Once again, Europe gets a slick new German car several months before the United States. This time it’s the next Volkswagen GTI and its got something unique over its predecessors, you can now order a Volkswagen GTI with two different power levels. The next Volkswagen GTI will have a 2-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that puts out either 220 PS or 230 PS.
I did the math and 220 PS is about 216.9 horsepower and 230 PS works out to about 227 hp. Also, the next Volkswagen GTI’s base price of €28,350 euros works out to $37,047 or thereabouts. When we get the next Volkswagen GTI, expect that price to be a bit lower along with less options and (possibly) one power plant.
“The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged petrol direct-injection engine (TSI) with 162 kW / 220 PS. For the first time in the history of the sports car icon, a special GTI Performance will be offered. In this version, the engine’s maximum power is boosted to 169 kW / 230 PS. Both GTI versions develop a maximum torque of 350 Nm. The standard GTI accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 246 km/h. The GTI Performance reaches a top speed of 250 km/h and just 6.4 seconds for the sprint to 100 km/h.
Both GTI versions are equipped with a Stop-Start system, they fulfil the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014 and – with a 6-speed gearbox – they attain the same low DIN fuel consumption value of 6.0 l/100 km (CO2: 139 g/km). This means that the Golf GTI offers an 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional 6-speed DSG, the two GTI cars consume 6.4 and 6.5 l/100 respectively (equivalent to 148 and 150 g/km CO2).” – – Volkswagen Media
The irony about Volkswagen holding back vehicles from the USA is the penchant for using our culture to name things. Aside from the prerequisite red painted brake calipers, body cladding, special badges and dual chrome tailpipes, the next Volkswagen GTI gets “Brooklyn” 17-inch wheels with 225/45 rubber. I guess they steal themselves.
Colors are limited to “Pure White,” “Tornado Red,” and “Black.”
Interior upgrades are similar to the last model and will keep the standard tartan plaid among other accouterments.
The next Volkswagen GTI will debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
Here’s the technical data via Volkswagen:
“Market launch in Europe: Initial markets starting May 2013.
Debut of first generation Golf GTI: 1976.
Engine: Four-cylinder TSI (turbocharged direct petrol injection); front transverse engine; displacement 1,984 cc; bore/stroke 82.5/92.8 mm; compression ratio 9.8:1.
Power: 162 kW / 220 PS from 4,500 to 6,200 rpm.
Torque: 350 Nm from 1,500 to 4,400 rpm.
Gearboxes / drive type: Manual 6-speed gearbox; automatic 6-speed DSG; front-wheel drive.
Brakes: Disc brakes front and rear, front 312 x 25 mm, ventilated; rear 300 x 12 mm.
Fuel consumption / CO2 emissions (manual): 6.0 l/100 km;
139 g/km CO2.
Driving performance (manual): 0-100 km/h in 6.5 s; V/max 246 km/h.
Unladen weight: 1,351 kg (base version including driver [68 kg], luggage [7 kg] and 90 % filled fuel tank; calculated as per RL 92/21/EEC.”
This is a cool development, one that I am somewhat depressed about. The knowledge that Volkswagen is, once again, holding back the good stuff from our shores is depressing.
Here’s a fun Volkswagen debut video!
For those of you who don’t know: Roman and I completely agree that the Volkswagen GTI is one of the best vehicles out there. We would both spend our own money on one.
