Quiz: How Much HP will the 2009 VW Golf GTI’s 2.0 TFSI Make?

As soon as Volkswagen released official pictures and details on the new Golf VI that’ll debut at the Paris Show in October, it was just a matter of time when car sites of all sorts would turn their attention to the forthcoming GTI. And while it is evident that the sixth generation Golf GTI will be equipped with the VW Group’s 2.0 TFSI engine, the million dollar question is how much horsepower it will have. We’ve read everything from 200 to 207 and from 211 to 245 HP.

If you want our opinion, we really doubt that VW has revealed to anyone specific details on the GTI VI’s output. Plus, we’re talking about the VW Group – a company that changes the output of its turbocharged engines more often than a chameleon in plaid factory…

2009 VW Golf VI: Details and High-Res Pictures

Although VW was planning to officially reveal the Golf VI on August 6th, an online leak this past weekend prompted the German carmaker to just let go and release all details and pictures. As we noted in our previous article, the Golf VI looks more like a facelifted version of the Golf V slapped with a pair of Scirocco headlights and Touareg tail lamps than an all-model. Same goes for the interior with the only difference being that VW supports that it gets more soft-touch plastics.

Leaving the new Golf's "old-school" looks aside, VW notes that the sixth-generation model will be the first Golf with adaptive chassis and automatic distance control. Moreover, the German carmaker supports that the Golf VI is characterized by first-class acoustic properties making it the quietest Golf ever produced.

The car's initial diesel engine range will include at market launch two 2.0 liter TDI units with 110 and 140 PS followed shortly after by a 170 PS version while the petrol engine range will consist of with two naturally aspirated units developing 80 and 102 PS along with two TSI engines with supercharger and/or turbocharger producing 122 and 160 PS. -Continued

Entry-level versions apart and in addition to the manual gearboxes, all petrol and diesel engines will also be offered with either a 6-speed or 7-speed DSG dual clutch semi automatic transmission. According to the German automaker, the European market launch of the new Golf will begin in October followed later on by Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. The entry price for the German market will be around €16,500.

New Volkswagen Golf

The Best Golf of All Times

• New Golf design points the way to Volkswagen's future
• TDI, TSI and DSG systems improve fuel economy by up to 28 percent
• First Golf with adaptive chassis and automatic distance control

Volkswagen is unveiling its most important automotive secret of the year: the new Golf. The car Europe's most successful with more than 26 million sold was improved in all areas. "This sixth generation of Golf cars will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before", says Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG. The European market launch of the new Golf will begin in October; following in succession will be Africa, Asia, Australia and North America. The entry price for the German market is around 16,500 Euros.

Innovative power - the Golf democratizes progress

The clear and powerful design of the new Golf is showing the entire brand the way to the future. Its acoustic properties and the overall comfort of the Volkswagen tear down class distinctions. Innovative engines and transmission technologies lower fuel consumption by up to 28 percent. All gasoline and diesel engines satisfy limits of the future EU-5 standard.

Assistance systems such as "automatic distance control" (ACC), "adaptive chassis control" (DCC) and the "park steering assistant" bring additional top technologies on board the Golf. A new ESP system, with finer response over its control range, further optimized crash properties, seven airbags including knee airbag, the special head restraints (WOKS) that counteract whiplash trauma, a "seatbelt detection" feature debuting in the rear seating area of the Golf and daytime running lights that are standard equipment provide for a maximum level of safety.

Exterior design - Precision in a new form

The high value of the new Golf is reflected par excellence in its stylish design; all key body elements were redesigned: "We have cast the Golf's core components in a precise, new mold", explains Walter de Silva. And the Italian design chief of the German corporation emphasizes this: "The Golf is the global icon car making. So the architecture and graphic form of new model are also absolutely clear and unique." At the same time, the sixth Golf has a sportier and more distinctive appearance than any previous generation of the model series. De Silva: "It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses." And Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the Volkswagen brand, adds: "Every detail is uncompromisingly aimed at improving value."

Especially in a direct comparison of generations five and six, it becomes clear just how much the new Golf has changed. The team headed up by de Silva and Bischoff sought to crystallize out the "essential DNA" of the model series and send it on a trip to the future. These stylistic characteristics include the clear front end of the first generation and the C-pillar that was perfected in the fourth generation.

The roof section now rests similar to the new Scirocco on a dominant filled out shoulder section. Responsible for this is a prominent curving line that like a muscle trained down to the last fiber extends from the headlights back to the taillights. In its side profile, this line which Volkswagen Design calls the "character line" also gives the new Golf a fuller, lower stance on the road from a side perspective.

