New VW Golf GTD to debut in April, Rabbit GTD to follow for U.S.?
by Sam Abuelsamid on Mar 24th 2009 at 10:28AM 
Volkswagen Golf Mk VI GTI – Click above for high-res image gallery
We've been hearing rumblings about a new variant of the Volkswagen Golf and Rabbit for several months now, ever since a reader sent in what appeared to be an order form for the new sixth generation model for the U.S. market. This new model was dubbed the Rabbit GTD, implying that it's a sporting variant like the GTI, but powered by a TDI diesel engine. Volkswagen of America has only confirmed that the U.S. will get a new Mk VI GTI this summer followed by a new Rabbit in the fall that will offer TDI power.
It now appears that the Golf GTD will at least be unveiled in April at the AMI Car Show in Leipzig, Germany. If the reports are correct, the GTD will use the more powerful 170-hp version of the 2.0-liter TDI that we already get here in the Jetta. This is the same unit used in the Jetta TDI cup race cars as well as the European market Audi TT TDI. The Golf/Rabbit GTD will be a bit quicker than the Jetta with a 0-60 time of about 8.2 seconds, but should still approach the 40+ mpg real world mileage of the sedan. As for whether or not it will be sold in the U.S., we still don't know, but at least it exists. Thanks to Andrew for the tip!
Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI MK VI
[Source: 4WheelsNews]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Kumar 10:35AM (3/24/2009)
VW could get the best of both worlds of diesel thinking with this end.
1. Chrysler, BMW, MB bring diesels in higher end models that will make more money from buyers that may just want diesel for the novelty as well as the power.
2. VW, which brings diesels in the lower models typically to get the frugal types. Audi's joining the party with the A3 TDI this year.
By bringing the GTD first, VW can get its hatch that rakes in more profit than the Jetta diesel, and certainly more than a Rabbit diesel.
That being said, it would be on the top of my list next to the upcoming Subie diesels.
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superman211 11:15AM (3/24/2009)
8 sec to 60 is not very nice but I suppose it's not THAT bad considering the competition.
Ian 2:46PM (3/24/2009)
I agree about the poor 8.2 time for 0-60 mph. I don't see how a Golf with a 170HP engine and ooodles of torque cannot accelerate a LOT faster.
akboss302 3:28PM (3/24/2009)
8 seconds is more than enough, it isn't a sports car. Its a 'sporty' car. I've had more fun driving a base model 2006 Mini Cooper than I had in a friends 270-horsepower Acura TL, because sporty driving is not just about 0-60. Besides, how many other 40+ mpg cars accelerate at that pace? Chances are you'll be pleasantly satisfied when you race a hybrid Civic. I'm happy they found such a great medium.
Ken Stamper 5:23PM (3/24/2009)
@superman and Ian
Diesels generate lots of low RPM torque, but not RIGHT off the line. Diesels typically have slightly slower acceleration from a standstill that an equivalent gas engine with the same hp. However, they absolutely destroy equivalent gas engines in roll-on acceleration (going from 40-60 mph, for example). I can guarantee that if you were to floor a GTD and a GTI in fifth or sixth gear at highway speeds, the GTD would surge ahead like a proverbial locomotive, while the GTI would require a downshift or two to even keep up. So, its a matter of preference really.
montoym 6:46PM (3/24/2009)
quote from Ken Stamper:
- "I can guarantee that if you were to floor a GTD and a GTI in fifth or sixth gear at highway speeds, the GTD would surge ahead like a proverbial locomotive, while the GTI would require a downshift or two to even keep up." -
While I don't disagree with your main point, the GTI is not much of a slouch in the roll-on dept. either.
I've not spent much time in a Mk5 GTI, but my Mk4 GTI 1.8T has no problem being left in 5th gear at anything over about 45-50mph. I virtually never downshift on the highway and have no problem making quick runs from 75-100mph or so. Passing is no issue at all really. I live at 6,000ft+ elevation as well.
That said, the TDI does have a fair amount more torque.
I would definitley be interested in a GTD if we actually do see them here. But, I might also be swayed to an A3 TDI if they are offered with AWD. That would pretty much be the perfect car for me.
Jj 10:41AM (3/24/2009)
I suppose VW changing the name back to Golf is a pipe dream, huh?
I still always forget that they are "Rabbits" now.
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zamafir 10:43AM (3/24/2009)
A pipe dream? yes, but that's not stopping the horse from continually being beaten every single post.
Jj 11:12AM (3/24/2009)
Yes, it's been said before but there are FAR more comments along the lines of "I'd rather have the Scirocco" on GTI posts.
Randy915 4:08PM (3/24/2009)
Yeah that Scirroco whine is getting old fast. If you want you can remove the Rabbit badge and put your own Golf emblem...
Quattroporte 10:44AM (3/24/2009)
That has to be the best looking airbagged wheel I have seen.
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2010-volkswagen-gti-mk-vi-1/1056212/full/
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gotsmart 10:44AM (3/24/2009)
I thought they were dropping the Rabbit nameplate and reverting to consistent "Golf" branding worldwide.
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dukeisduke 10:53AM (3/24/2009)
I would hope they'd give the engine some more zip, seeing how it's going into a GTI. As for the Rabbit name, yes, please ditch it. If the first Rabbit was such a great car, how come I never see any on the road? I see waaay more air-cooled Beetles than Rabbits (I can't even remember the last time I saw one).
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Mayoman 11:07AM (3/24/2009)
You see more air cooled beetles, because for most people the rabbit was just a mode of transportation, and people have more of a connection with the beetle so they will restore them.
Personally i like the rabbit name, gives the car more of a personality than 'Golf' and besides, girls dig the little rabbit emblem on the back.
montoym 10:05PM (3/24/2009)
Maybe it has to do with the fact that the Rabbit was only sold here for about 10yrs(1974-1983) while the Golf has been here for over 20yrs and the Beetle was built for over 60yrs(though not sold in the US since the late 1970's).
The fact that you don't see a lot of Rabbits likely also has to do with the fact that many people can't tell the diference between a Rabbit and a Golf.
While there aren't as many people who restore or customize Rabbits as compared to, say Beetles, they are still a fairly desirable vehicle in the VW community.
the_MVP_X 11:04AM (3/24/2009)
Rabbit
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yournamehere6785 11:06AM (3/24/2009)
IF we get it, we wont get the 170hp engine. there is a post right now on vwvortex about a Jetta TDI Cup Street car. and everyone is saying they want the 170hp engine. VW said no because they would have to re-certify the engine.
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Eric C 11:15AM (3/24/2009)
Yeah, it's kinda like a butterfly tattoo.
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Kattleox 11:19AM (3/24/2009)
That is such a Volkswagen interior.
Sexy...Sexy...Sexy...Sexy...oh cripes is that plaid?
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hardingsan 11:30AM (3/24/2009)
ohhhh... performance diesel...
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