Autoblog

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD is our favorite oil-burning GTI

Zach Bowman — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD has officially bowed at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. Engineers managed to squeeze an additional 14 horsepower and 22 pound-feet of torque out of the familiar 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine, nudging total output to 184 hp and 280 lb-ft for 2014. The figures are good enough to earn the GTD the honor of being the most powerful diesel Golf in Volkswagen history. A start/stop system helps improve efficiency over the previous generation with the new model consuming 56 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. That's up from the 2013 model's 46 mpg. A six-speed manual transmission is standard equipment, though a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox is also available.

The GTD also offers buyers a few aesthetic tweaks to help separate the hatch from its less potent siblings. Those include a more aggressive front fascia, special badges and 17-inch alloy wheels. Expect to find the GTD in one of three exterior colors, including Tornado Red, Black and Pure White. Check out the quick press release below for more details.

Continue reading 2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD is our favorite oil-burning GTI

2014 Volkswagen Golf GTD is our favorite oil-burning GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen debuts MkVII-based diesel Golf GTD

Jeffrey N. Ross — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

As Volkswagen prepares for the launch of the seventh-generation Golf, it continues to show off some of the car's different variants. With the standard Golf and the ultra-efficient BlueMotion Concept out of the way, now we're finally starting to see some of the sportier versions planned for the hatchback. Confirmed for a debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen has now given us our first glimpse at the Golf GTD.

Just think of the GTD as a diesel version of the GTI with all the handling and styling upgrades, and then add a torquey engine to the equation. (We had the chance to sample the current GTD over the summer, so click here to read more.) To go with the new body style, VW also gave the GTD a new TDI engine consisting of a similar turbocharged and direct-injected 2.0-liter inline-four layout but with an output of 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque - that's an increase of 14 hp and 22 lb-ft over the current GTD. That's a pretty good oomph, but the GTD won't be setting any acceleration records with VW quoting a 0-62 mile per hour time of 7.5 seconds thanks to the car's 3,036-pound curb weight.

The styling of the MkVII Golf lends itself quite well to the more aggressive body kit found on the GTD (and likely matching the GTI). The new front fascia and blacked-out grille give the GTD a sporty look up front, while 17-inch sport wheels, rocker panel extensions and smoked LED taillights finish off the visual changes. The GTD will only be offered in three exterior colors: Tornado Red, Black and Pure White. As expected, the interior gets the plaid seat inserts and flat-bottomed sport steering wheel, but the car also gets stainless steel pedals, a black headliner, ambient cabin lighting and a specific gauge cluster readout.

Aside from saying the GTD will get a "lowered sport suspension," there is word on what specific changes were made, but if that slammed stance is anything to go by, this is going to be one fun car on the track. Volkswagen has yet to say whether or not the 2014 GTD will be sold in the US, but buyers in Germany can get their hands on this car in June with a starting price of 29,350 euros, which will include standard features such as park assist and a touch-screen infotainment system.

Continue reading Volkswagen debuts MkVII-based diesel Golf GTD

Volkswagen debuts MkVII-based diesel Golf GTD originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 Volkswagen Golf GTD

Chris Paukert — Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel, Quick Spins

We're something of a broken record on Volkswagen's TDI family of diesels - torquey and efficient, they're really well-suited to the way Americans drive. We put that sentiment to a year-long test with a Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition not long ago, and enjoyed our time in what was basically an oil-burning GTI with a trunk. That is, until an unsolved catastrophic engine failure saw VW yank it away after just eight months. They subsequently replaced our Cup Street with a bog-standard Jetta TDI (in the new A6 generation), but the thrill was gone.

Judging by our brief time with this Kermit Metallic, not-for-North-America Golf GTD - essentially a diesel GTI - we think we could learn to love again. And given that Volkswagen is freely handing this hatchback out to journalists in the States, we can say that there's some truth to the rumors that executives want to bring the next-gen model to the U.S. in 2014. We're ready when you are, VW...

Driving Notes:

Our old Jetta Cup Street had all of the sporty fixins' of the GLI, from its aero kit and firmed-up suspension to its more supportive plaid seats - but it still relied on the standard 140-horsepower, 236 pound-foot 2.0-liter diesel found in every other Jetta TDI. Not the GTD. Tweaks to the ECU programming take advantage of a different intake, new injectors, exhaust and a modified turbocharger to net 170 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. That puts it down an even 30 horses on a comparable GTI, but up 51 lb-ft.
As a result, the GTD is plenty quick, but it's plainly a bit more reluctant with throttle response than the gas GTI, with a 0-60 time of about eight seconds. Despite this, it's good fun, with great passing power.
VW seems to have done a better job disguising the GTD's diesel clatter than what I remember of our long-term Jetta TDIs.
The DSG dual-clutch gearbox probably matches the diesel's narrow rev-band better than a manual. Still, we're dying to find out if the clutch feel of the stick shift is better than on our recently departed Jetta TDI which was, to be polite, dreadful.
Though there's no EPA guidance on this car since it isn't sold here, the 2013 Golf TDI with DSG nets 30/42 mpg ratings, and our brief drive time suggests that the GTD wouldn't be far afield from those numbers. The 2013 GTI rings up 24/33, so there's a huge difference. It's worth noting that we've observed similar-to-EPA numbers in other TDIs even while working them fairly hard, something we can't say for their gas equivalents. Range is huge, too.
It's hard for us to compare handling to the standard GTI, because our test car was fitted with non-U.S. optional adaptive damping. It delivered a good balance of immediacy and ride comfort, but so does the standard GTI - we'd just assume do without the added cost and complexity.
Pictures just don't adequately express how shockingly green this paint is. It's not for everyone, but we got compliments and absolutely love it. Let's hope VW brings it over, even on the standard GTI.
How can we tell this isn't a U.S. model just by sitting inside? The cupholder features a removable bottle opener. You know, for mineralwasser.
A 2013 VW GTI starts at $23,995, so we're guessing you'd want to add a couple grand to the base price for a GTD.

2012 Volkswagen Golf GTD originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Oct 2012 14:58:00 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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VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January

Sam Abuelsamid — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:40:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Hatchback, Volkswagen, Diesel

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.

Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD

VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New VW Golf GTD to debut in April, Rabbit GTD to follow for U.S.?

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:28:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Green, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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]

New VW Golf GTD to debut in April, Rabbit GTD to follow for U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:28:00 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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Next VW GTI puts out 210 hp, R version gets AWD and 270 hp

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Paris Motor Show, Hatchback, Volkswagen

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

Volkswagen's high-performance plans for the new Golf will spawn three new models, beginning with the new 210 hp GTI set to debut in Paris and go on sale in the middle of 2009. According to Automotive News, the Mk. VI GTI will sprint to 60 in a tick above seven seconds and hit a top speed of around 150 mph.

A performance-oriented diesel Golf, dubbed the GTD, will hit the market in April, putting out around 170 hp from its common-rail diesel, while a range-topping R model, available through Volkswagen Individual, will be churn out 270 hp, send power to all four wheels and will be equipped with an aero package that includes a "black gleaming diffuser." Sales of the R version will begin in November of 2009.

Gallery: Volkswagen Golf VI

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Next VW GTI puts out 210 hp, R version gets AWD and 270 hp originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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