2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk7

The new Golf GTI is also going to be shown as a near-production study. What this means is that that the car's looks and mechanicals will remain virtually unchanged when it goes on sale next year starting with Europe in spring.

Volkswagen's new hot hatch incorporates all the traditional design cues of the series like the honeycomb upper and lower front grilles with red accents, which now extend to the angular headlamps, five spoke alloy wheels wrapped in beefy tires, and two large exhaust pipes split far.

The darkened tail lamps, rear diffuser in black, a discreet roof spoiler, the LED headlamps and the new black trim on the front bumper round out the visual changes on the outside.

Inside, you will find classic tartan upholstery covering the body-hugging sport seats along with black piano trim décor, and red stitching applied on the flat-bottom sports steering wheel and the transmission lever.

There's no official information from Volkswagen yet, but Autobild magazine is reporting that the next Golf GTI gets a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 217Hp (220PS) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) in regular guise and 227Hp (230PS) with an optionally available performance package.

Power will be transferred to the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual or an optional dual clutch transmission.

The magazine claims that the regular GTI will complete the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint in 6.6 seconds and top out at 246km/h (153mph), and the 227Hp (230PS) in 6.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 250km/h (155mph).

Read More

Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabrio

If true, it could be the last version of the sixth generation Golf before Volkswagen lifts the covers off the new model at the Paris Motor Show this fall.

In concept form, the Golf GTI Cabrio sported the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot as its tin-top sibling with 210-horsepower and 280 Nm (207-lbs/ft) of peak torque at 1.800 rpm.

Volkswagen had said at the time that Cabrio's performance matched that of the regular GTI with a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 7 seconds and a top speed of around 240km/h (149 mph).

Along with the punchy 2.0 TFSI, the GTI Cabrio also featured a more aggressive looking body kit and 19-inch wheels.

Read More

VW Golf GTI Edition 35 with 235 HP

This year, Volkswagen is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the introduction of the original Golf GTI in 1976, and to mark the event, the German carmaker has unleashed a special version, named “Edition 35”. As with the “Edition 30” launched in 2006, the latest anniversary model benefits from an upgraded and more powerful engine as well as discreet styling tweaks that differentiate it from the standard Golf GTI.

Starting with the mechanical updates, the GTI's 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine is tuned to deliver an extra 25 horsepower, for a total of 235 horsepower. The increase in output should improve the hot hatch’s performance, but Volkswagen has not yet revealed any official figures, simply stating that the car will be more fun to drive. The automaker didn't say whether the “Edition 35” will feature a lower suspension than the stock car, as was the case with the “Edition 30”.

The changes on the outside include new, bespoke alloy wheels, blacked-out headlights and taillights, darkened rear and tailgate windows and glossy black finish on the grille and mirror caps. In addition, the headlights also feature LED daytime running lights, and the front fenders are adorned with “35” plates.

In the interior, the “Edition 35” motive is also present on the door sills, the head rests and the center of the seats. The latter sport a fabric upholstery that has a honeycomb-like pattern instead of the standard model's tartan theme. Another change is the golf ball-shaped gearshift lever.

The VW Golf GTI Edition 35 is already available to order in Germany with a starting price of €30,425 ($43,885). First deliveries are expected in mid June. The car's official launch will take place at the famous Worthersee GTI Meet (June 1-4), where Volkswagen will offer more details on the car.

Read More