Volkswagen Golf GTI to get petrol power boost and tech upgrade
The ICE-powered hot hatch is to bow out ahead of VW’s all-electric future
Volkswagen is preparing to give the Golf GTI one final petrol power boost and tech upgrade before switching to electric-only performance models.
The new GTI, due to be revealed early next year, is tipped to stick to the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
It currently delivers 242bhp, enough for a 0-62mph time of 6.3sec, before reaching its limited top speed of 155mph.
With this updated version, power could be boosted to around 262bhp, with torque increasing to around 300lb ft.
The new GTI is also expected to get a chassis upgrade, with a stiffer rear axle carrier and a more advanced version of the DCC adaptive suspension system.
A manual gearbox option may also be available, thanks to relaxations to the impending Euro 7 emission regulations.
From what can be seen from spy shots of the car’s interior published online, the Golf GTI is expected to get a wide-reaching revamp of the cockpit and infotainment suite, with a new 12.9in touchscreen and a 10.4in instrument display.
The haptic controls on the steering wheel look to have been replaced by conventional switches and buttons, and the Golf will adopt higher-quality materials throughout.
Exterior revisions will be more subtle, but massaged bumpers and reshaped headlights will be the key differentiators.
The new Golf GTI is expected to be launched in early 2024.