MotorAuthority

Volkswagen unveils Mk6 Golf GTI "Concept"

Posted Thu Sep 25 2008 3:14 AM by Nelson Ireson

Mark VI Golf GTI gets a modest 10hp (7kW) bump over previous model

Volkswagen has unveiled a thinly disguised "concept" of the next-generation version of the Golf GTI, one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market. As expected, its styling remains similar to the previous model and is differentiated mostly by a new front bumper design. The last generation Golf GTI was purchased by 1.7m people and it’s expected that this new model will do just as well.

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 MkVI model retains a 2.0L turbo engine but now develops 210hp (155kW), which is 10hp more than the previous model. Top speed is limited to 239km/h and VW claims the car will hit the 62mph benchmark in 7.2 seconds.

The engine performance has been tuned to ensure torque throughout the rev range, with the GTI developing 280Nm as early as 1,800pm. The low-end grunt also helps the GTI achieve an average fuel economy of only 7.5L of fuel per hundred kilometres, according to EU tests.

Rather than adding lots power to their hot hatches, like most car companies do, Volkswagen has concentrated on improving the dynamics of the new GTI with a new sports suspension, DCC adaptive damping and an XDS electronic differential.

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.

The modest 10hp power gain over the old model still leaves enough room for a more potent replacement for the R32.

story Tags:

• Golf GTI
• Golf Mk6
• Golf MkVI
• GTI
• GTI MkVI
• Hatchbacks
• Volkswagen
• Volkswagen Golf
• Volkswagen Golf GTI
• Volkswagen GTI
• Volkswagen Rabbit

Reader Comments

• Sat Aug 9 2008 4:21 AM

  pj says

  I don,t think there will be a R32 golf, As there will be a GTI-R version with 265bhp 4wd, but anyway mk6 golf looks very good

• Sat Aug 9 2008 10:28 AM

  CK says

  But why should they kill the R brand anyway?! There is no reason for that.

• Sat Aug 9 2008 8:18 PM

  Dandan says

  those alloys are hot!

• Fri Aug 22 2008 8:46 AM

  Laz says

  CK, the R32 gets poor gas milage. Might be a casualty of the CAFE standards.

• Fri Aug 22 2008 8:00 PM

  Iselldubs says

  Hey guys. IF they do another R32 like vehicle it will be in four years. They do R Golfs every 4 years. 2004 and 2008 next is due 2012.
  
  The GTI-R sounds very tempting to me. 2.0T and AWD YUM!

• Sat Aug 23 2008 3:26 AM

  pj says

  Yes but the awd version will be heavy on gas 2, The evo x sportback is approx 20 mpg, but anyway the new GTI looks vry nice also, can,t wait 2 see it in paris.

• Mon Sep 1 2008 8:46 PM

  John says

  Guy there will be no R32. It will be replaced by the GTI-R. The R32 won't meet future emission standards. There will not be alast hoorah Golf R36 either. Other than a great sound, the 2.0L turbo has it over the W6 in every department. Not to mention a simple reflash of the ECU will give you close to 340HP easy. This is the advantage of a turbo engine.

• Wed Sep 24 2008 8:31 PM

  NoNameDenton says

  Laz is correct, the V6 with the added weight of awd is heavy and a fuel killer.

• Wed Oct 8 2008 2:55 PM

  TaeKwonDonkey says

  1. Its too soon, 2. The rear lost its sex appeal in this one