Next to the Golf R Convertible Concept, Volkswagen also chose to unveil the Golf GTI Cabriolet concept at the Wörthersee Show 2011. This concept is a convertible variation of the Golf GTI, and although no details we given as to what will be found under the hood of the model, we expect to see the same 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine as found in the Golf GTI 35 Anniversary Edition, producing a total output of 235 HP.
Besides removing the roof in order to make the Golf GTI a convertible, this concept car also features a bespoke aero kit which includes a new front bumper, a GTI grille with red accents, a rear diffuser with a honeycomb grille and unique exhaust tail pipes on either side, a new front spoiler, extended wheel arches, and side sills. All of these features are painted in a piano black hue and offer an impressive contrast with the car’s red exterior paint. The final touch is given by a new set of five spoke alloy wheels.
Drop top concepts seem to be all the rage at this year’s Wörthersee Show, with a few different companies bringing their variations for all to see. Volkswagen’s contribution to the pack is their new Golf Cabriolet package, but applied to their more powerful Golf R variant. The jury’s still out on whether this concept will end up on the production line, but with an output of 266 HP, a top speed of 155 mph, and a 0 to 60 mph sprint of under 5 seconds, the Golf R Cabriolet Concept is the fastest open-top Golf ever.
The concept features the same treatment that was applied to the standard Golf R model, including a sport chassis that lowers the car’s ride by 25 mm, a 17-inch brake system with internally ventilated discs at all wheels, blue painted high-performance brake calipers, and 19" "Talladega" alloy wheels with size 235 tires. Then the vehicle gets its top ripped off to create a more wind-in-your-hair feel.
The interior gets shell seats in a dark blue carbon leather that is then combined with high-end Nappa leather in “Pure Grey.” Other features include carbon fiber accents and sand-blasted aluminum door sill plates with black piano paint inlays.
Now this is a car we would like to drive on a hot summer day!
The Golf GTI entered the scene back in 1976, so with its 35th anniversary nipping at our heels, Volkswagen will be celebrating with the launch of the special edition "Golf GTI Edition 35." The new model will go on sale in mid June and will be priced from €30,425 in Germany, or about $44,000 at the current exchange rates.
The most impressive feature of the new Golf GTI Edition 35 is the extra 25 HP worked into the 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine, taking the output to a total of 235 HP. Next to this, the special edition will also add a front bumper shine with a new design, bespoke alloy wheels, blacked-out headlights and taillights, darkened windows, and glossy black finish on the grille and mirror caps. For the interior, the 35th anniversary GTI will get fabric upholstery with an "Edition 35" logo on the doors sills, the head rests, and the center of the seats.
UPDATE 06/20/11: If you’re waiting for the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 to make it to our soil, then we have some pretty bad news for you: don’t hold your breath. Apparently, Volkswagen of America has no plans of bringing the special edition model in this neck of the woods because, in as short as four words, they don’t want to. Tough luck.
The Golf R has been quoted as "the strongest Golf produced," but that doesn’t seem to be enough for Volkswagen as they have decided to match that strength up with some aesthetic upgrades as part of their Volkswagen Study Golf R. This study has given way to four special versions of the Golf R which were just unveiled at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
"Based on the high demand and success of the Golf R, we decided to develop four high-end versions of this vehicle," says Ulrich Richter, Managing Director of Volkswagen R GmbH.
The four Golf R models come painted in "Oryx White," "Carbon Steel Grey," "Space Grey," and "Aplomb Blue" combined with high-end Nappa leather interiors and 19-inch wheels. If anyone is anticipating a power boost with this stylish makeover, don’t hold your breath. These four little hatchbacks are coming at us with zero modifications under the hood. Hey, they are already the strongest Golf model; what more do you want?
Hit the jump to read more about the Volkswagen Study Golf R.
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Apparently, even the tall and mighty are not immune to the auto world’s version of the flu: recalls.
Volkswagen, one of the biggest automakers in the world has issued a huge recall involving five of its models that were manufactured during a five-year period from 2006 to 2010. The problem appears to be a small plastic tab on the windshield washer fluid reservoir that could chafe against the car’s fuel supply line. The models affected by this problem include the Volkswagen Jetta, the Jetta Sportwagen, the Golf, and the Rabbit.
Meanwhile, another model – the New Beetle – has it’s own set of problems involving a fastening clamp on its hydraulic hose that could also chafe against the car’s fuel supply line.
These problems, if not treated immediately, could cause a fuel leak and at worst, the cars could also end up catching fire.
All in all, 228,236 models are affected by this problem. For their part, Volkswagen has already begun initiatives for the recall, which is expected to begin no later than January 31, 2011. If you have the Jetta, Golf, and Rabbit, service technicians will remove the plastic tab from the washer fluid reservoir. On the flip side, if you have the Beetle, service technicians will adjust the fastening clamp’s position, steering it clear from the car’s fuel supply line.
Should you have any questions regarding the recall, you can call Volkswagen at the 1-800-822-8987.
