Autoblog

GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch's anniversary with special tuner pack

Noah Joseph — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:37:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTI35.com - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not unusual for an automaker to roll out a special anniversary model when the brand or a specific model celebrates a milestone. This Volkswagen doesn't come from Wolfsburg itself, though. Instead, an independent outfit bent on marking the 35th birthday of the Volkswagen Golf GTI is behind the effort.

Partnering with German tuning house Wunschel Sport, the website GTI35.com has outfitted the hopped-up Golf with a 50-horse boost to 260 hp, a body kit, lowered suspension, and 19-inch OZ Quaranta wheels on low-profile rubber. The result is a claimed half-second off the 0-100 km/h (62mph) sprint, now down to 6.4 seconds (as equipped with the DSG) and a top speed of 255 km/h (158 mph).

The titanium-colored aftermarket special also wears decals emulating a racing number, which is repeated on the keychain, parking sign and t-shirt that come along with the €32,800 package, which is also available as individual components. Follow the jump for the press release and check out the high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf GTI35.com

[Source: GTI35.com]

Continue reading GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch's anniversary with special tuner pack

GTI35.com celebrates Volkswagen hot hatch's anniversary with special tuner pack originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 26 Mar 2011 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2010 Volkswagen GTI - It's got its mojo workin' again

Dan Roth — Wed, 26 May 2010 11:59:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, New Car Reviews

2010 Volkswagen GTI - click above for high-res image gallery

In 1983, Run-DMC was fresh (which meant dope), Volvo 760 Turbos weighed 3,300 pounds and the 2,200-pound Volkswagen GTI made its U.S. debut. In 2010, the Rabbit-turned-Golf entered its sixth generation and attempted to draw a clear line to the first-generation car. The historical link has been made especially clear in the 2010 Volkswagen GTI, though it's gone through the typical changes you face when you hit your 30s. The GTI is now 1,000 pounds porkier, but it's still as slick as a greased pig when it comes to handling.

Inside, there's plaid seat upholstery and higher-quality materials. Just like it was back in '83, the underhood motivation is only available from a four-cylinder, a change from recent generations that could be stuffed with Volkswagen's VR6. At a glance, the 2010 model promises to be more visceral than its direct predecessors, but does it come anywhere near the primal magic of the original, or is it just playing dress-up? Click through to the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 Volkswagen GTI

Continue reading Review: 2010 Volkswagen GTI - It's got its mojo workin' again

Review: 2010 Volkswagen GTI - It's got its mojo workin' again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 May 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Harder-core Volkswagen GTI, new limited edtion coming to Worthersee

Zach Bowman — Fri, 07 May 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Budget, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Design/Style

Volkswagen is set to descend on the yearly Audi/Volkswagen meet up in Worthersee, Austria with a pair of reworked GTI hatches. First up is a collaboration with Adidas that features a rash of aesthetic changes, including new wheels and sports seats. You'll also find the stock headlights and tail lights swapped out in favor of the trick hardware found on the Golf R. VW says that it will push 4,410 examples of the Adidas-branded GTI via European dealers.

Then there's the Golf Excessive Edition. As far as we can tell, the company hasn't bothered to breathe on the stock turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Instead, VW has a wider track with bodywork to match. Throw in a reworked set of springs, bigger brakes and a free-breathing exhaust and you've got a recipe for getting us all hot and bothered.

VW hasn't released any photos of the Golf Excessive Edition just yet, so we'll have to wait until the Worthersee event kicks off next week to lay our eyes on the creation. Stay tuned. In the mean time hop the jump for the translated press release.

[Source: VW]

Continue reading Harder-core Volkswagen GTI, new limited edtion coming to Worthersee

Harder-core Volkswagen GTI, new limited edtion coming to Worthersee originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 May 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW launches Real Racing GTI on iPhone, giving away six GTIs!

John Neff — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Toys/Games

2010 Volkswagen GTI Mark VI prize car - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen is no stranger to promoting its vehicles using games for the iPhone and iPhone Touch. Witness such forgetables as Volkswagen Polo Challenge 3D [iTunes link] and Volkswagen Scirocco R 24H Challenge 3D [iTunes link], both by developer FISHLABS. Neither game is very fun to play, being on the early end of the curve for racing games on Apple's smart phone. For the launch of the new GTI, however, Volkswagen got smart and instead partnered with developer Firemint, which already has a well received racing game for sale in the App Store called Real Racing [iTunes link]. Together, the two companies have put out Real Racing GTI [iTunes link], a free version of the $6.99 app that exclusively features the new 2010 Volkswagen GTI.

