VW finally launches 2010 Golf GTI
http://www.motorauthority.com/volksw...n-version.html
At last year’s Paris Motor Show Volkswagen unveiled a thinly disguised 'concept' of the Mark VI Golf GTI, the latest iteration of one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market. New shots released today show the concept car was in fact a doppelganger for the production model, right down to the fog lights and license plate holder.
As expected, the Mark VI GTI's styling remains similar to the outgoing model and is differentiated mostly by a new front bumper design. The last generation was purchased by 1.7 million people and it’s expected that the new model will do just as well, if not better. With both three and five-door versions available, it should appeal to a wider range of buyers looking for a sportier-than-average euro hatch.
The Mark VI Golf platform is the basis for the GTI update and, like its more mundane companions, the GTI is an evolutionary step forward. The performance hatch retains a 2.0L turbo engine but now develops 210hp (155kW), which is just 10hp (7kW) more than the outgoing model. Top speed is limited to 240km/h and the 0-100km/h benchmark takes just 6.9 seconds. Just as impressive is the engine’s flexibility. In fifth gear, the GTI accelerates from 80 to 120 km/h in 7.5 seconds, and even in sixth gear this feat takes less than 10 seconds.
This is because the engine has been tuned to ensure torque throughout the rev range, with the GTI developing 206lb-ft (280Nm) as early as 1,800pm. The low-end grunt also helps the car achieve an average fuel economy of only 31.6mpg (7.4L/100km), according to the European cycle.
Rather than adding lots power to their hot hatches, like most car companies do, VW has concentrated on improving the dynamics of the new GTI with a new sports suspension, DCC adaptive damping and an XDS electronic differential. Drive will be sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
First sales will start in Germany this week, with North American versions scheduled to arrive by the middle of the year.
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, and stop-start tech (selected models). but that is one solid interior on the GTI oh my
