Uprated VW Golf GTI set to arrive on these shores soon
Volkswagen has released details and images of the eighth-generation Golf GTI.
The 2021 GTI will produce more juice than its predecessor, with 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque coming from a 2.0- litre four- cylinder turbocharged engine. That power heads to the front wheels only via a new six- speed manual gearbox, though VW says a seven- speed dual- clutch automatic with paddle shifters is an option.
This engine will likely be good for a zero- to-100- km/ h sprint time around the sixsecond mark and a top speed around 240 km/h. A retuned suspension lowers the MK8 GTI by 1.5 cm, which will help make use of the extra power, as will optional adaptive dampers, and the torque-vectoring limited-slip differential and yaw control that make up the Dynamic Chassis Control.
VW has updated the GTI’S appearance and distinguishes it from the base- model Golf with a few new features.
The front end has an LED strip above the grille and below the hood, the rear bumper comes with a diffuser, and there’s a roof spoiler and exhaust tips on both sides. The signature red trim is accentuated by brake calipers in the same hue sitting inside the new five- spoke wheels.
Tech additions include standard auto emergency braking, push- button start, LED ambient lighting ( in 30 colours) plus a great big digital instrument cluster connected to the infotainment display.
The not- for- North- America GTE ( hybrid) and GTD ( diesel) models, meanwhile, are now rated more efficient and more powerful than before.
The 2021 Golf GTI is expected to land in North America next year.