We'll get to the game in a second, but the big news is that VW is putting some promotional muscle behind the app by launching a contest (view rules and regulations here) to give away six brand new, limited edition GTIs just for playing the game. Thankfully, your chances of winning are not tied to your skill level, and entering involves simply registering through the game and completing a race. What's more, you can enter once per day and Volkswagen will pick a winner each week for the next six. The GTI prize cars are limited edition models with numbered dash plaques, special interior and exterior trim and unique 18-inch black wheels.

Real Racing GTI App images - Click above for high-res image gallery

As for the game, it's pretty solid. While only featuring the GTI and fewer tracks, all the gameplay mechanics are the same as the paid app. The control settings are also extensive allowing you to steer using either the device's accelerometer or a steering wheel on the screen, as well as choosing between auto or manual modes for accelerating and braking. The competition AI, however, is pretty weak, allowing you to pass them all from the back of the grid before the first turn and then hanging on the back of your bumper for the rest of the race.

So here's our advice: DO NOT download Real Racing GTI and DO NOT register for the contest to win one of six limited edition GTIs. We think we have a real shot at winning and don't want you all throwing the curve.

Gallery: Real Racing GTI App images

Gallery: Volkswagen 2010 GTI Mark VI prize car

[Source: Volkswagen | iTunes link]

VW launches Real Racing GTI on iPhone, giving away six GTIs! originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42?

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Budget, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

2010 Volkswagen Golf - Click above for high-res image gallery

For 2010, Volkswagen is again discarding the Rabbit badge in favor of the Golf name used in the rest of the world's markets. The European hatchbacks will begin arriving in the U.S. in the coming weeks, beginning with the GTI. The standard Golf will again be available with diesel power, the same 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that arrived last year in the Jetta TDI. Although they aren't linked to from the main VW site, new GTI and Golf websites are now live and include TDI information, specs and pricing.

The base two-door, 2.5-liter gas-powered Golf starts at $17,490 and the four-door will command $19,190. Like the Jetta, TDI models come with a higher level of equipment and therefore start at $21,990 and $22,590 with a six-speed manual gearbox. The new GTI, meanwhile, starts at $23,290.

What's interesting are the fuel economy numbers for the TDI. The Volkswagen website lists both the manual and DSG versions of the new Golf TDI at 29 mpg city and 40 mpg highway. However, a quick check of the EPA's FuelEconomy.gov site shows that the Golf TDI rates even better at 30 mpg city and 42 highway. Similarly, the EPA also lists the 2010 Jetta TDI with DSG at the same level of improvement over the 2009 model's 29/40. Assuming the EPA numbers are correct, VW must have done some recalibration work on the DSG model. Thanks to Jay for the tip!

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf

[Source: Volkswagen]

2010 VW Golf TDI starts at $21,990, rated 29/40 mpg - or maybe 30/42? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Abt gives a boost to the 2010 VW Golf, GTI

Drew Phillips — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Budget, Hybrid, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Abt Volkswagen GTI MkVI - Click above for high-res image gallery

The sixth-generation Golf and GTI will soon arrive for 2010, and already, Abt Sportline - the largest Volkswagen tuner in the world - has released a variety of aftermarket parts for each. Starting with the new exterior, Abt adds a new front fascia and grill, side skirts, and rear fascia and spoiler. Wheel options come in 18- or 19-inch sizes, with or without sport rubber. Brakes can be upgraded to 345mm or 380mm sizes, and lowering springs can be fitted to provide a sportier ride and eliminate the VW's unsightly wheel gap.

Volkswagen has always left plenty of room for increased potential with its turbocharged engines, and Abt maximizes that with performance packages for the entire range. The GTI's 207-horsepower (197 here in the States) 2.0-liter turbo-four gets boosted to 240 horsepower, while the 2.0-liter diesel engine in the Golf TDI is pushed from 140 to 170 horsepower. The European-only 1.4-liter motor also gets a significant increase in performance, going from 122 to 160 horsepower. Full details on all of the available upgrades from Abt after the jump.

Gallery: Abt GTI MkVI

Gallery: Abt Golf VI

[Source: Abt Sportline]

Continue reading Abt gives a boost to the 2010 VW Golf, GTI

Abt gives a boost to the 2010 VW Golf, GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen introduces GTI gear for the whole family

Noah Joseph — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:25:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Volkswagen

Regardless of what a product actually is when it hits the auto industry these days, it apparently must have the term "sport" attached to it in some way.

