Golf 8.5 - you saw it here first!

[willni]

So the release shots are out with some mild camo wrap

https://www.pistonheads.com/news/VW/golf-gti/48041?fbclid=IwAR2DqTNVqbun-WhEBRdU-mTPcVNPzlwZJSGmdotHN-oC4doTvuMafQhd1bc

[Carlosfandango]

If it is a MHEV then I will be considering a low mileage 7.5 or a new mk8 which I need to order quickly then.

Looking to run my next car to the ground rather than changing cars and these hybrid batteries cost upwards of £6-7k to replace including labour, so would rather have pure petrol.

I don’t think the drivetrain will be having any updates other than a small power increase, very much doubt it being a MHEV.

[Dogman12]

I think it's a bit late for a mild hybrid two litre turbo. They bottled it with the Mk8 I doubt they've bothered now.
Euro 7 was backed right off so little point in the investment too.

Really hope you're right Fred. But the new Touareg R which is coming out is mild hybrid.

No, it is plug-in hybrid just like the pre-facelift version of Touareg R.

I have nothing against mild hybridisation if they decide to add it to GTI or R versions. Potentially more power from the start, less fuel consumption, and nothing needed from my end. 

[willni]

It's definitely a massive improvement in the exterior design imo, I thought the mk8 was too subdued and boring looking after the mk7.5.

Interior is still a lazy design slapping an iPad on the dash without trying to integrate it into the dash. Gear-nib? is still ridiculously pointless and should've just been added to the steering column like in Mercedes. But at least they listened to all the negative reviews and didn't add back normal climate controls.

Seat bolsters still look very low as well.

In regard to a MHEV or PHEV, why resist it? Tune the engine for the top end and let the hybrid do the low end, and you'll get a far better car that's more exciting for the corners! You can't enjoy these cars properly anymore as you get going too quick, and it becomes dangerous, yet a 1 litre rental pinned to the redline barely getting to 40 is great fun.

[Dogman12]

It's definitely a massive improvement in the exterior design imo

I'm curious if this is actually the Clubsport version, what's left for the basic GTI? And how far will it differ from current 8... 

[jon87]

Definitely agree with you about the exterior design. They've got the frontend spot on. Looks mean.

A light colour i.e white would look great so the fins stand out from the black grill.

[willni]

I think the mk8.5 gti will look more like the mk8 clubsport, no fins but has the slight flick up.

[Dogman12]

I think the mk8.5 gti will look more like the mk8 clubsport, no fins but has the slight flick up.

probably here is the standard 8.5 GTI ? 

[fredgroves]

What that graphic does show is that the extra display space is used to provide a bottom row of (soft) short cut buttons...

Which will always be visible on every screen.

I did say before that the previous photos showed no new physical buttons...

Maybe the slider has a 2p bulb under it too.

[Dogman12]

I think the mk8.5 gti will look more like the mk8 clubsport, no fins but has the slight flick up.

probably here is the standard 8.5 GTI ? 

haha I just noticed I suddenly unveiled new standard wheels for the 8.5 GTI   
In the previous leaks was told the wheels gonna look like MK5 GTI