VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January
2010 VW Golf GTD - click above for high-res image gallery
Prior to the U.S. launch of the Volkwagen Golf MK VI, a few months back rumors emerged that the Americans were going to get a crack at the GTD version of the hatchback. For those unfamiliar with the GTD, it's essentially the much loved GTI but with a 170 hp version of the 2.0-liter TDI diesel. Unfortunately, when we got the details on the Golf lineup last week, the GTD wasn't included. While in Germany this week to drive the new Golf lineup, we spoke with VW of America product planner Andres Valbuena about the GTD's fortunes, and the news is promising.
According to Valbuena, while the GTD didn't make the cut for launch, it is still under consideration. In fact the GTD could arrive within the next 18 months. Originally, it was speculated that the GTD would likely carry the existing 140 horsepower diesel along with all of the other good bits. Valbuena tells us that if they do offer the GTD in the U.S., VW will do it right and bring the high output 170 hp engine.
One car that's definitely coming is the Jetta TDI Cup model. This is essentially a street legal version of the race car but without the race bits like the roll cage. It will get the same front fascia available from the VW performance parts catalog, along with the bigger brakes, suspension upgrades and interior bits from the GLI sedan. Unfortunately, the TDI cup replica keeps the standard 140 hp engine instead of the 170 hp unit in the race cars. The cup car will probably have its public debut at LA Auto Show in December prior to going on sale in January.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
fmwso 6:48PM (10/08/2009)
Sweet news!!!
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James 9:25PM (10/08/2009)
You mean sporty diesel sweetness...
zamafir 6:48PM (10/08/2009)
Wonderful, Andres ftw.
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P.V. 7:01PM (10/08/2009)
Nice!
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Jared 7:07PM (10/08/2009)
GTD would be awesome.
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Fox 2:39AM (10/09/2009)
Yes indeed...Hopefully they will offer it with both manual and dsg...
epwolfram 7:27PM (10/08/2009)
Bring on the diesels!
Probably a good idea to check Consumer Reports before buying a Volkswagen, though. ;)
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Tackle Box Face 7:33PM (10/08/2009)
Ah! A remark made by the first contrarian.
fixitfixitstop 9:29AM (10/09/2009)
Consumer Reports can bite me.
nbloom74 8:17PM (10/08/2009)
What the heck is up with Autoblog?????!!!!!! Autoblog just told us days ago that the GTD was coming to the states and went so far as to tell us the price and options.......and now they're telling us that it's not.....where are they getting their information?....an 8 ball?????
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nardvark 7:45PM (10/08/2009)
That's more like it. The Golf is too heavy to have fun with a 140hp engine. I think the 170hp would be just about right.
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speed12sil 10:58PM (10/08/2009)
That street version of the TDI cup fits the proverbial phrase: All show and no go.
Damn it VW either give us the whole enchilada or nothing, not that half baked attempt.
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Lucas 8:13PM (10/08/2009)
GTD + DSG? That's when my eyebrow raises.
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Kip 10:03PM (10/08/2009)
To each their own, I guess. "GTD + DSG" is when my shoulders slump and my head falls down in disappointment.
Now, GTD - DSG, that will get an eyebrow raise.
Lucas 10:21PM (10/08/2009)
Really? Cos I've driven a lot of manual modern diesels in Europe, and running through the gears is boring...
Shifting @ 4500?
drakkor 5:29AM (10/09/2009)
@lucas
indeed it does get tiresome to be shifting constantly
alexacoon 8:26PM (10/08/2009)
Does anyone know for sure if they are going to pull the 5 door only bit on us in the US? (like the Fiesta)
I don't want to get my hopes up again, no offense to anyone who needs one, but the three door GTI is far sweeter looking for someone who hasn't even used his back seat in over five years.
My ZX3 is rapidly approaching the ten year mark, I'd like to move up in quality/fun/mileage if not size, how long do i have to wait?
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WoodysCarSite.blogspot.com 10:04PM (10/08/2009)
I sat in the 2 door ( AKA 3 door) GTI just yesterday. As far as the 3 door GTD, I would assume that they will import that as well as a 3 door and 4 door. VW will dominate the diesel market in the U.S probably by next year.
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zamafir 10:30PM (10/08/2009)
VW's not dominating? Who's selling more diesel cars in north america right now? who has been for the last decade?
Imag 10:42PM (10/08/2009)
Bring it over, VW. I will buy one. It's the absolute perfect car for my wife (and I, on occasion). If it could just run on biodiesel...
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