All body surfaces are generally more relaxed, more athletic. In front the new car takes up the horizontally aligned radiator grille trim strip between the headlights of the first Golf generation; the grille itself is high-gloss black. The lines of the bumper match those of the radiator grille. Beneath this is an adjacent section with another air scoop. Also arranged on a black background are the chrome light housings of the dynamically styled headlamps.

In the rear too is characterized by a dominance of horizontal lines. The taillights -very wide now -are identified among other things by an unmistakably unique night design. Stylistically ��� with their crystal-clear lines for the turn signal and backup lamps ��� they bear a resemblance to the taillights of the Touareg. Overall, the image of the new Golf ��� in the interplay of all of its design characteristics ��� is one of a significantly wider, flatter and even more high-end car.

Interior ��� imploding class distinctions

The car���s exceptional value also applies to the newly designed interior, whose refined surfaces and features completely transform class distinctions, both to the touch and visually, especially in the cockpit area. The appearance and layout of materials and details such as brushed chrome accents and round instruments derived directly from those of the Passat CC leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a car of the next higher segment. Ergonomic properties of the car���s interior were also further developed. For example, all operating controls are even easier to use. They include the control of the automatic climate control system (Climatronic) ��� presented for the first time on the Passat CC ��� and the power window controls that are now located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access.

There is a common thread here: Volkswagen���s typical attention to perfection of every detail in the car. Take the example of "seatbelt detection" in the rear: if the Golf is ordered with rear side airbags, the user can recognize on the multifunctional display in the cockpit whether the occupants have their seatbelts fastened in the rear ��� separately for each seat. Or take the example of leather seats: a new, more robust leather surface is being used. Or the example of the cargo area: four practical hooks ensure that after shopping, the contents of shopping bags are not strewn across the cargo area. Or the example of the outside mirrors: thanks to an aerodynamically optimized shape they get significantly less dirty. They are easier to adjust from the interior, since the power mirror adjustment control is now located further up and more forward in the door trim.

Noise reduction ��� the quietest Golf since the first model

The new Golf is characterized by first-class acoustic properties. A special damping film in the windshield also reduces driving noises, as does the newly developed seal concept for the doors and side window guides. The new shape of the outside mirrors also significantly reduces wind noise. Furthermore, special modifications were made to acoustically isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another better. Very quiet rolling tires and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction package.

Diesel engines ��� migration to common rail injection

Making a significant contribution to the pioneering acoustic properties are the exceptionally quiet TDI common rail engines being used in the Golf for the first time. Two balancer shafts also put an end to undesirable vibrations. Plans call for a TDI power range extending from 66 kW / 90 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS. Right at the market launch, Volkswagen will be offering the Golf with two 2.0 liter TDI engines; they output 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Always there as production equipment: a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

The new TDIs are exceptionally fuel efficient. The 110 PS strong entry-level diesel is satisfied with 4.5 liters of fuel (119 g/km CO2) per 100 kilometers ��� that represents a 0.6 liter reduction! Even the 140 PS version only requires 4.9 liters of diesel (129 g/km CO2), which is 0.6 liters less.

Gasoline engines ��� more economical than ever before

Four variants will define the range of gasoline engines in the launch phase: 59 kW / 80 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 90 kW / 122 PS and 118 kW / 160 PS. Starting at 90 kW / 122 PS, the TSI engines come with supercharger and/or turbocharger. The fact is that the gasoline engines too are pioneering when it comes to fuel economy. The optimized 80 PS entry-level engine consumes just 6.4 liters of Super per hundred kilometers (149 g/km CO2) ��� that is 0.5 liters less than the previous model. The other TSI engines are also taking the stage as prime examples of efficiency: at 122 PS the new Golf 1.4 TSI consumes just 6.2 liters of Super (144 g/km CO2); this yields a fuel consumption advantage of 0.1 liters. Even the new 160 PS top version of the 1.4 TSI attains an excellent value at 6.3 liters. Compared to the retired 150 PS FSI, the 160 PS TSI���s fuel consumption was even lowered by 1.6 liters.

DSG ��� replaces conventional automatic

With the exception of the entry-level versions, all gasoline and diesel engines can be paired with Volkswagen���s dual clutch transmission (DSG). Depending on the engine torque, either a 6-speed or 7-speed DSG is used. On the Golf, the extremely efficient and agile DSG has thereby replaced the classic torque converter automatic. Just how efficient the alliance of TSI plus DSG can be is demonstrated by the average fuel consumption of the 1.4 TSI with 160 PS and 7-speed DSG: 6.0 liters (139 g/km CO2). This high-tech duo replaces the 2.0 FSI with 150 PS and 6-speed automatic. Average fuel consumption there: 8.3 liters. Savings: 2.3 liters per hundred kilometers or 28 percent ��� progress in its best form.

