Posted on 26 August 2011 by SACarFan
Spy shots of the next-generation Volkswagen Golf 7 GTI have surfaced, as the three-door GTI underwent hot weather testing in the extremes of California’s Death Valley.
We can clearly see the dual exhaust pipes in one of the shots and the prototype is wearing the current model’s big wheels, suggesting the 2013 Golf 7 GTI will receive a similar sized brake package as the current model. The prototype also appears to be sitting lower than the current GTI, and its roof line is much lower too. This fits in with Volkswagen’s plans to make the Golf 7 GTI, and even the regular Golf models, much sportier.
A turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine is expected to feature once again, with output likely to rise slightly above the current model’s 155 kW and 280 Nm of torque. Buyers can also expect a standard six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual clutch DSG.
Combined with an expected lighter curb weight, the new Golf Mk VII GTI is set to make waves in the hot hatch segment once again when it lands late next year or in early 2013.
Posted on 20 July 2011 by SACarFan
Development of Volkswagen’s MkVII Golf is well underway, with the new car on track to come onto the market towards the end of next year as a 2013 model. While a conventional hatchback shape will remain, designers are thought to be going for much sharper styling in an effort to make the new Golf appear sportier.
Its powertrain lineup will also be revitalised, with more power across the board, as well as better fuel economy. This will be particularly so for the high-performance GTI model, which Autocar reports will get an uprated version of the current model’s EA888 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Thanks to a new valve lift system developed by Audi, the engine will reportedly produce up to 165 kW instead of the current model’s 155 kW.
Importantly, a more powerful version of this engine is expected to also feature in the next-generation Golf R, as the current model’s 188 kW EA113 engine is scheduled to be phased out in 2014 ahead of new EU6 emissions regulations.
Finally, the current Golf GTI’s XDS front-wheel drive electronic differential is expected to be upgraded for use in its successor.
Look out for the debut of the new MkVII Volkswagen Golf GTI sometime in 2013.
