Paris Motor Show: Mk7 Golf GTI officially revealed

[The Mighty Elvi]

HERE










Not to sure about the red line going across the lights myself...



The iconic hot hatch will be offered with a new 2.0 turbo petrol engine with two different power outputs: 217bhp and 227bhp.

The low-power engine will be in a standard version of the new model. It will be able to crack 0-62mph in 6.6sec. New features include a progressive steering system that's designed to be light and easy while manoeuvring but more sporty and direct at speed.

The lightweight MQB platform that underpins the car and the new engine help improve economy over its predecessor to a claimed 47mpg.

VW R&D chief Ulrich Hackenberg describes the new model as "Low weight", offering "outstanding performance in a car that's both comfortable and sporty".

The 227bhp version of the GTi will come with a host of other upgrades for a more focused drive. It has a max speed of 155mph and has larger 17in brake discs, plus a new electronic differential to improve cornering speeds.

Tests of the new Golf GTi on the nurburgting have proved it to be 13sec quicker than its predecessor.

The new Golf Gti will go on sale in spring 2013.

[Mr GTD]

I will reserve judgement till I see it in the flesh....

[Len]

Some very big, expensive looking bumpers there!

[Diamond Hell]

Some very big, expensive looking bumpers there!

Think of the amount of glass-fibre and wood you'd need to modify them, eh Len?

Less interested in the BHP figures and all that clutter than how much it weighs, which has the potential to make a big difference to how it drives.

[Len]

Some very big, expensive looking bumpers there!

Think of the amount of glass-fibre and wood you'd need to modify them, eh Len?Less interested in the BHP figures and all that clutter than how much it weighs, which has the potential to make a big difference to how it drives.

Very good at doing that work so no problem for me! Unfortunately those will not be made of fibreglass!

[CM690]

Looks amazing! I'm still not sure about the wheel barrow exhausts was never a fan of those on the mk6, was hoping they would drop those and go for a centre dual system like on the mk5 R32. An extra 10bhp in the standard GTI will be a welcomed increase though!



Finally redesigned that coolant expansion tank 

[Horney]

Some very big, expensive looking bumpers there!

Think of the amount of glass-fibre and wood you'd need to modify them, eh Len?

Less interested in the BHP figures and all that clutter than how much it weighs, which has the potential to make a big difference to how it drives.

I understand the MQB platform is a fair chunk lighter than the outgoign models which is why with some engine tweaks (same basic lump the MPG and CO2 has been greatly improved.

There is talk of a carbon edition with ali floors and bulkhead + CF roof and bonnet shedding 200kgs being avilable in 2014.

Nick

[Diamond Hell]

I understand the MQB platform is a fair chunk lighter than the outgoign models which is why with some engine tweaks (same basic lump the MPG and CO2 has been greatly improved.

Well yes, there's a lot of talk about this, but I've not seen any figures on the subject yet, which is what's needed.

[crimsonfin]

i see that vw have just released details of the mk7 gti.

pics here

what is the lipstick smear on the headlights all about ?!?!

[Horney]

I understand the MQB platform is a fair chunk lighter than the outgoign models which is why with some engine tweaks (same basic lump the MPG and CO2 has been greatly improved.

Well yes, there's a lot of talk about this, but I've not seen any figures on the subject yet, which is what's needed.

THis is what is said of the new MQB A3.

Like larger Audis, the adaptive cruise control system will automatically bring the car to a halt and resume progress in heavy traffic – if an automatic transmission is fitted.

These extra features do not come at a weight penalty, as the new A3 will weigh from 1175kg in base 1.4-litre TFSI form – around 80kg less than the car it replaces – despite being the same size as before.

Audi said the investment in reducing the A3’s weight was made possible by the MQB platform’s increased standardisation, which lowers the development and production costs.

The occupant cell is 25kg lighter due to the extensive use of form-hardened steels, while the bonnet, front wings and part of the frontal crash structure save a further 10.5kg as they are made from aluminium.

So the same ballpark should apply to the Golf.