The recently unveiled VW Golf / Rabbit MkVI will form the basis for the next GTI as well, but we already knew that. What is news is that the GTI car will get a version of the revised 2.0-liter TFSI engine, good for 211 horsepower andd 258lb-ft of torque, which represents improvements of 11hp and 51lb-ft. The latest iteration of the evergreen hot hatch is likely to arrive in European showrooms by the spring of next year, with a U.S. release expected near that time as well.
A concept version of the car could make a car show debut by October, however, says Autocar. To complement the added power offered up by the new engine, VW will improve the car’s steering feel and accuracy and handling performance.
On the outside, the car will get Audi-like LED daytime running lights, and new front and rear fascias along with unique head and taillights to differentiate it from lesser Golfs / Rabbits. The wheels will also grow an inch in diameter, with the base GTI rolling on 18-inchers and 19s offered as options.
Under the hood, the new global EA888 engine will sport changes that will make servicing faster and therefore less expensive for owners, thanks to easier access to the turbo and oil cooler. The power boost is largely owed to a variable valve lift system developed by Audi.
The all-wheel drive R32 model will be discontinued, and replaced by an AWD GTI-R with the same turbo motor from the Audi TT-S, making 265 horsepower.
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Marty Howard
2011 NASA SE Factory Five Challenge Champion
Track Events Logistics Coordinator - TZC/THSCC
2007 Factory Five Challenge Car.
http://www.mh-motorsports.com
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