TTS engine for super Golf?

Volkswagen engineers and marketing heads have confirmed that a new all-wheel drive four-cylinder uber-GTI will replace the R32 as the pinnacle of the Golf range.

The new turbo four-cylinder Golf will share much of its engine room with the hottest four-cylinder Audi, the TTS. Though it is unlikely to get the TTS's full 200kW powerplant, the new top Golf will have more than enough go to be considered a step above the V6 R32 it will replace.

Though the R32 has been a success for Volkswagen both in Australia and in other markets around the world, the narrow-angle naturally-aspirated V6 engine is about to be killed off due to emission regulations. The new-generation turbo four-cylinder engines have no such worries.

Based on the new TTS/S3 powerplant, the new uber-Golf looks likely to go close to matching the output of archrival, Mazda's 3MPS. The only sticking point, however, could be the vehicle's potential to embarrass the more-expensive, but Golf-based Audi S3.

Golf line marketing executing Dirk Hussmann told the Carsales Network Volkswagen had identified a market for a higher performance GTI. He said two powered-up models could be on the market before the end of 2010, with the full-house model the first to arrive "before the end of 2009".

According to Hussman that model could have "between 260-280hp". Such figures equates to between 190 and 206kW. To celebrate GTI's 35th anniversary in 2010/11 an Edition 35 with around 170kW is planned, he revealed.

Though the 'Edition 35' would be front-wheel drive only, the max-attack Golf will also sport all-wheel drive, Hussmann and Golf engineer chief, Rolf Trump confirmed.

Just what the uber-GTI will be called is still under debate, Hussmann stated. European sourced have dubbed the car GTI-R, however, Hussmann says that badges is still a work in progress.

One thing it will not be called, however, is R20.

"We have debated R20, "says the VW exec. "But we are agreed it doesn't shape up against the R32 badge it will replace," he says.

Whatever badge the car wears, there is no guarantee it will come Down Under. But even if the uber-GTI and, say, an R-Line version of the Sirocco coupe were to share the same powertrain, nor would that stymie the local introduction of the two models.

Though coy about both cars, VW Australia's press spokesperson Karl Gehling says its not an either/or situation.

"Sirocco is a different type of vehicle that appeals to a different customer base. It's very distinctive and would be great to have in our line up but would need to be positioned correctly to work in Australia. It's a very different vehicle from even a future R32 replacement."

Gehling, however, dismisses news of the new super-GTI as speculation.

"The current Golf GTI and R32 will continue to be sold until late this year. We have no information on what will be the replacement for the R32," he commented.