ABT just announced it’s version of the MK6 GTI, check out the press release and photos below. Can’t say I’m a fan of the body accessories or wheels.

ABT GTI

ABT GTI Rear

ABT GTI Front

ABT GTI Interior

Press release (translated):

“For five decades refined ABT Sportline now vehicles – and to match the anniversary, the Allgäuer the new, sixth GTI before. With these three letters since 1976 are very athletic and quick “Gölfe” means.From the beginning, ABT was the first address for those who have more driving dynamics and wanted. Even the current generation of compact athlete carries the magic code, and of course it is also now available in a stunning version of ABT to have. Already impressed with the performance, because from the standard 210 hp (154 kW) through optimized engine management (ABT POWER) dynamic 260 hp (191 kW). ABT POWER S makes the GTI even sharper: In this case, in addition, a new turbocharger “made in Kempten” are used. Then provide the sporty 2.0 TSI 300 hp (221 kW) and accelerates in just six seconds from a standstill to 100 km / h. Thanks ABT suspension springs, the focus of the GTI satte 30 millimeters lower, making the transmission more sporty golf can be driven. Especially on twisty roads, the abbot of Christian’s chassis attitude really fun. And the brakes from the house of ABT is also in extreme cases vigorously.

But ABT Golf GTI is not just a hot sports equipment for the street, he sees this: The body package, which the designers have designed, underlines the sheer dynamism of the car: No matter which side of the GTI is considered, he always impressed . Rear spoiler attachment and rear bumper, side moldings, front grill and sloping apron and the winding 4-pipe exhaust system form one unit. In addition, the abbots designed a front lip which, in combination with the front apron and the new ABT daytime running lights for a power-performance provides. This fits well then the elegant expressive colors such as: Painting in carbon steel gray metallic harmonizes perfectly with side rails and front lip in the contrast color red are required. Also in the interior, the design continues, because all the apertures, the ring of the combined instrument panels and steering wheel are in the tone painted. One sees the Allgäuer athletes, that he is more than a “normal” Golf GTI – and is the sixth variant of the fast compact with the large tailgate in the best tradition. Even his five predecessors were in the ABT “About Golf”. ABT and GTI, these six letters are easy for 33 years.”

Source – http://www.abt-sportsline.de/tuning/shop/VW-Golf-VI-GTI-5K0_1370_4

Volkswagen has a major success on its hands with the latest Jetta TDI. Not only has the fuel efficient machine managed to take home nearly every green car award known to man, it’s also been selling in numbers well over its initial sales goal. When the German automaker launched the diesel sedan, it had estimated that about 20% of all units sold would be equipped with an oil-burning engine. In reality, about half of all wagons sold have the TDI mill and about 30% of sedans are so equipped.

For this reason, VW is now expecting that 30% of all 2010 Golf hatchbacks will be sold with the automaker’s 2.0L turbocharged diesel engine when it goes on sale in the U.S. later this year. Interestingly, fellow German automakers BMW and Mercedes-Benz have not seen this kind of success with their latest diesel engines. We imagine that the low price of the Jetta TDI in comparison to its gasoline-powered siblings may have plenty to do with its strong sales numbers.

Source – Autoblog

(These are preliminary and still may change)pdf files:

Golf – http://media.vw.com/article_download.cfm?article_id=10477

GTI – http://media.vw.com/article_download.cfm?article_id=10476

“Volkswagen has officially taken the wraps off its diesel-powered GTD ahead of its AMI in Leipzig debut next month. As the name implies the GTD is essentially a diesel-powered version of VW’s hot GTI hatch. Such a model has been rumored since late last year.

The GTD use VW’s 2.0L TDI powerplant, tuned to produce 170 horsepower and 258 b-ft of torque. That power will be sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or VW’s six-speed DSG gearbox.

Although not as quick as its GTI counterpart, the GTD will make the sprint from 0-62 in 8.1 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 136 mph. The GTD uses only 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, which roughly translates into a combined 44 mpg.

Despite the oil-burner up front, the GTD still shares plenty of DNA with its GTI counterpart. The GTD employs 17-inch wheels, a sports-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes. The GTD uses the same front fascia as the GTI, but sports a chrome grille accents instead of red.

Inside the GTD features sport seats and a three-spoke steering wheel with a flattened bottom. A unique black headliner distinguishes the GTD from other Golf models.

The GTD will hit the German market sometime this summer — with a base price of 27,475.00 Euros — but it remains unclear if VW will market the GTD in the States. However, VW is already pushing its diesel technology on the American public in the form of the Jetta TDI, so it remains possible that we could see GTD on our shores in the not-too-distant future. ”

Source – http://www.leftlanenews.com/volkswagen-gtd.html

Autocar drives the new GTI

“What is it?This is the new VW Golf GTI, the Mk6, although it’s not quite brand new. Beneath the new VW Golf GTI’s freshened body lurks an upgraded version of its predecessor’s underpinnings and floorpan. Given the praise heaped on that car, it’s a great starting point. Still, there is still plenty that is new about Wolfsburg’s latest hot hatch.

The styling changes successfully set the latest VW Golf GTI apart from the standard Golf. At the front, the angular headlamps with unique inner graphics are neatly offset by a shiny black honeycomb grille and a front bumper with an integrated splitter.

Further back, black extensions are added to the side sills, a spoiler is mounted above the rear window and a deeper rear bumper houses chromed tail pipes.

Step inside the VW Golf GTI and you find an upgraded version of the standard Golf’s excellent cabin. The heavily cushioned seats support and secure your body well, and offer a broad range of manual adjustment. They are, however, mounted higher than those in the VW Scirocco, so you get a slightly less sporty driving position.

