2014 Volkswagen GTI

The Volkswagen GTI is a sportier and less expensive sibling of the Golf R, and it will soon enter its seventh generation. In some cases, you will see new cars that are just not as good as the ones they replaced, but with the about-to-be-released 2014 Volkswagen GTI the case will be different. Although the basic formula used on the current GTI stays, according to some reliable sources Volkswagen will try to bring back the spirit behind the first generation GTI by using a special lightweight Carbon in the exterior. No wonder, some people also call it Carbon GTI. It will compete with the Ford Focus ST, Honda Civic Si and Mazda Mazdaspeed3.

Platform and Design

We have seen the spy shots of a prototype of the almost production ready car. The 2014 VW GTI changes slightly from what we were used to. The PQ35 platform has been dropped; it will be built on the new Volkswagen’s MQB platform. The new platform used is about 150 pounds lighter than the one it replaces. With this MQB platform used, buyers should expect the Volkswagen GTI 2014 model to allow higher possibilities for variation while giving more economies of scale and delivering greater performance than what its predecessor offer.

A hi-tech carbon fibre will be used to make the roof and bonnet of the 2014 VW GTI, while the windscreen surround, front bulkhead and floor panels will all be built from lightweight aluminium. As a result of the carbon fibre and aluminium used on the exterior, the car will be about 440 pounds lighter than the current GTI. A five and three-door variant of the 2014 Volkswagen GTI has been planned, but a cabriolet may come later on. We are also expecting a new fascia, two exhaust pipes and an attractively-styled interior.

Powertrain

2014 VW GTI will share the same powertrain with the current sixth-generation GTI. So, you should expect an Audi-developed EA888 turbocharged 2.0-litre engine to be mated with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual transmission in the next GTI. The engine will be re-engineered to deliver between 220 and 230 HP (50 horsepower more than what the current GTI’s engine delivers). A VAQ front differential system (an electronically controlled clutch-type system that works like the Golf R’s Haldex all-wheel-drive) will be included in the setup to enable the vehicle handle the extra output from the engine. 2014 VW GTI changes in some ways, but just like the current Volkswagen Golf hatchbacks, cornering performance will be boosted with a variable-rate steering rack. We are expecting a GTI inspired GTD to be launched in Europe soon, but it will be powered by a 180-hp, 2.0-litre turbo-diesel. Also, we have heard of plans to produce the new generation Golf R with an all-wheel drive that will be powered by a 300 HP, GTI 2.0 litre turbo engine.

Release Date and Price

The current VW GTI is priced at $24,765, the new one will likely have the same price tag when it is released. The Volkswagen GTI 2014 model could make it to the dealerships in Europe by 2014 to mark Golf’s 40^th anniversary, but we do not expect it earlier than mid-2013.