VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January

Several months back, prior to the U.S. launch of the MK VI VW Golf, rumors emerged that the American branch was going to offer the GTD version of the hatchback. For those unfamiliar with the GTD, it is 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 we are in Germany this week to drive the new Golf lineup, we spoke with VW of America product planner Andres Valbuena about the GTD.

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. When we first wrote about the GTD, we speculated that it would likely carry the existing 140 hp 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 is 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 that is 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.

[Source: VW]