Golf 8.5 - you saw it here first!

[Dogman12]

Yep, definitely the clubsport.
https://youtube.com/shorts/8AxFgrXYTYU?si=uQ_jibOgYAc3Aa5n

oh finally they confirmed. was it so hard to write it at once? 

Now I believe they should add glossy black bumper to the standard GTI as well, as it will be so small changes compared to 8th if they only add fangs.

however VW may think differently 

[fredgroves]

https://www.motor1.com/news/703820/volkswagen-golf-manual-gearbox-dead/

[clarky92]

VW have used the tested method, same thing they did with the 7 > 7.5

The 7.5 GTI had a facelifted front end very similar to a 7 Clubsport in the side grills. But the 7.5 GTI did not get the 7 Clubsports rear end; spoiler, exhaust or diffuser so you could tell them apart on the road.






The 8.5 GTI has a facelifted front end very similar to a 8 Clubsport, but again I bet the rear end is almost the same as the 8 GTI; round smaller exhaust and no large spoiler, so you can tell a 8.5 GTI from a 8 Clubsport on the road

[Dogman12]

Good catch with 7 Clubsport 

Can't wait to see what it will look like on the 8.5 GTI. I'm still glad they tried to repeat 8 Clubsport in the front, although leaving the fog lights! Because I always felt that I like Clubsport front bumper more, though can't sacrifice those fog lights 

[Carl_45]

Yep, definitely the clubsport.
https://youtube.com/shorts/8AxFgrXYTYU?si=uQ_jibOgYAc3Aa5n

That looks to have an Akra exhaust? I like the front bumper redesign.

[Dogman12]

Yep, definitely the clubsport.
https://youtube.com/shorts/8AxFgrXYTYU?si=uQ_jibOgYAc3Aa5n

That looks to have an Akra exhaust? I like the front bumper redesign.

yep, that's Akrapovic. Definitely optional or standard for the 50th anniversary edition with is not 50th in 2024 

[clarky92]

More images I’ve not seen posted on here

Looks like the 8.5 GTI rear is very similar to the current 8 GTI without the clubsport spoiler and round exhaust

Not sure on the new DRL design. If it is a line across the top of the light cluster it’s similar to a base life model drl on the current 8

[Exonian]

It’s probably the slimmer design of headlamp not leaving room for a surround DRL. The illuminated badge is the concession which will no doubt be market specific around legalities.

[Carlosfandango]

The DRL will be full width on the same models that are full width currently, the difference between the mk8 and 8.5, is that the lower part of the DRL on the mk8 will be replaced by a DRL either side of the dipped beam lens, resembling this (O)
This picture shows an 8.5 RLine or such like, without the centre DRL strip or illuminated badge, which presumably will be reserved for the performance models.

[davo245]

Had a try out of the new 8.5 screen I presume in an ID7 in the showroom very impressive step up from the 8!