Hybrid ruled out for 2020 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Next Volkswagen Golf GTI to keep conventional turbo 2.0-litre as VW rules out fuel-saving electrification for flagship hot hatchAn advanced hybrid powertrain has been ruled out for the next-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI in favour of sticking with a development of the current car's EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, it has been revealed.
According to
, the Wolfsburg-based German car-maker originally was considering a powerful mild-hybrid powertrain that promised to improve fuel consumption and, importantly, slash emissions -- but a last-minute decision killed off the electrified Volkswagen Golf GTI.The switch from using 48V mild-hybrid assisted 2.0-litre turbo was reportedly made by VW Group chairman Herbert Diess as late as October 2018, overturning an earlier decision by Matthias Muller to green-light the hybrid GTI.
The next Golf GTI will now come with a traditional 2.0-litre petrol turbo four with either 188kW or 213kW -- with the latter badged 'Golf GTI TCR', replacing the old Golf GTI Performance name.
Crucially, the Brit mag suggests that to improve the performance over the current car, torque will be boosted on both models and the fastest Golf GTI TCR should easily reach 100km/h, from standstill, in less than six seconds and exceed 250km/h.
The good news for purists is that the eighth-generation Golf GTI will be offered with both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
With much work already believed to have been carried out on developing the 48V hybrid 2.0-litre turbocharged powertrain, it's not known if the more powerful GTI engine will reappear later.
Claimed to have scalpel sharp low-end response, thanks to its electric boost, the advanced hybrid set-up allowed a coast function and an energy recuperation system under braking.
Based on a further development of the current car's MQB platform the next-gen Golf GTI will once again feature pseudo MacPherson struts up front and multi-link rear suspension but with the added benefit of new adaptive damping.
Engineers involved in its development claim steering accuracy and feedback has been top of the list for improvements for the new car.
For the next instalment of Volkswagen's popular hot hatch buyers will no longer have the choice of a three-door as it's been dropped for cost reasons.
Featuring a heavily revised frontal styling that includes slimmer headlights, extra air intakes and wider wheel-arches, buyers have been promised a more aggressive look for the next Golf GTI, although in reality expect more evolution than revolution when it comes to the styling.
Inside, a full virtual cockpit instrument cluster and large infotainment will dominate the cabin that will lead the class for fit, finish and attention to detail.
It’s not yet been confirmed when exactly the Mk8 Golf GTI will be unveiled, but it’s likely that Volkswagen’s vital new hot hatch will make its global debut at the 2019 Frankfurt motor show in early September.
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