Autoblog

Volkswagen cooking up lightweight Carbon GTI

Zach Bowman — Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Autocar reports Volkswagen may be working on a lightweight version of the GTI as a tribute to the model's bare-bones ancestry. Dubbed "Carbon GTI," the model is said to make use of a range of new manufacturing techniques to incorporate a heap of carbon fiber and aluminum wherever possible. Pieces like the bulkhead, windshield frame and floor panels are all expected to be hammered from lightweight alloy while the hood and roof will be stitched from the composite. All told, the changes should shave around 440 pounds from the chassis, resulting in a curb weight in the neighborhood of 2,480 pounds.

Word has it VW will leave the drivetrain untouched from the upcoming Mark VII GTI, which means buyers can expect to find the same turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood good for around 222 horsepower (the 2012 model makes do with an even 200 horses). Even so, the Weight Watchers treatment should help the Carbon GTI slim its 0-60 dash to below six seconds.

The model may be a test platform for manufacturing techniques that Volkswagen plans to employ on the next-generation Audi MLB platform. The German automaker will likely spread the cost of developing the machine across greener Golf iterations, including a hybrid and an electric model.

Volkswagen cooking up lightweight Carbon GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next VW GTI to get 260-hp from 2.0-liter four

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Rumormill

We've heard that Volkswagen will be turning up the wick on the next-generation GTI, and this newest report is certainly fanning those flames. Autocar now says the 2.0-liter turbo four in Volkswagen's next hot hatch will make all of 260 horsepower, but perhaps more importantly, the front differential will get some new technology to keep all that power from just turning into tire smoke.

The so-called VAQ limited-slip would use an electronically controlled Haldex clutch, bringing all-wheel-drive technology to the front-drive GTI, according to the report. The GTI will, of course, continue to be based on the Golf, but it is said to employ aluminum in the floor pans and roof to shed some weight. Supposedly, the top-of-the-range Golf R will actually boast a carbon fiber roof.

If Autocar is right, the Mk7 GTI would be the most powerful yet, topping the GTI Edition 35 and bumping the next GTI up to Golf R-like performance. Which begs the question: So just how powerful will the next R be?

We expect to see the new Golf debut at the Paris Motor Show this September.

Next VW GTI to get 260-hp from 2.0-liter four originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Jun 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet toots its 207-horsepower horn

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 21 May 2012 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Volkswagen

While we get the Volkswagen Eos, other markets get this: the Golf GTI Cabriolet. We had a good look at it under the lights of the Geneva Motor Show, and now VW has dropped a slew of photos of the convertible in its natural environment.

Under the hood is a 207-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, mated to either a six-speed manual or dual-clutch gearbox. The car's feminine aspect has been mentioned, but VW would like to focus people's attention on the 0-to-62 time of 7.3 seconds, making it the fastest GTI convertible ever, the top speed of 147 miles per hour, and it being "the most economical model in its class." And the man at the wheel in the press photos.

You can have a good, varied look at it in the gallery of high-res photos, and check out the press release by scrolling down.

Continue reading Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet toots its 207-horsepower horn

Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet toots its 207-horsepower horn originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet pops its top, just can't stop

Chris Tutor — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:58:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen

Despite the current trend, not every car looks good with its top lopped off. We're looking at you, Nissan and Land Rover. The Volkswagen GTI doesn't get any prettier after losing its roof and seems to get, well, a little softer, more, ok, we're just gonna say it - girly. A bit like the earlier VW Cabriolets but with enough horsepower to leave its critics in the dust.

That power comes from the GTI's 2.0-liter turbo four and six-speed gearbox (manual or DSG), which should make it a super-fun car to toss around back roads.

Folks in the UK can pick one up later this year. Available in the States? Not likely, unfortunately.

Continue reading 2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet pops its top, just can't stop

2012 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet pops its top, just can't stop originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next Volkswagen GTI mule snapped

Zach Bowman — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf GTI test mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has apparently commenced road tests for the company's next-generation Golf GTI and Golf R. Our legion of crafty spy photographers managed to nab a few photos of a pair of test mules spotted out and about in public. From the looks of things, the upcoming Golf GTI will rely on a set of dual-exhaust pipes in the future while the more menacing Golf R will go for quad pipes.

Volkswagen hasn't released any final details on either vehicle, but from the whispers kicking around the web, it sounds like both hatches will need their new easy-breathing exhausts. In GTI trim, the Golf is expected to kick out around 230 horsepower - 30 more ponies than the current model. Step up the Golf R and you'll likely be treated to closer to 300 ponies.

Long live the hot hatch. Stay tuned for more details as they surface, but in the meantime, check out this high-res gallery of spy shots.

Next Volkswagen GTI mule snapped originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 not coming to America after all?

