Here are the first photos of the Golf 7 GTI. Volkswagen will show the 7th generation GTI at the Geneva Auto Show next week, but they have released preliminary photos and information a little ahead of the introduction.
As you can see, the car remains virtually unchanged from the GTI Concept shown at Paris last fall. It looks like the Huffeisen "phone dial" wheel that has been a staple on the last two generations of the GTI have finally given way to an edgier new design. Also the "jacky" cloth interior has been revised with a new tartan called "Clark". In Europe the GTI will be available in two horsepower versions - 220hp and 230hp - with 258 pound-feet of torque (up a whopping 50 pound-feet over the Golf 6 GTI). Combined with up to 200 lbs. less weight, different gearing and VW's propensity to under-rate their power, we expect this new GTI to be quicker than the specs suggest. Fuel economy is also up with the european version getting 38 mpg.
So, when is it coming here? VW is localizing production of the Golf 7 in Mexico and that factory will take a little bit of extra time to tool up. That means we won't see the Golf 7 here in the states till late spring of 2014. The good news however is that we are likely to see both the regular Golf 7 and the Golf 7 GTI come out at nearly the same time in our market. No word on pricing or specifics on the U.S. specifications. We should get a chance to drive the new GTI some time in April over in Europe, so stay tuned. The Volkswagen press release follows below...
VOLKSWAGEN DEBUTS NEW GTI AT THE GENEVA AUTO SHOW
- Available with two levels of power for the first time: standard 220 horsepower or 230 hp with performance pack (European model)
- Offers 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to previous GTI
- On sale in Europe starting in May, 2013
Wolfsburg, 27th February 2013 – Following tradition, Volkswagen will introduce the latest version of the Golf GTI at the Geneva International Motor Show. For the first time, the iconic hot hatch is available at launch with two power levels: 220 horsepower; or 230 hp with the optional performance pack.
The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine (TSI®) that makes 220 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque in standard form. Volkswagen is offering a factory- installed performance pack for the first time, which boosts power to 230 hp. Both versions are equipped with a Stop-Start system, fulfill the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014, and attain the same excellent DIN gas mileage figure of 39.2 mpg—which equates to 139 g/km of CO2—when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. This means that the new GTI offers an 18 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, the 220- and 230-hp GTIs return 36.8 and 36.2 mpg respectively (equivalent to 148 and 150 g/km CO2).
The sporty nature of the Golf GTI is reflected in its red-painted brake calipers, twin chrome tailpipes, and a lowered sport suspension. The exterior of the compact hatchback also scores with 17-inch “Brooklyn” GTI wheels and 225/45 tires, special side skirts, a rear diffuser, and smoked LED taillights with LED license-plate illumination.
Visually, the interior is highlighted by sport seats with the “Clark” tartan pattern, a black headliner, and red ambient lighting. The car also offers classic GTI features such as a sport steering wheel, GTI shifter knob grip and instrument cluster, special trim inserts, and stainless- steel pedals and foot support.
Standard features include the progressive steering system; “Climatronic” automatic climate control; park assist; Volkswagen’s latest touchscreen infotainment system; and a winter pack that includes heatable front seats. Customers can choose from three body colors: “Tornado Red”, “Black” and “Pure White”. In Germany, the car goes on sale in May with prices starting at 28,350 euros.
Overview:
Market launch in Europe: May 2013.
Debut of first-generation Golf GTI: 1976.
Engine: Four-cylinder TSI (turbocharged direct-injection).
Layout: front, transverse.
Displacement: 1984 cc.
Bore and stroke: 82.5 x 92.8 mm.
Compression ratio: 9.8:1.
Power: 220 hp (162 kW) @ 4500 rpm; Performance pack: 230 hp (169 kW).
Torque: 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) @ 1500 rpm.
GTI Brakes: 12.3 x 1.0 in vented front discs, 11.8 x 0.5 in solid rear discs
GTI Performance Pack Brakes: 13.4 x 1.2 in vented front and 12.2 x 0.9 in vented rear discs.
Performance Pack has a “front axle differential lock”, aka a torque sensing limited-slip differential
Transmission/drive type: Manual six-speed; DSG six-speed dual-clutch; front-wheel drive. Fuel consumption/CO2 emissions (manual): 39.2 mpg; 139 g/km CO2.
Performance (manual): 0-62 mph in 6.5 sec: Max speed; 153 mph (230 hp: 6.4 sec; 155 mph). Unladen weight: 2978 lb (base version)
(*preliminary data)
Click on the thumbs below for larger images...
