Volkswagen unveils new Golf GTI concept
Author: Robin Brown
Published: 26 September 2008
Volkswagen has unveiled the new Mark-VI Golf GTI concept prior to its debut at October's Paris Motor Show and UK sales commencing in summer 2009.
The new Golf promises improved technology to uprate dynamics, style and practicality, and it's to be hoped for VW's sake that the new model offers more of a profit margin. The Mark V Golf is being run out early as the German manufacturer struggles to make cash on it.
The new GTI will use the same front and multi-link rear suspension architecture from the conventional Golf, but will add new springs, dampers and anti-roll bars and the option of Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) which comprises adjustable pneumatic dampers.
This will allow for three adjustable suspension settings, ranging from ‘comfort’ to ‘normal’ and ‘sport’, while the ACC system also remaps the steering and throttle response to optimise the GTIU for urban motorway driving.
The new GTI also features an electronic limited-slip differential linked to an ESP system in order to maximise traction and improve responses.
Powering the GTI concept is a 2.0-litre four cylinder TSI engine developing 208bhp – a gain of 9 horses over the Mk V GTI. Volkswagen says the new engine is more efficient, returning 37.6mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 178g/km of CO2 compared to 189 g/km for the outgoing car.
In the new Golf GTI concept, the 2.0-litre TSI engine accelerates the vehicle to 62mph in 7.2 seconds before reaching a top speed of 148mph, making it the fastest standard production GTI yet produced.
The GTI's power a dynamism is reflected in a red grille surround that echoes the original, along with the horizontal grille fins and new headlights featuring individual lamp pods behind a translucent cover.
At the rear a set of GTI smoked rear light lenses are joined by a rear diffuser channelling air from beneath the vehicle that’s in turn framed by a pair of chrome tailpipes.
The distinctive 18-inch ‘telephone dial’ wheels from the Mk V GTI make a reappearance, albeit in subtly evolved form on the Mk VI GTI concept.
A new interior draws on the all-new interior of the Mk VI Golf, featuring a flat-bottomed steering wheel finished in black leather with contrasting red stitching.
A set of contoured sports seats finished in grey tartan cloth reminiscent of the Mk I and Mk V models are joined by instruments and gloss black dashboard and door trim inserts framed by silver highlights.
The GTI concept is fitted with seven airbags, a CD stereo and climate control as standard.
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