Noah Joseph — Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:04:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Reports that the Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 would make the transatlantic voyage to American dealerships appear to have been premature, as follow-up reports indicate that the anniversary-edition Golf won't be offered Stateside.

The Edition 35, as you may recall, sports a special front end, wheels and interior, but most crucially, an extra 25 horses underhood for a total of 235 hp.

Word of its arrival in the United States originally emanated from Car and Driver, which now cites source inside Volkswagen of America that says that the U.S. division isn't interested in the special.

The model was created by VW to celebrate 35 years of the GTI, but hot hatch icon has only been available Stateside for 30.

Aside from which, VWoA apparently doesn't feel it needs the special to boost sales, creating its own editions on its own schedule - not to mention that the dropped air dam was deemed too low for American roads. We can do without the revised front end, but we hope Volkswagen of America will find another way to package those extra horses for American consumption.

Volkswagen GTI Edition 35 not coming to America after all? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 19 Jun 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen brings GTI Cabriolet to join Golf R Cabrio at Wörthersee [w/poll]

Noah Joseph — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:59:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, Europe, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's no doubt about it. Summer is here, and Volkswagen has gone crazy with open-air motoring. The German auto giant rolled in to its 30th-annual hot-hatch festival at Lake Wörthersee in Austria with the Skoda Fabia RS 2000 roadster. Then it dropped the top on a Golf R Cabriolet concept. But just in case that wasn't enough, VW also brought out a second Golf GTI Cabriolet.

Like the Golf R Cabrio, the formula for the GTI Cabrio is simplicity itself: take one new Golf Cabrio and one GTI, mix 'em together and this is what you get: 207 turbocharged horsepower to redo your coif in the open air. Just for good measure, VW also outfitted the show car with a full body kit, dropped suspension and special 19-inch wheels. The Firespark Metallic paint is offset by the high-gloss black trim, a color combo continued into the cabin decked out in black leather - Wörthersee is, after all, in the Austrian province of Corinthia - with red and grey top-stitching.

Unfortunately, like the Golf R cabrio and the Skoda roadster, this is strictly a show car for the time being, but if enough fans demand it, the GTI Cabrio could become a reality. So which would you rather drive home from your local dealership? Check out the images in the high-res gallery, scope out the full press release after the jump, and cast your vote below.

View Poll

Continue reading Volkswagen brings GTI Cabriolet to join Golf R Cabrio at Wörthersee [w/poll]

Volkswagen brings GTI Cabriolet to join Golf R Cabrio at Wörthersee [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MTM turns up the wick on Volkswagen GTI and GTD

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Hatchback, Volkswagen

MTM Volkswagen Golf GTI and GTD - Click above for high-res image gallery

MTM has completed two more versions of the Volkswagen Golf, and with the pleasant power increases come what appear to be pleasant prices. The petrol-powered Golf GTI gets a maximum of 310 horses and 302 pound-feet of torque if you opt for the ultimate stage of tune. That gives it 40 more hp and 44 more lb-ft than the Golf R, plus the same 0-to-60 time, in a package that costs thousands less.

The GTD gets bumps of 35 hp and 22 lb-ft, with a sprint to 62 mph that shaves 0.7 seconds. MTM lists the price for the upgrades as just €800 ($1,086 U.S.), only it hasn't said which upgrade that price applies to. Have a look at the company's press release after the jump and a gander at the cars themselves in the high-res gallery below.

Gallery: MTM Golf GTI and GTD

[Source: MTM]

Continue reading MTM turns up the wick on Volkswagen GTI and GTD

MTM turns up the wick on Volkswagen GTI and GTD originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Time waster of the day: Bourne Stunt Simulator

Siddharth Raja — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Volkswagen

Coinciding with the launch of the new Bourne Ultimatum movie, Volkswagen has launched an interactive stunt simulator that allows fans to play out their own stunts online as many times as they want. Users can maneuver any of six different VW models through different explosions, while altering vehicle speeds, props, sound effects and camera angles to make that perfect scene.

Product placement in the movie has several VW vehicles making an appearance, including the Touareg 2 SUV and Golf GTI, a smart move seeing that The Bourne Ultimatum has grossed more than $70 million in its first weekend. That's a hell of lot of viewers seeing VW's new models up on the big screen.

[Source: Bourne Simulator]

Time waster of the day: Bourne Stunt Simulator originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2007 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VW's Speedy Gonzalez commercials

John Neff — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Marketing/Advertising, Volkswagen

Volkswagen has gotten a lot of flack within the Hispanic community for using Warner Bros. Speedy Gonzalez cartoon character as a mascot for its new Golf GTI hot hatch. The German Car Blog has all three commercials being aired up on its site for reader review. The first commercial features the famous sombrero-laden rodent dropping his pantalones in front of the camera. Is it offensive? You be the judge.

VW's Speedy Gonzalez commercials originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Mar 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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