The GTI version of the next-generation Volkswagen Golf is tipped to feature a mild increase in peak power using a carryover version of today’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine.
The boost to 220bhp comes from detail tweaks to the EA888 engine — the unit used in today’s Volkswagen Golf GTI — including a new valve lift system developed by Audi.
See spy pics of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI
Also on the way is a new electronically controlled, mechanically locking diff for GTI and R models, to ensure drive continues to be directed to the tyre with most grip when accelerating.
For the next Golf, VW will also make major engineering changes to the 1.4-litre ‘twincharger’ engine, the EA111.
As exclusively revealed earlier this year by Autocar, the twincharger will lose its supercharger to continue in production as a soft-turbo petrol engine rated at 150bhp from a single exhaust-driven blower. It will be renamed the EA112.
Autocar has also learned that the R-badged Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet is more likely to get the green light than a sporty GTI version.
Both models were shown as concepts at the VW meet at Worthersee in Germany, but no production decision was announced.
The Golf Cabriolet R used the 261bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine found in the Scirocco R, while the GTI used the 207bhp TSI engine from the GTI hatch.
Since Worthesee, it has emerged that the more powerful soft-top R model is favoured for production ahead of a GTI because it would generate bigger profits and better fits into the range above the 207bhp 2.0 TSI model, currently the range-topping Cabriolet model.
However, the clock is ticking for a decision because the EA113 engine that will power the R version is due to be phased out in 2014, ahead of new EU6 emissions regulations.
Sources have told Autocar that the EA113 won’t be re-engineered to pass EU6 and instead it will be replaced by a high-output version of the current EA888 Golf GTI engine.
Read about the all-new Mk7 Volkswagen Golf
Greg Kable
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