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New Models
AUTOS: VW Powers Up Latest Golf GTI
Performance version of the seventh-generation hatchback gains horsepower and upgrades, debuts at the Geneva Motor Show.
The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI will hit European showrooms in May and come to America later in the year. (Photo: Volkswagen)
Sitting across the table once from Porsche AG CEO Matthias Mueller, we asked why the 911 had changed so little in its design over time. He answered simply: you don't mess with what works.
Corporate groupmate Volkswagen holds to the same philosophy with its 2014 Golf, and the seveneth-generation model is very close to its predecessor, at least visually. The all-new GTI, which debuts next week at the Geneva Motor Show, brings several important upgrades, however, and it closely mirrors the concept shown in Paris last year.
Most obvious is the upgrade in power from the 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine increasing to 220 horsepower at 4,500 rpm from the previous model's 200 horsepower. Torque is now 258 pound-feet at just 1,500 rpm.
An optional factory performance pack – a first for VW – can boost that to 230 horsepower, and adds a torque-sensing limited-slip differential plus upgraded performance brakes, with larger vented rotors on all four wheels (13.4-inch in front, 12.2-in at the back).
A six-speed manual transmission is still standard, and a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission is also available with either power configuration. With the manual, the 0-62 run takes 6.5 seconds (or 6.4 with the performance pack) and top speed is 153 mph (155 mph with the performance pack). Performance figures for the DSG version have not yet been released.
A new start-stop system enables both to reach high European combined gas mileage figures of 39.2 mpg with the manual transmission, while the DSG scores a bit worse at 36.8 mpg (220-horsepower configuration) or 36.2 mpg (with 230 horsepower). While those figures don't translate directly to American miles per gallon, the 18 percent overall increase in efficiency should, meaning a rating around 32 mpg combined could be possible. Curb weight for the base GTI is 2,978 pounds.
Other standard equipment includes 17-inch "Brooklyn" GTI wheels shod with 225/45 tires, red-painted brake calipers, twin chrome tailpipes, and a lower, tauter GTI-tuned suspension. Aesthetic differences from the standard Golf include special aerodynamics at the front, sides and rear of the car, and smoked LED tail lights.
Inside, the new GTI gets "Clark" tartan-plaid pattern on the seats, a black headliner, red ambient lighting, sport steering wheel, GTI-badged shifter knob and instrument cluster, special trim inserts and stainless steel pedals.
All GTIs will include a "progressive" steering system, automatic climate control, park assist, touchscreen infotainment system and a winter pack with heated front seats. Three colors are available for the GTI: Tornado Red, Black and Pure White.
The new GTI hits Germany in May with U.S. arrival sometime later in the year.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
Corporate groupmate Volkswagen holds to the same philosophy with its 2014 Golf, and the seveneth-generation model is very close to its predecessor, at least visually. The all-new GTI, which debuts next week at the Geneva Motor Show, brings several important upgrades, however, and it closely mirrors the concept shown in Paris last year.
Most obvious is the upgrade in power from the 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine increasing to 220 horsepower at 4,500 rpm from the previous model's 200 horsepower. Torque is now 258 pound-feet at just 1,500 rpm.
An optional factory performance pack – a first for VW – can boost that to 230 horsepower, and adds a torque-sensing limited-slip differential plus upgraded performance brakes, with larger vented rotors on all four wheels (13.4-inch in front, 12.2-in at the back).
A six-speed manual transmission is still standard, and a six-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission is also available with either power configuration. With the manual, the 0-62 run takes 6.5 seconds (or 6.4 with the performance pack) and top speed is 153 mph (155 mph with the performance pack). Performance figures for the DSG version have not yet been released.
A new start-stop system enables both to reach high European combined gas mileage figures of 39.2 mpg with the manual transmission, while the DSG scores a bit worse at 36.8 mpg (220-horsepower configuration) or 36.2 mpg (with 230 horsepower). While those figures don't translate directly to American miles per gallon, the 18 percent overall increase in efficiency should, meaning a rating around 32 mpg combined could be possible. Curb weight for the base GTI is 2,978 pounds.
Other standard equipment includes 17-inch "Brooklyn" GTI wheels shod with 225/45 tires, red-painted brake calipers, twin chrome tailpipes, and a lower, tauter GTI-tuned suspension. Aesthetic differences from the standard Golf include special aerodynamics at the front, sides and rear of the car, and smoked LED tail lights.
Inside, the new GTI gets "Clark" tartan-plaid pattern on the seats, a black headliner, red ambient lighting, sport steering wheel, GTI-badged shifter knob and instrument cluster, special trim inserts and stainless steel pedals.
All GTIs will include a "progressive" steering system, automatic climate control, park assist, touchscreen infotainment system and a winter pack with heated front seats. Three colors are available for the GTI: Tornado Red, Black and Pure White.
The new GTI hits Germany in May with U.S. arrival sometime later in the year.
This story originally appeared at Motor Authority.
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