According to freshly emerged reports, the eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI will arrive in early 2019 and bring with it a plethora of new developments over the current car.
For starters, Automobile Magazine suggests that it will be underpinned by the MQB evo platform created as a development for the current MQB architecture used by the German hatchback. Thanks to its MQB evo underpinning, the next-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI will reportedly weigh in at 50-100 pounds less than the current car.
Elsewhere, it is suggested that the current 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo engine of the Golf R has been given the go-ahead for use in the next-gen Golf GTI. If true, that means the new GTI will deliver 300 hp compared to the 210 hp it currently pumps out. Beyond this powerplant, it is reported that the new Golf GTI could be installed with a 2.5-litre or 3.0-litre V6 engine but that seems less likely.
Whatever engine is chosen, a six-speed manual transmission is tipped to come standard while a dual-clutch transmission will be available as an option. Elsewhere, upgraded brakes over the current Golf GTI are inevitable as are adaptive dampers and an advanced electronic limited-slip differential. Interestingly, it is suggested that all of these elements will be installed into a package with a longer wheelbase and more heavily raked windscreen than the current car.
Beyond the next-gen Golf GTI, it is claimed that Golf R and RS models will also be offered. The Golf R will apparently pump out 350 hp while the Golf RS will deliver 400 hp. Both will make their power from twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines while also adopting all-wheel drive.
[Via Automobile Magazine]
