Autocar has learned that Volkswagen is planning to launch three all-new performance VW Golf variants within the next three years. A performance diesel Golf – dubbed the GTD - is scheduled for launch in the spring of 2009. It will use the VW Group’s latest twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre TDI engine, offering in excess of 200bhp and 260lb ft torque. Find out all the details of the new Mk6 Golf GTiVW bosses have wanted to deliver a diesel-engined GTI since the Mark 5 went on sale in 2003. The combination of stringent European CO2 laws, the current economic climate and the arrival of the latest twin-turbo TDI technology means that the VW Golf GTD is now a certainty. VW is also looking at a Golf GTI ‘plus’ model. This harder-core version of the GTI will use a tuned version of the standard car’s 2.0-litre TSI engine to deliver up to 270bhp. It will also have a seven-speed DSG gearbox and a Haldex clutch providing non-permanent four-wheel-drive. This GTI ‘plus’ will replace the current-generation R32, although it also looks set to come close to entering the territory already occupied by sister company Audi’s S3.The final new performance Golf is likely to be another ‘R’ variant, possibly the ‘R42’, which is pencilled in for a 2010 launch. This will use a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine that will be shared with the forthcoming Audi TT RS, giving the Golf around 350bhp along with competitive fuel economy and CO2 figures.According to Volkswagen insiders the spate of new high performance Golfs has been brought about by an influx of Audi engineers into Volkswagen, and a move to bring about more component sharing between the two companies.
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Re: VW plans three hot Golfs
Forgive me if I don't go for the point-by-point riposte. Frankly, life's too short. There's no reason at all why VW couldn't engineer a 200bhp diesel Golf to be front-drive only if it wanted to - as the next-generation of higher-revving diesel engines come in, torque will increase a lot less as power goes up. And as for the idea that it's impossible to channel that amount of torque through the front wheels only - somebody had better tell Ford and the Focus RS development team.
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And component cost has very limited bearing on the end cost of a car - the five-cylinder engine will cost pretty much exactly the same to make as a similar-tech four-cylinder. VW Group can choose what to use it on, and there's no reason it can't make an 'uber' Golf for a Focus RS-rivalling £25K if it wants to. Look at the spread of cars the 1.8 20V turbo was used in - from a Seat Ibiza (£12K) to the previous gen Audi A6 (£30K without trying).
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As for the point as to whether I trust a respected industry source or a bloke in his back bedroom with an internet connection and too much time on his hands... hmmm, tricky one.
Re: VW plans three hot Golfs
It seems very disingenous and cynical of VW to have a "better" engine (better power, torque,C02, MPG), but not to use it in the new GTI. Since VW don't want me to have their best GTI with a valve lift engine, I won't be buying the second rate version.
Re: VW plans three hot Golfs
Its called 'Torque'. Even the 2.0TDi (170) in the TT requires it as standard. With such massive Torque levels from twin turbo's the GTD would be unable to get the power down smoothly. Why do you think the R32 came with standard 4wd!?! The GTD would have alot more torque than the R32.
If you read my post again you will see I do understand why VW dont want to fit the V6 engine but I was merely saying this engine would offer a really different choice, rather than just as slightly more tuned version of the same engine.
As you say it is a 'story'. The more of these you read on the website you will realise how inaccurate some of them tend to be. They come from a variety of sources and most are not 'official' press releases. I am merely speculating on the possibility of these models appearing, and as for the pricing estimates, you only have to look at the current VAG range models which share the same engine and look at the price differences - doesnt take an expert. Merely rough calculation
GOLF GTI 2.0TFSI £20,815 - AUDI TT 2.0TFSI £25,210
GOLF R32 £24,845 - AUDI TT 3.2 Quattro £30,040
GOLF 2.0TDI (170) DSG £21,100 - AUDI TT 2.0 TDI (170) Quattro £26,350
(All prices taken from Autocar Magazine)
Notice a pattern? The Golf is generally around £5000 cheaper than the Audi TT with the same engine.
So if the TT-S costs around £33,390 then the TT-RS would be priced much closer to £40,000. So, the golf would have to be priced in excess of £30,000 to justify the price of the TT-RS. This model will not happen.
PS: Cheers for the support: Horseandcart.