The eighth-generation Golf->ke164 is looking like it’s still a few years down the road, but when it’s finally released, customers will potentially be offered three different levels of power from the hotter GTI->ke223 version.
That’s the word from the German publication Auto Bild, which recently released a report on the iconic people’s hatch.->ke304
Under the hood will probably be the same EA888 2.0-liter four-cylinder from the current 2016 Volkswagen Golf R, with power routed through either a six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed automatic gearbox. According to the Auto Bild report though, the powerplant will come in three levels of output for the GTI: 265 horsepower from the GTI Classic, 300 horsepower from the GTI Performance and 326 horsepower from the GTI Club Sport. VW->ke94 has already confirmed production plans for the Golf R400, which is expected to come packing at least 400 horsepower and AWD.
Just for the sake of reference, the current model 2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI produces 210 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, sprinting to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds and reaching a top speed of 155 mph.
Presently, it’s expected that a facelift for the current seventh generation should be unveiled sometime next year, after which the eighth-generation Golf will make its appearance in 2018. Once the base model is out, the new GTI will most likely see an introduction in 2019.
A preview of the next-gen Golf will reportedly come to CES in January as a “Gen E” electric concept.
Auto Bild
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The Golf GTI is one of the most recognizable and successful hatchbacks ever made. Countless models and iterations have been offered over the years, from benign commute-oriented workhorses to pumped-up track-eating monsters. The hotter GTI version has been around since the ‘70s, and with the Mk. 8 nearing completion, lovers of odd-numbered-door German-style shenanigans should be excited.
What’s most interesting about this latest speculation is the huge jump in power that’s expected. Even in its lowest 265-horsepower “Classic” specification, the new GTI will have 55 horsepower more than the current generation, with the 300-horsepower “Performance” model even exceeding the output of the current 292-horspeower, AWD Golf R.
So what would prompt this prodigious increase in under-hood grunt?
Well, there are quite a few excellent performance hatchbacks making waves at the moment. Ford,->ke31 for example, will offer up the 2016 Ford Focus RS version of its Focus->ke440 hatch, which will come with 345 horsepower, AWD, a “drift mode,” and an overboost function that ups torque to 347 pound-feet. Or there’s the 2016 Honda Civic Type R, which currently boasts 306 horsepower, a 167-mph top speed, and should come to the U.S. by the time the next-gen GTI finally drops cover.
Clearly, the competition is ready, but if history teaches us anything, it’s that the Golf will bring the heat. As one of VW’s most popular models, expect a huge swath of options available to complement the three different GTI iterations, including a plug-in hybrid->ke4486 drivetrain.
The new GTI will reportedly be built on Volkswagen’s MQB architecture. In addition to improvements to the drivetrain, VW will also probably update the GTI’s electronics with the latest infotainment systems. Compared to the base-model Golf, expect more aggressive lines on the exterior, bigger brakes and adaptive suspension in the corners and an electronic limited-slip differential to lay down all that extra power. Compared to the seventh-generation GTI, the new model should have a lighter curb weight too, shedding 50 to 100 pounds in the update.
More power pushing around less weight? All things considered, it’s looking like the new GTI is gonna be one helluva pocket rocket.
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