This marketing practice is applied liberally, across all vehicle classes. Sedans aren't sedans anymore, they're sports sedans. Same goes for wagons and hatchbacks. Heck, even sport utility vehicles are getting new and fascinating names like "sport activity coupes" and such. So is it really any big surprise that sportswear is finding its way into the mix? Only now, it's not just storied marques like Ferrari or Porsche that are turning their brands into merchandising assets. If you build an individual model with a sporty image, you can capitalize on that too. Just look at Volkswagen's latest line of GTI products.

For now, it's limited to a key chain, a military-style cap, a messenger bag, and, somewhat incongruously, some baby gear. If your life isn't complete without, say, a GTI golf towel, you're outta luck - for now. The merchandise line is expected to grow beyond these few initial products, giving owners additional opportunities to let everyone know what they (and their offspring) are riding in. In the meantime, you can check out the preliminary collection in the gallery below.

Gallery: Volkswagen GTI lifestyle accessories

[Source: Volkswagen]

Volkswagen introduces GTI gear for the whole family originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New York: 2010 VW GTI brings the hot back to the hatch

Drew Phillips — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:50:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Volkswagen GTI

When the MKV GTI arrived in 2005, many of Volkswagen's faithful felt the car had lost the edgy look that so many dearly loved. Fortunately the restyled sixth generation GTI has been given sculpted new exterior that features much more aggressive and detailed bodywork. A new front fascia is fitted up front, with wider central intake that now flows into the side ducts styled with horizontal rakes. The upper grille is now smaller and carries the GTI's signature red striping, and the Scirocco-inspired headlights provide the edgier look that was missing on the previous generation. The rear of the car has a sportier appearance as well with restyled taillights and dual exhaust tips that now exit on both sides of the car through a diffuser-look appendage. Apart from minor styling tweaks, the interior is largely unchanged from the previous generation, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's everything we would expect from a Volkswagen, which essentially means it sets the bar for all others in its class. Power comes from VW's tried and true turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four producing 210 horsepower and 206 lb-ft torque mated to either a six-speed manual or DSG. Both two- and four-door variants will be available When the GTI arrives in dealerships later this summer.

Gallery: New York 2009: 2010 Volkswagen GTI

Continue reading New York: 2010 VW GTI brings the hot back to the hatch

New York: 2010 VW GTI brings the hot back to the hatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Apr 2009 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More of the Same: Volkswagen Polo GTI rumormill swirls

Noah Joseph — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen, Rumormill

Click above to view the current Volkswagen Polo GTI in our hi-res image gallery

The interwebs were all alight like Times Square last night with reports of a new Polo GTI on the way. According to Auto Express, the mini-GTI will upgrade on the upcoming replacement for the current Polo with all manner of GTI-trademarked upgrades, from sport seats to the black grille with red stripe, with power provided by the same 1.4-liter twin-charged TSI four as the upcoming SEAT Ibiza Cupra and driving 178hp through a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG to reach sixty in about seven seconds.

Sounds good, though we're not likely to get the Polo in the American market, in regular or sport versions, for the foreseeable future. What the reports apparently neglect to mention, however, in their enthusiasm for a revived Polo GTI, is that Volkswagen already makes one. The current Polo GTI revived the model in late 2005 with a 1.8-liter turbo four offering up 148hp. Because that didn't measure up against the competition, VW came out with the Cup Edition that boosted output up to 178hp, the same output which Auto Express pegs for the new version. If the new Polo GTI does indeed bow this year in Frankfurt, we'll be on hand to bring it to you live, but one thing's for sure: Wolfsburg will hardly be reinventing the wheel if and when it does.

[Source: Auto Express]

More of the Same: Volkswagen Polo GTI rumormill swirls originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MkVI VW Rabbit & GTI coming to America next September

Noah Joseph — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for a hi-res gallery of the 2009 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen customers in the United States have been patiently awaiting the arrival of the new sixth-generation Rabbit and its GTI performance variant. And while it's still a little ways off, at least there's a light at the end of the tunnel as the German automaker has announced that the new model will hit the U.S. market in early September 2009. European customers, meanwhile, already began taking delivery of their new Golfs last month, with the GTI due to arrive there next summer.