It might appear the same on paper (right on down to its bore and stroke) but the VW Golf GTI’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine is, in fact, different to that found in its predecessor. Part of Volkswagen’s new EA888 engine family, it produces 207bhp, an increase of 10bhp over the old Golf GTi and generated 200rpm further round the dial, at 5300rpm. Torque remains the same as before, peaking at 206lb ft from just 1700rpm.
What’s it like?

The first thing that hits you is just how flexible this latest Golf GTi engine is; it’s as happy on the autoroute behind Nice as it is screaming up the snaking roads leading into the surrounding mountains.

You can feel the shove begin to swell from 1500rpm, and it remains wonderfully consistent. It is only when you approach the abrupt 7000rpm cut-out that it begins to run out of breath. And boy, does it sound good; there is a delicious rift of induction blare and a hearty rumble through the exhaust.

The new VW Golf GTi’s 0-62mph time remains at 6.9sec in manual guise. Top speed has increased by 3mph to 149mph. Still, Volkswagen’s data is notoriously conservative, so don’t be surprised to see independent tests improving on those figures. And there’s no doubting the efficiency of the new engine; its CO2 emissions of 170g/km are 54g/km less than a Focus ST’s.

A six-speed manual gearbox comes as standard, while VW’s six-speed DSG double-clutch unit is an option. Our test car was a manual; the shift action is light and the travel is long, meaning it can sometimes snag when you hurry the lever across the gates. However, it is imbued with an excellent spread of ratios.

In suspension terms, the new Golf GTi follows the lead of lesser Golf models, using MacPherson struts up front and a compact four-arm multi-link rear. It’s little changed over the old model. But while the hardware is familiar, it has all been tuned to provide the sort of sharpness and response that hot hatch customers demand. Firmer spring and damper rates lower the body by 22mm (front) and 15mm (rear) compared with other Mk6 Golfs. Beefed-up anti-roll bars are also fitted for added body control.

Other developments include VW’s ACC adaptive chassis control system. It links the dampers to the steering and throttle, adjusting the bump and rebound properties for added ride refinement. An associated system called dynamic chassis control also adjusts the electronic assistance of the steering.

Even in sport mode, the ride is nicely controlled, and since this has been achieved without resorting to overly soft damping, the GTI has excellent body control too.

At lower speeds the electro-mechanical steering can sometimes feel over-assisted; the apparent lightness is aimed at aiding manoeuvrability around town. Where it really shines is out on the open road, where it weights up progressively and proves impressively direct as you tip in to tightening corners.

A good part of the precision within the steering can be traced to the adoption of an optional electronic differential for the first time, for Volkswagen has done an excellent job of quelling torque steer without resorting to a mechanical limited-slip diff.

There’s sufficient performance, a heightened level of handling and accompanying composure to ensure that the Golf GTI punches well above its price tag.
Should I buy one?

It would be hard to argue against it. While still possessing the ingrained sporting character that made its predecessor so memorable, the new VW Golf GTI displays small but important improvements in its overall dynamic repertoire. Detailed as they may be, they help make it even more compelling to drive while introducing a further degree of refinement. ”

- Greg Kable

Source – http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Volkswagen-Golf-GTI/238885/

210hp, 0-60 6.9sec (VW claim)
Check em out:

New MK6 GTI

New rear dual exhaust setup:

MK6 GTI rear exhaust setup

Interior:

New MK6 GTI interior

“In November Volkswagen unveiled a thinly disguised ‘concept’ of the new Mark VI Golf GTI, one of the most acclaimed hot hatches on the market, and then earlier today the first images of the actual production version hit the web. Following the success of the current-generation Mark V model, there were high expectations for the latest Mark VI model but unfortunately the first tentative details about it are on the disappointing side.

The Mark VI model retains a 2.0L turbo engine but only develops 210hp (155kW) – just 10hp more than the previous model. Top speed has been limited to 148mph (239km/h) and VW claims the car will hit the 62mph (100km/h) benchmark in 7.2 seconds.

According to a new report, VW had a reason to limit the performance of the new Mark VI. That reason is so that it can introduce a high-performance ‘R’ version of the car to replace the outgoing R32.

While it was previously thought that the R label would be used first on a new high-performance version of the Scirocco coupe, Car and Driver is reporting that there will first be a new R-series Golf. Possibly called the Golf R20, the new hot-hatch is expected to deliver 270hp (201kW) and be fitted with a six-speed manual and AWD. A dual-clutch DSG is also expected to be featured as an option. The 0-62mph (100km/h) sprint should fall into the five second bracket and top speed will likely be set somewhat higher than that of the GTI.

The R-series Golf is expected to go on sale in Europe towards the end of the year and be launched in the U.S. in early 2010. The car is expected to make its world debut at this year’s DAC 24-hour race at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Incidentally, VW will reportedly unveil a R-series Scirocco coupe at the same event, details of which you can read in our previous story by clicking here.”

Source – http://www.motorauthority.com/report-volkswagen-planning-golf-r-series-for-us.html

Check it out! http://www.worldcarfans.com/9090130.011/vw-golf-gti-vi-production-version-images-leaked

After drooling over the new MKVI GTI pics, I thought I would give it a shot and do some minor additions. Check it out:

New MK6 GTI photoshop

Mods include: new fogs, lowered (of course), Scirocco wheels, front splitter, side skirts, exaggerated fenders, blacked out mirrors & emblem and a wider stance.