New ‘faster’ Volkswagen Golf GTI roaring its way here
Volkswagen has promised the new Golf GTI will be faster and more digitally focused than its predecessor.
No 0-60mph times are available as yet and although the new Golf GTI is powered by the same 242bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged injection engine as before, the manufacturer guarantees a new level of added performance thanks to the the new Vehicle Dynamics Manager.
“This higher-level control system centrally coordinates all electromechanical running gear functions,” explains Karsten Schebsdat, head of driving dynamics, steering and control systems.
“Thanks to the combination of new running gear setup plus front-axle locking differential and Vehicle Dynamics Manager we were able to elevate the Golf GTI’s outstanding overall performance to an even higher level. This applies all the more if the DCC running gear featuring a new software application and adjustable dampers is also on board.”
GTI drivers can select their very own setup using the standard driving profile selection feature and the optional adaptive DCC running gear. The sharper driving dynamics properties guarantee an even more accurate driving experience: understeer, a typical characteristic of front-wheel drive vehicles whereby the vehicle’s front wheels tend to lose grip through quick corners, has in effect been eliminated.
Exterior design
Klaus Bischoff, head of the Volkswagen Group design department, said: “The new Golf GTI boasts a very low, visual centre of gravity which we achieved through the wide air intakes at the front and the striking shoulder line. This superior, sporty character gives aesthetic expression to the vehicle’s potential.”
Standard LED headlights have been arranged low down. For the very first time, the radiator grille can be illuminated by a slim LED strip that extends into the headlight modules’ LED daytime running lights on the left and right. From the side, standard 17in alloy wheels perfectly match the vehicle’s image. At the rear, a GTI roof spoiler that extends significantly towards the rear boosts the downforce at the rear axle. Down below, the sporty diffuser distinguishes the new edition of this icon from the other versions of the product line with smaller engines.
In keeping with the GTI tradition, the new model’s exhaust system has one round tailpipe each on the left and the right.
Interior
The digital displays start up as soon as the doors are opened. It’s a fusion of the standard Digital Cockpit and the Infotainment system. An 8.25in screen is installed as standard while the 10in Discover Pro system is available as an optional extra for the most advanced expansion package.
A nice little feature is that the new engine Start/Stop button pulses in red before the engine starts.
For more details on the new standard Volkswagen Golf, click here.
