Autoblog

First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI reminds us why we like hot hatches so much

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, First Drive

2010 Volkswagen GTI - Click above for high-res gallery

Performance Icon. That two-word phrase is bandied about so often there's hardly any meaning left in its 15 letters. After all, if a Porsche 911 is rightly referred to as a performance icon, can we call a Honda Civic Si the same? And are we talking any old 911/Civic Si, or just certain years and models? For instance, there is no doubt that the B13 Nissan Sentra SE-R, with its killer SR20DE engine, is a performance icon, but what about the current B17 Sentra SE-R? How about the Spec V? No way - the Versa has a better chassis.

We mention this problem with the Performance Icon label because Volkswagen described the all-new 2010 MkVI GTI to us as the "performance icon of the brand." As you may have noticed, Volkswagen's been delving pretty deeply into its past for marketing purposes as of late. First they tried reintroducing the Rabbit name much to the chagrin of Golf fans nationwide, and now they have Max, the black 1964 Beetle telling you that VW is "Das Auto." On a smaller scale, it's attempting to remind potential GTI buyers that the new model is both a direct descendant of and flag bearer for the original 1983 MkI GTI. Here comes the begged question: is it?

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI

Continue reading First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI reminds us why we like hot hatches so much

First Drive: 2010 Volkswagen GTI reminds us why we like hot hatches so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: 2009 Volkswagen GTI VI on the move

John Neff — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above to watch video after the jump

The 2009 Volkwagen Golf GTI has made its official debut today at the 2008 Paris Motor Show today, but it will be a few weeks if not months before anyone, let alone us, gets time behind the wheel to sample this rapid rabbit. Fortunately we've found some video of the new GTI being driven somewhere in the world by people other than us, and it looks like they're having fun doing it. GTI-ophiles will get their choice of three- or five-door models when the car arrives, though both will be powered by the same 2.0L TFSI four-cylinder producing 210 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual or DSG is offered, and new for '09 is an XDS electronic limited-slip differential. Feel free to watch it all in action after the jump, and don't worry, this video has no janky hair-metal soundtrack from the '80s. All you hear is the engine revving and road passing beneath the tires.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI LIVE

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: 2009 Volkswagen GTI VI on the move

VIDEO: 2009 Volkswagen GTI VI on the move originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BREAKING: First images of 2009 Volkwagen GTI MkVI surface

Dan Roth — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Etc., Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for gallery of Volkswagen Golf GT MkVI

Since the GTI got its groove back with the MkV, fans of the original couple generations rejoiced. We're on the edge of our collective seats waiting for the official release of the MkVI version, and some images have found their way onto the internet tonight. Taking some inspiration from the awesome GTI W12 that attended Wörthersee, the front airdam echoes that car's wide maw. Foglamps are pushed out to the far corners to emphasize width, and out back the tailpipes follow suit. The look is fantastic in the refrigerator white the photo car is wearing; special but understated. Inside, the de rigeur plaid upholstery is in place, and things are spiffed up by metal accents and a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Underhood is a 207-hp TFSI engine, and the car comes with an electronic limited-slip differential called XDS and the Scirocco's adaptive chassis. Of course, DSG is available for snapping off quick gearchanges with no fuss. When you've got a good thing, why mess with success? We dig, and it'll be available in Spring, at which point we'll certainly bring you our driving impressions.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf GT MkVI

[Source: evo via Carscoop]

BREAKING: First images of 2009 Volkwagen GTI MkVI surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments