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An intriguing video from the Nürburgring shows Volkswagen pulling an old prototype for the Golf R420 out of the garage for some laps around the Nordschleife. We haven't seen VW testing the high-performance model for over a year, so why did the company decide to bring it out again? Our hope is that this could suggest that the German brand is considering building a few of them as a farewell to the current generation Golf before the new one arrives.
The R420 was supposed to be the road-going interpretation of the Golf R400 concept. A version of the 2.5-liter inline-five cylinder engine from models like the Audi RS3 would have produced 414 horsepower (309 kilowatts or 420 metric horsepower as the model name references). An all-wheel-drive system would have made the most of channeling this power to the road. Given the speed of the shifts in this video, it seems a dual-clutch gearbox would be available.
VW also updates the 2019 range to make driver assistance standard on the majority of its lineup.
Volkswagen of America celebrates its past with the introduction of the 2019 GTI Rabbit Edition that harkens back to the original iteration of the German hot hatch. The model slots in between the base S grade and mid-range SE.
The Rabbit Edition dresses in black over its 18-inch wheels with five sets of dual spokes, rear spoiler, and mirror caps. LED headlights with the company's Adaptive Front-lighting System comes standard. The body is available in Cornflower Blue, Urano Grey, Pure White, and Deep Black Pearl. On the inside, there are red-stitched floor mats and Rabbit seat tags. For a boost in tech, the bunny-themed model gets keyless access with push-button start, front assist, blind spot monitor, and rear traffic alert.
Regardless of trim, all examples of the 2019 VW GTI now feature a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 228 horsepower (170 kilowatts), rather than 220 hp (164 kW) from last year's model. More powerful brakes from the Golf R are also now standard, and there's a mechanical differential. The combination of forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor, and rear traffic alert is now optional on the S model but standard on the rest of the lineup.
VW is also announcing some updates for the rest of the 2019 model year lineup. Among them, the Golf and Golf SportWagen now get the 1.4-liter four-cylinder from the 2019 Jetta that produces 147 horsepower (110 kW) and 184 pound-feet (250 Newton-meters) of torque.
In addition, the majority of the range now comes standard with forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian monitoring, blind spot monitor, and rear. The models include Atlas, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf SportWagen, aforementioned GTI, and Passat. All examples of the Beetle and Beetle Convertible get Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Traffic, too.
Read another article, looks like all GTI will get the Golf R brakes (SE & Autobahn had them already, so the S gets the upgrade)
SE gets Fender audio & adjustable suspension (standard on Autobahn) as an option package.
LSD standard on all GTI (same as the Golf R brakes, only an upgrade for the S)
Good things come to those who wait, seems to be Volkswagen’sslogan when it comes to the development of the Golf Mk8.
Announced for 2019, with production to kick off next summer, the all-new Golf needs to set the bar even higher and maintain its status as a point of reference within the segment.
This is why designing the new sheet metal, which will bring it in line with the brand’s latest vehicles, is a tough job as it must be new, yet instantly recognizable as a Golf. Still, we expect to see some cues from the brand’s latest design language, as seen in the Arteon four-door coupe and Touareg SUV, as well as the smaller T-Roc crossover.
On the other hand, VW always goes for evolution instead of revolution for its most popular model, so we guess that Kleber Silva’s render that sees the upcoming Golf getting a huge grille from the Arteon isn’t close to what we should expect from the finished item.
In order to up the ante for its direct rivals, such as the Ford Focus, the 2020 Golf will adopt new technologies. A semi-autonomous system is expected to be one of them, which will ease driving through congested traffic.
So far, Volkswagen has managed to keep most features a secret, but with its unveiling date fast approaching, we will definitely see more of it in the months to come, both in prototypes form testing out in the wild as well as various renderings trying to guess what the popular hatch will look like.
I dunno what you guys are on about? I mean, is it the larger grille? Seriously, it looks mostly like every other Golf to my eye. In fact, I'm not sure if there's even a point to a Golf News thread since the car has always and will always look pretty much the same.
If you are a fan of wagons, your choices are slim in America. If you want a wagon with 3 pedals, you basically have one option in the way of the Sportwagen/Alltrack from VW. But for 2019 VW will allow you to get a fully loaded Alltrack SEL with manual goodness if you desire.
Here is a #hottake incoming, the lifted and cladded VW Alltrack actually looks better than the Golf SportWagen. I know that is against the grain with longroof lovers, but even though I hate to admit it, the Alltrack is the nicer car, with its standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive, nicer interior options and the fact that VW doesn’t relegate you to only the base model if you want to row your own gears.
Previously, if you did choose the manual Alltrack it was only available on the base S trim and the mid-level SE. Both cars came pretty well equipped, but for folks that wanted the fully loaded SEL, you were out of luck if you also wanted a clutch pedal. Despite the fact that the overall take rate on manual Alltracks isn’t that high, for the 2019 model year VW is adding the 6MT to the top of the line SEL.
In addition to the manual option, VW is also adding a full range of advanced safety tech across the line such as Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitor, and Rear Traffic Alert. The Alltrack’s 1.8-liter turbo-four that makes 168 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque may not be the quickest wagon around, but it’s no slouch and the aftermarket has easy solutions for more power if you are a bit cavalier about your warranty.
Now here is the bad news friends, finding a three-pedal Alltrack won’t be easy. According to Autotrader, there are currently around 30 new manual Alltracks for sale in the entire country. So you may have to be willing to travel or order one from the factory.
I don’t understand why VW has to cut HP on that engine down to 168. Yes, a 6MT and 199lb-ft is okay but the car is a bit of a dog because the car has no grunt at higher speeds.
I don’t understand why VW has to cut HP on that engine down to 168. Yes, a 6MT and 199lb-ft is okay but the car is a bit of a dog because the car has no grunt at higher speeds.
Most people don't know/care about power and are fine with it. They'd rather have the higher fuel economy that comes with a less powerful engine.
Most people don't know/care about power and are fine with it. They'd rather have the higher fuel economy that comes with a less powerful engine.
Depends where you are, I suppose. But yeah, I would imagine Texas is one of the places where power matters. However there are definitely parts of Europe where you wouldn't need that power.
Depends where you are, I suppose. But yeah, I would imagine Texas is one of the places where power matters. However there are definitely parts of Europe where you wouldn't need that power.
There's plenty of people in the US who don't need it too. The torque is more than enough to scoot through traffic and get around town which is what most people do with these anyway.
The average consumer gives exactly zero fucks about 0-60 times, no one buys a Golf Alltrack to set 0-60 times or even know what it is. I bet the 0-30 time is just fine which is actually what the average person would do with this thing or care about anyway.
Also, most SUV's are that or slower these days and they sell in droves.
I drove the Alltrack SEL along with the GTI.
Comparing the 2, the Alltrack is obviously a lot less exciting to drive, but it didn't feel 'slow' either.
Driving it after the GTI, I definitely felt it needed a bit more power to be more enjoyable, but it's not bad for the majority of commuter car buyers. And, I'd possibly take an Alltrack over an Outback/TourX.
The average consumer gives exactly zero fucks about 0-60 times, no one buys a Golf Alltrack to set 0-60 times or even know what it is. I bet the 0-30 time is just fine which is actually what the average person would do with this thing or care about anyway.
Also, most SUV's are that or slower these days and they sell in droves.
I still would argue you're doing the average consumer a disservice. The average consumer knows when they're having trouble passing a car on the highway and they know it's because the car isn't fast enough.
I still would argue you're doing the average consumer a disservice. The average consumer knows when they're having trouble passing a car on the highway and they know it's because the car isn't fast enough.
Exactly and while they don’t care about times, they would definitely care if the car feels like it scares them when merging.
The VW can lag off the line momentarily until the boost kicks in, and it quickly runs out of breath when you ask for anything more than moderate acceleration, notes features editor Christian Seabaugh, who describes it as "borderline underpowered," especially when passing.
IMO they are just being cheap. That engine routinely comes with 200hp in other VW models.
Few could have imagined what the Volkswagen Golf GTI is about to become when the first generation launched way back in 1976. According to a report coming from Germany’s Auto Bild, the eighth-gen GTI is slated to produce up to around 300 hp. To compare, the current GTI has a total of 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four.
Expect to see front-wheel-drive return, as has been the case with all previous GTIs. Now it’s also possible that 300 or so ponies will be exclusive for a GTI "Performance” version, while the "standard” GTI will have a slightly more modest 245 hp on tap. Auto Bild further claims the new hot hatch’s exterior styling will feature a narrow grille, larger lower intake, dual exhaust tips, and a roof spoiler.
While the styling will be updated, as is done with every new generation Golf, it will still be immediately recognizable as a GTI. But think about it. A 300 or so hp GTI that’s still FWD? Assuming this rumor is true (Auto Bild is known as a reliable source), then it’ll be interesting to see what VW engineers will come up with to avoid potential torque steer.
Volkswagen has just unveiled the Golf GTI TCR, a street-legal version inspired by the touring car racing model.
The TCR slots between the Golf GTI Performance and Golf R, and packs a 290 PS (286 hp / 213 kW) turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. That’s 45 PS (44 hp / 34 kW) more than the GTI and only 10 PS (10 hp / 7 kW) less than the R.
The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission channels the output to the front wheels, for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint time of 5.6 seconds, while top speed can be optionally increased from 250 to 260 km/h (155-162 mph).