As you can see, the car remains virtually unchanged from the GTI Concept shown at Paris last fall. It looks like the Huffeisen "phone dial" wheel that has been a staple on the last two generations of the GTI have finally given way to an edgier new design. Also the "jacky" cloth interior has been revised with a new tartan called "Clark". In Europe the GTI will be available in two horsepower versions - 220hp and 230hp - with 258 pound-feet of torque (up a whopping 50 pound-feet over the Golf 6 GTI). Combined with up to 200 lbs. less weight, different gearing and VW's propensity to under-rate their power, we expect this new GTI to be quicker than the specs suggest. Fuel economy is also up with the european version getting 38 mpg.
So, when is it coming here? VW is localizing production of the Golf 7 in Mexico and that factory will take a little bit of extra time to tool up. That means we won't see the Golf 7 here in the states till late spring of 2014. The good news however is that we are likely to see both the regular Golf 7 and the Golf 7 GTI come out at nearly the same time in our market. No word on pricing or specifics on the U.S. specifications. We should get a chance to drive the new GTI some time in April over in Europe, so stay tuned. The Volkswagen press release follows below...
VOLKSWAGEN DEBUTS NEW GTI AT THE GENEVA AUTO SHOW
- Available with two levels of power for the first time: standard 220 horsepower or 230 hp with performance pack (European model)
- Offers 18 per cent improvement in fuel economy compared to previous GTI
- On sale in Europe starting in May, 2013
Wolfsburg, 27th February 2013 – Following tradition, Volkswagen will introduce the latest version of the Golf GTI at the Geneva International Motor Show. For the first time, the iconic hot hatch is available at launch with two power levels: 220 horsepower; or 230 hp with the optional performance pack.
The new GTI is powered by a turbocharged direct-injection gasoline engine (TSI®) that makes 220 hp and 258 pound-feet of torque in standard form. Volkswagen is offering a factory- installed performance pack for the first time, which boosts power to 230 hp. Both versions are equipped with a Stop-Start system, fulfill the EU-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014, and attain the same excellent DIN gas mileage figure of 39.2 mpg—which equates to 139 g/km of CO2—when equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. This means that the new GTI offers an 18 percent improvement in fuel economy compared to the previous model. With the optional six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, the 220- and 230-hp GTIs return 36.8 and 36.2 mpg respectively (equivalent to 148 and 150 g/km CO2).
The sporty nature of the Golf GTI is reflected in its red-painted brake calipers, twin chrome tailpipes, and a lowered sport suspension. The exterior of the compact hatchback also scores with 17-inch “Brooklyn” GTI wheels and 225/45 tires, special side skirts, a rear diffuser, and smoked LED taillights with LED license-plate illumination.
Visually, the interior is highlighted by sport seats with the “Clark” tartan pattern, a black headliner, and red ambient lighting. The car also offers classic GTI features such as a sport steering wheel, GTI shifter knob grip and instrument cluster, special trim inserts, and stainless- steel pedals and foot support.
Standard features include the progressive steering system; “Climatronic” automatic climate control; park assist; Volkswagen’s latest touchscreen infotainment system; and a winter pack that includes heatable front seats. Customers can choose from three body colors: “Tornado Red”, “Black” and “Pure White”. In Germany, the car goes on sale in May with prices starting at 28,350 euros.
Overview:
Market launch in Europe: May 2013.
Debut of first-generation Golf GTI: 1976.
Engine: Four-cylinder TSI (turbocharged direct-injection).
Layout: front, transverse.
Displacement: 1984 cc.
Bore and stroke: 82.5 x 92.8 mm.
Compression ratio: 9.8:1.
Power: 220 hp (162 kW) @ 4500 rpm; Performance pack: 230 hp (169 kW).
Torque: 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) @ 1500 rpm.
GTI Brakes: 12.3 x 1.0 in vented front discs, 11.8 x 0.5 in solid rear discs
GTI Performance Pack Brakes: 13.4 x 1.2 in vented front and 12.2 x 0.9 in vented rear discs.
Performance Pack has a “front axle differential lock”, aka a torque sensing limited-slip differential
Transmission/drive type: Manual six-speed; DSG six-speed dual-clutch; front-wheel drive. Fuel consumption/CO2 emissions (manual): 39.2 mpg; 139 g/km CO2.
Performance (manual): 0-62 mph in 6.5 sec: Max speed; 153 mph (230 hp: 6.4 sec; 155 mph). Unladen weight: 2978 lb (base version)
(*preliminary data)
Click on the thumbs below for larger images...