinly disguised 'concept' of the new Mark VI Golf GTI, one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market, and in late January the first images of the actual production version hit the web. Following the success of the Mark V model, there were high expectations for the latest Mark VI model but unfortunately the first tentative details about it are on the disappointing side.

    The Mark VI model retains a 2.0L turbo engine but only develops 210hp (155kW) - just 10hp more than the previous model. Top speed has been limited to 148mph (239km/h) and VW claims the car will hit the 62mph (100km/h) benchmark in... Last November Volkswagen unveiled a thinly disguised 'concept' of the new Mark VI Golf GTI, one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market, and in late January the first images of the actual production version hit the web. Following the success of the Mark V model, there were high expectations for the latest Mark VI model but unfortunately the first tentative details about it are on the disappointing side. The Mark VI model retains a 2.0L turbo engine but only develops 210hp (155kW) - just 10hp more than the previous model. Top speed has been limited to 148mph (239km/h) and VW claims the car will hit the 62mph (100km/h) benchmark in 7.2 seconds. According to a new report, VW had a reason to limit the performance of the new Mark VI. That reason is so that it can introduce a high-performance ‘R’ version of the car to replace the outgoing R32. The new R-series Golf, possbily labeled 'GTI-R', is expected to make its debut in Frankfurt according to a new report from CAR. While it was previously thought that the R label would be used first on a new high-performance version of the Scirocco coupe, a previous Car and Driver report claimed it will first be applied to a new R-series Golf. Another possible name for the car is the Golf R20. The new hot-hatch is expected to deliver 270hp (201kW) and be fitted with a six-speed manual and AWD. A dual-clutch DSG is also expected to be featured as an option. The 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint should fall into the five second bracket and top speed will likely be set somewhat higher than that of the GTI. Unlike its Euro-competition the Renault Megane RS and Ford Focus RS, the GTI-R will use AWD for superior performance and handling. The R-series Golf is expected to go on sale in Europe towards the end of the year and be launched in the U.S. in early 2010. VW will also reportedly unveil a R-series Scirocco coupe at this year’s DAC 24-hour race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife, details of which you can read in our previous story by clicking here. At any rate, this should prove an exciting year for VW fans.2009 Volkswagen Golf Rabbit GTI Mark VI Read More

  • Production Mark VI Volkswagen Golf GTI images leaked

    Production Mark VI Volkswagen Golf GTI images leaked February 4th, 2009 ByJeremy Weber Jeremy Weber, Author, February 4th, 2009 Jeremy Weber 11 Comments

    Production Mark VI Volkswagen Golf GTI images leaked In November Volkswagen unveiled a thinly disguised 'concept' of the next-generation version of the Golf GTI, one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market. New shots released today show the concept car was in fact a doppelganger for the production model, right down to the fog lights and the license plate holder.

    As expected, the Mark VI GTI's styling remains similar to the previous model and is differentiated mostly by a new front bumper design. The last generation was purchased by 1.7 million people and it’s expected that this new model will do just as well. With both three and five-door models, it will appeal to a wide range... In November Volkswagen unveiled a thinly disguised 'concept' of the next-generation version of the Golf GTI, one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market. New shots released today show the concept car was in fact a doppelganger for the production model, right down to the fog lights and the license plate holder. As expected, the Mark VI GTI's styling remains similar to the previous model and is differentiated mostly by a new front bumper design. The last generation was purchased by 1.7 million people and it’s expected that this new model will do just as well. With both three and five-door models, it will appeal to a wide range of buyers looking for a sportier-than-average euro hatch. The Mark VI Golf platform is the basis for the GTI update and, like its more mundane companions, the GTI is an evolutionary step forward, not overly different to its predecessor. The Mark VI model retains a 2.0L turbo engine but now develops 210hp (155kW), which is just 10hp (7kW) more than the outgoing model. Top speed is limited to 148mph (239km/h) and VW claims the car will hit the 62mph (100km/h) benchmark in 7.2 seconds. The engine performance has been tuned to ensure torque throughout the rev range, with the GTI developing 206lb-ft (280Nm) as early as 1,800pm. The low-end grunt also helps the car achieve an average fuel economy of only 31.6mpg (7.5L/100km), according to EU tests. Rather than adding lots power to their hot hatches, like most car companies do, VW has concentrated on improving the dynamics of the new GTI with a new sports suspension, DCC adaptive damping and an XDS electronic differential. Drive will be sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Although VW is yet to reveal full details about the car, earlier spy shots have suggested the new GTI will get a set of performance brakes, potentially from famed brake company Brembo. Other exterior appointments are expected to include standard 18in alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights. More details should be released closer to the car's launch at next month's Geneva Motor Show.VW Golf Mark VI official photos2009 Volkswagen Golf Rabbit GTI Mark VI2009 Volkswagen Golf MkVI GTI leak Read More

  • September U.S. launch for Mark VI Volkswagen Rabbit and GTI

    September U.S. launch for Mark VI Volkswagen Rabbit and GTI January 19th, 2009 ByRalph Hanson Ralph Hanson, Author, January 19th, 2009 Ralph Hanson 8 Comments

    September U.S. launch for Mark VI Volkswagen Rabbit and GTI Volkswagen will bring its sixth-generation Golf and the more performance oriented GTI to the United States by September, with production scheduled to begin for the American-spec cars during the tail end of June.

    The new Golf will once again be badged as the Rabbit and is expected to be slightly more expensive than the outgoing model, with a $250 price hike set to apply to the base level Rabbit and GTI models. The improvements include a new engine lineup and increased availability of DSG dual-clutch transmission technologies, which can lower fuel consumption by up to 28% in some models.

    Despite the current economic crisis and concerns over... Volkswagen will bring its sixth-generation Golf and the more performance oriented GTI to the United States by September, with production scheduled to begin for the American-spec cars during the tail end of June. The new Golf will once again be badged as the Rabbit and is expected to be slightly more expensive than the outgoing model, with a $250 price hike set to apply to the base level Rabbit and GTI models. The improvements include a new engine lineup and increased availability of DSG dual-clutch transmission technologies, which can lower fuel consumption by up to 28% in some models. Despite the current economic crisis and concerns over fuel prices, VW is eager to bring the GTI hot-hatch Stateside and is estimating that it will account for more than a third of Rabbit sales. Of the 35,000 fifth generation Rabbits sold in the U.S. last year, 15,000 were the high-performance GTI model. VW has similar ambitions for the new model, with the carmaker’s brand development chief Ulrich Hackenberg telling Automotive News that management is hoping to sell at least 40,000 units per year from 2010 onwards. Two engine options will be available for the Rabbit: a 170hp (125kW) 2.5L petrol unit and a 140hp (104kW) TDI clean diesel. The range-topping GTI model will make do with a 210hp (155kW) TSI petrol engine.VW Golf Mark VI official photos2009 Volkswagen Golf Rabbit GTI Mark VI Read More

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