American versions will initially be available with the current 2.5-liter inline-five, a new 2-liter turbodiesel in the TDI version and the GTI's 2-liter TSI. A new 1.8-liter TFSI is expected to replace the base 2.5-liter unit, with 4Motion all-wheel-drive, TwinDrive hybrid and LPG versions to follow, as well as a possible all-electric version and a replacement for the current top-of-the-line R32 performance model. North American models will also come equipped with adaptive cruise control, adaptive chassis control and 19-inch wheels as standard. Of the current (fifth-generation) Rabbit, the GTI version accounted for roughly one third of models sold, which Volkswagen expects to continue with this new generation. In the meantime, you can check out the high-resolution images in the two galleries below.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI LIVE

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI

[Source: Inside Line]

MkVI VW Rabbit & GTI coming to America next September originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Rumormill: Volkswagen working on GTI 'Plus', GTD, and R42

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of Volkswagen Golf GT MkVI

VW is going to make the most of its new GTI, with three models joining what has already been a well received hot hatch. A 'GTD' variant using a 2.0-liter common rail diesel will go into production in April 2009, with 170 horses and nearly 260 lb.-ft. moving through either a six-speed manual or VW's DSG gearbox. The GTD will be sold at an €800 premium over its gasoline brother, and will get to 62 mph about a second slower in return for longer hauls between refills.

After that, toward the end of 2009, comes the GTI 'Plus' that will push the car dangerously close to the Audi S3 and may spell the end of the current R32. A 60 hp bump over the standard GTI takes the Plus up to 270. The fun-to-drive factor should be raised with a seven-speed DSG transmission, and handling mastery will come courtesy of a Haldex all-wheel-drive system.

The capstone: to help everyone get over the current and rather underwhelming R32, the hottest hotness is supposed to come in 2010 in the form of an R42. Swapping the current V6 for a 2.5-liter, turbocharged 5-cylinder that it will share with Audi's TT-RS and RS3, the raunchy R is rumored to get a chest-hair-growing 350 hp. If Auto Motor und Sport are to be believed, it will start rolling out of factories in November of 2009 at an undisclosed price.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI MK VI

[Source: Auto Motor Sport via Motor Authority]

Rumormill: Volkswagen working on GTI 'Plus', GTD, and R42 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: 2010 Volkswagen GTI MK VI

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of Volkswagen Golf GT MkVI

We already saw the first images of the new MK VI Volkswagen GTI and we now have them in all their high-res glory courtesy of VW's German media site. As with the standard version of the Golf and the Scirocco, VW is abandoning the huge Audi-like grille of recent models in favor of something more subdued. The new GTI also harkens back to the original GTI of the late 1970s with its red-bordered grille. Under the hood, the new GTI gets the latest edition of the corporate 2.0L TFSI four cylinder cranking out 210 hp and a reasonably healthy 207 lb-ft of torque at just 1,800 rpm. The electronically controlled limited-slip XDS differential will help guide that torque to the wheel with the most grip and hopefully manage torque steer as well. The GTI is expected to hit 62 mph from a standing start in 7.2 seconds with a combined fuel efficiency on the EU cycle of 31.4 mpg. VW will start adding to the GTI's cumulative tally of 1.7 million units sold next spring in Europe and in the U.S. during the summer of 2009, while the regular Golf VI will hit our shores as the new Rabbit in the fall of 2009.

Gallery: 2009 Volkswagen GTI MK VI

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Officially Official: 2010 Volkswagen GTI MK VI

Officially Official: 2010 Volkswagen GTI MK VI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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VW planning new Golf GTI and R variant

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Golf VI

In what may be the least shocking news you will read today, Volkswagen will indeed be launching a revised GTI model shortly after its recently revealed sixth-generation Golf (or, Rabbit, as it's known in the U.S.) hits the market. According to Autocar, the next GTI will steer even closer to its original hot hatch mission, with VW reportedly giving the new model a "harder edge" than the current GTI. Underhood, at least in Europe, will be the same 2.0L TFSI engine that powers the base Audi A5, featuring Audi's valvelift technology that helps it offer up 208 hp at 4300 RPM and 258 lb-ft at 1500 RPM. That ought to make for a very spirited, though still relatively frugal ride.

What may be even more interesting news, though, is the replacement for the R32 model. Volkswagen won't be keeping its narrow-angle V6 underhood any longer, instead opting for a high-boost 2.0L with 265 horses and an 'R' moniker. All-wheel drive is also on the menu. Sounds like a bargain Audi TT-S to us, to which we simply say, "yes, please."

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI

[Source: Autocar]

VW planning new Golf GTI and R variant originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendered Speculation: Sixth-gen VW GTI

John Neff — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

The current VW GTI is garnering lots of praise in the motoring press, but it's never too soon to talk about the next iteration. Based on spy photos of the sixth-generation GTI caught testing in Germany, this rendering shows a promising turn in the hot hatch's design. While the basic shape is familiar enough, the front end shows off design cues lifted straight off the GTI W12 650 concept that VW showed at this year's Wörthersee show. The lower front intake is split into three parts just like the 650-horsepower monster compact on which it's based, and the grille itself is outlined in red, as well. eGMCarTech also tells us the next Golf/Rabbit and its GTI version will feature design cues from the VW up! concepts currently making the rounds of international motor shows. What will be powering the next GTI is not known, but most expect the 200-horsepower 2.0L turbo to carry over.