The new Golf GTI TCR stands out courtesy of a few exterior updates, such as the front splitter, side sill extensions, roof spoiler and diffuser, which are all specific to this model. It also gets 18-inch wheels, black side mirror caps, LED headlights, a front-axle differential lock and perforated brake discs.
Clients can spec a new honeycomb foil for the side panels, black roof and carbon mirror caps. They can also choose between a couple of optional packages. The first one comes with the DCC adaptive suspension, sportier rear damping, increased V-max and 19-inch rims with 235/35 tires. The second one gets the same features and adds semi-slicks for the (different) 19-inch wheels, and additional wheel locks with anti-theft protection.
Opening the doors projects the TCR logo to the tarmac, and once inside, users will find front sports seats with new microfiber/fabric design, an exclusive sports steering wheel and red accents all around.
Order books have already opened in Germany, where the starting price stands at €38,950 ($44,554), tax included. This places it exactly between the €33,625 ($38,463) Golf GTI Performance and the €41,175 ($47,099) Golf R, while the optional packages cost €2,350 ($2,688) and €3,200 ($3,660), respectively.
Not for the US market I'm assuming? This is awesome though, looks like a party in a can though I'm surprised there isn't a manual option. Basically looks like a FWD, 2 door Golf R.
I doubt this will come with 300hp lol. Maybe up to 250hp-260hp.
If the 400hp R rumors are accurate, then I can see a 300hp GTI being true. I don't see it happening in the base model, and it most likely won't come to North America.
And with the 7DSG, while we only get the 6DSG on the GTI.
We also don't get the GTI Performance.
Germans keeping the goodies to themselves.
the 19 R also now has another wheel choice. ...those mother fuckers...
Originally Posted by civicdrivr
If the 400hp R rumors are accurate, then I can see a 300hp GTI being true. I don't see it happening in the base model, and it most likely won't come to North America.
I guess we'll see. I'm not sure we'll see a 400hp R just because that would heavily eat into RS3 territory.
I guess we'll see. I'm not sure we'll see a 400hp R just because that would heavily eat into RS3 territory.
Isn't the RS3 due for a refresh in the next year or two? I can see power growing slightly, but you're right, the gap between the two would be minor. Most of the rumors for the R also point to ditching Haldex and using electric motors on the rear axle, so maybe that would be the differentiation between the two? But who are we kidding - we'll be lucky if we get any of the high spec Golfs on these shores
Last month, we posted a couple of videos that were supposed to show the 2020 Golf. Now, thanks to Instagram user johannes.vag, who snapped those pics, we can see the eighth generation of VW’s icon virtually undisguised, sans some barely noticeable stickers here and there .
This, then, is the eighth iteration. And just like the last two generations, it’s both instantly recognizable as a Golf and, at the same time, different enough as to make onlookers realize it’s the latest Golf. Kinda like the Porsche 911, only much cheaper and affordable.
Mind you, VW is always very careful not to mess too much with the styling, as it understandably doesn’t want to ruin a winning formula. Thus, even though it shares no panels with the Mk7 and sports sharper head- and tail-lamps, a new grille, and new front and rear bumpers, you won’t mistake it for anything else even if one were to remove its badges.
It goes without saying that the Golf Mk8 is one of the most (if not the most) eagerly awaited new models of the year – and for good reason, as it’s one of the longest-running nameplates in history. It first launched in 1974 and, in the years that followed, became VW’s best seller and defined its segment so much that the latter is widely referred to as the “Golf class”.
The Golf is the standard against which all newcomers are measured, and that was true even when it wasn’t the best car in its class (MK3, we’re looking at you). To a large number of buyers, the Golf was (and still is) the compact hatch to have, and to rival automakers, the one that they wanted to beat.
The all-new Golf will be based on an upgraded version of the existing model’s platform, named MQB Evo. Not only will it be lighter (up to45 kg or 100 pounds), It will also have a slightly larger wheelbase than the current Golf, thus offering improved room in the cabin and, possibly, the boot as well. It should also come with a fresh interior, a lot of safety gear and connectivity options, and probably a semi-autonomous system as well.
In January 2018, VW announced that production of the brand new Golf will commence in June 2019. Expect a number of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder petrol and diesel units at launch and, at some point, probably a full- or mild-hybrid version.
Of course, later down the road VW will also launch a new GTI, as this is the version that launched a thousand hot hatches. No details are known right now, but in all likelihood it will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with close to 300 horses; and that means that the even more powerful Golf R will be pumped up as well.
09-10-2018, 02:48 PM
So, some special colors & black trim?
It's a MK8 render, based on the MK7.5 (it appears) by Kleber Silva. Incorporating the Arteon front design & the T-Roc rear.