[Source: eGMCarTech]

Rendered Speculation: Sixth-gen VW GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: VW's autonomous 53+1 kicking ass on autocross course

Chris Tutor — Thu, 17 May 2007 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Technology, Videos, Volkswagen

Autocrossers beware! You may remember the Volkswagen GTI 53+1 we told you about a year ago. VW engineers have outfitted this Golf with an array of computers and sensors that give the car the ability to traverse autocross courses better than most human drivers could. While the 53+1 isn't as autonomous as a Darpa Urban Challenge entrant, this video shows just exactly how far it can go without your input.

Just like flesh and blood amateur racers, the GTI 53+1 needs to slowly "walk" the course, downloading GPS points to a computer in the trunk. It then takes a few moments to analyze the course route and devise the fastest line possible. Back between the cones, the car zips through the tight curves with amazing dexterity.

The video says the car was not developed to promote future autonomous VWs (Stanford's got that covered), but instead as a way to test the company's hardware without a human driver. Eliminating a driver insures every test will be performed exactly as the one before and give consistent results each time.

The Daily Mail covered the story in 2006 and spoke to a VW engineer who said, "We called it '53' because it is reminiscent of the cinematic Volkswagen bug Herbie, which made history as the first self-driving Volkswagen. This time we've done it for real." Here's hoping this doesn't encourage another Love Bug sequel.

So, wanna see it? Follow the jump for the vid!

[Sources: Street Fire Video, Daily Mail]

Continue reading VIDEO: VW's autonomous 53+1 kicking ass on autocross course

VIDEO: VW's autonomous 53+1 kicking ass on autocross course originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 May 2007 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW Polo GTI goes on sale in Britain

Chris Paukert — Mon, 15 May 2006 15:04:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen's baby GTI, based on the Polo supermini has just gone on sale in the UK. Boasting a force-fed 1.8-liter 20-valve four cylinder and a full compliment of creature comforts and safety features, the top-rung Polo rings up at £14,810 out-the-door (a stout $28,000 USD), but bearing in mind Britain's higher vehicle prices and taxes, the price is competitive. The plain-jane Polo has been on sale in Blightly since February.

With the arrival of a slew of new or revamped subcompacts with Asian bloodlines (Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris, Hyundai Accent, Chevrolet Aveo, etc.) in American showrooms, can a small VW be far behind? If the Polo GTI is any indication of what's in the offing, we hope the company fast-tracks the whole works.

[Source: MotorTorque at AskAPrice.com]

VW Polo GTI goes on sale in Britain originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 May 2006 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Too Fast, Too Furious... Too 2004?

Erin Mays — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 19:32:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Trends, Coupe, Budget, Sedan, Hatchback

AutoWeek attended the SEMA International Auto Salon, a car show for sport compacts and the segment of the aftermarket industry serving sport compacts, and AW writers were sad to see the sorry state the Salon has come to -- moving from the Los Angeles Convention Center to Atlantic City, and finally, to the Fort Washington Expo Center, where the show was small, the roof leaked, and the fit and finish was less than high-end. They came away wondering, is the sport compact market on its way out?

Maybe, but probably not. The moral of the story -- consumer tastes are changing away from Honda Civics and their ilk in favor of a variety of different cars. Sport compact or not, in these hard economic times only the fittest will survive. That said, we fully expect the nascent European compact class (Volkswagen GTI, Audi A3, MINI Cooper, Volvo S30, etc.) to strike a major chord with the tuner culture, perhaps eating into the largely Japanese-badged front-wheel-drive import scene.

Too Fast, Too Furious... Too 2004? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Apr 2006 19:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen launches new Polo GTI

Stuart Waterman — Tue, 04 Apr 2006 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Tokyo Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

VW continues its new model push with a performance version of its Polo. The company borrowed heavily from the Golf GTI to come up with its new Polo supermini, which hits selected markets this spring, after having debuted at the Tokyo Motor Show in late 2005.

A significant step up from the last Polo GTI, which delivered 125 hp, the new GTI model pumps out 150 hp, good for 0-62 mph in 8.2 seconds.

The baby GTI is powered by a turbocharged and intercooled 1.8-liter, 5-valve per cylinder, four cylinder engine. Other performance upgrades include 16-inch alloys sporting 205/45 rubber, and a lowered suspension with standard ESP. Oh, yes, and red brake calipers, too! More pics after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Continue reading Volkswagen launches new Polo GTI

Volkswagen launches new Polo GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Apr 2006 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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