2009 VW Golf VI to be Auctioned for Charity in London on October 15

Don’t mind the blue veil covering the new Golf; the organisers of the London Press Club Ball had no idea that pictures of the car would be unleashed online -see here. Surpassing the leak, the London Press Club Ball on October 15 will mark the first public appearance in the UK of the sixth generation Golf as VW’s new hatch will be the star charity auction prize at the glitzy mingling of 450 of Britain's most influential journalists and PRs. All proceeds from the auction will go to the “Journalists' Charity”, which is a UK charity organization for all journalists in need. -Continued

Ball committee chairman Philippa Kennedy said: 'It was a real coup to secure the next generation Volkswagen Golf as a prize. In the past we have had generous support from Audi, Peugeot and Honda providing cars as auction prizes. But this is the first time we will have unveiled a prize car before it has even been officially launched in Britain."

“The timing seemed perfect and, happily, Volkswagen agreed. So it's a great scoop for us and of course for whoever successfully bids for it. And those at the Ball will be among the first in the UK to see it up close.”

2009 Volkswagen Golf VI Images Leaked Online

In our previous post we informed you that VW was planning to release the first official images of the new Golf VI on Wednesday, 6th August. Apparently someone disagreed with the German carmaker’s schedule and released seven images (we even found large ones) of the 2009 Golf online on Sunday, 3rd August. But whatever, we’re here to talk about the Golf VI and not how the pictures were leaked on the net.

Truth is –and we don’t blame you- that some may mistake the Golf VI for a facelifted Golf V with a set of Scirocco headlights and Touareg tail lamps. Likewise, the Golf VI’s cabin looks like a revamped version of the current generation model’s cabin with bits and pieces from the Scirocco. While the evolutionary look may work for “mama” Porsche, we’re not sure that this is the right way to go in such a competitive segment. And to be completely honest, we’re tired of seeing the same play over and over again. -Continued

Looks aside, when the Golf VI hits European markets in November, it will be offered with a wide variety of turbocharged TSI and TFSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, including various versions of the VW Group’s 1.4 TSI and 2.0 TFSI units. The Golf GTI, which is expected in late 2009 – early 2010, will be offered with a 2.0 TFSI engine delivering around 240 HP. While this has not been confirmed yet, rumours have it that the Golf R32's successor will use the Audi S3’s 2.0 TFSI developing close to 280 HP.

Pics via: VWvortex

New VW Golf VI to be Revealed on Wednesday, August 6!

Mark your calendar on Wednesday, August 6th because that’s when Volkswagen will reveal the first official images of the all-new sixth generation Golf hatchback to the public. The new but at the same time, not so new looking (…) Golf VI will make it’s worldwide debut at the Paris Motor Show in early October with European sales scheduled to begin towards the end of the year. Stay tuned on CarScoop for more information on the new VW Golf.

VW Launches Golf Variant Individual

Individual is Volkswagen's customization and accessorization division that also creates complete cars. Their latest offering comes in the form of the new Golf Variant Individual that sports several modifications like the 17-inch “Siena” alloy wheels in sterling silver or titanium silver and an exclusive to this model two-tone leather interior. The Golf Variant Individual also gets heated sport seats for the front passengers, brushed aluminum or wood trim, a lowered sports suspension, darkened rear side windows and rear window and chrome roof rails. The Golf Variant "Individual" is priced in Germany from €26,830. -More photos after the jump

Stolen VW Golf Finds its Way Home After 14 Years!

A couple from Bosnia and Herzegovina were in for a bit of a surprise when a policeman knocked at their door informing them that their VW Golf II that had been stolen in 1994 was recovered during a routine roadside check. Milos and Spomenka Jokic, from Setic in eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina initially thought that the police officer was joking but soon realised that this was no prank. Although the Golf had changed several hands during the past 14 years, the couple said that it was in a good condition.

Via: Ananova , Kudos for the tip Chris!

VW Golf TwinDrive: 174Hp & 94 MPG Plug-in Electric Hybrid

In cooperation with the German government, VW announced that it will start testing a fleet of 20 vehicles equipped with a new plug-in hybrid drive system with lithium-ion batteries called “TwinDrive”. Volkswagen plans are to introduce a production version of the system as early as 2010.

Speaking during the presentation of the first Golf model fitted with the TwinDrive system at the “Automobile Forum” in Berlin, VW’s Chairman Martin Winterkorn said that the “TwinDrive” plug-in hybrid system can be combined with either petrol or diesel engines.

“Different than today’s hybrid vehicles, it should be emphasized that TwinDrive – and this is decisive – enables long ranges in the city in electric mode. While the electric motor on a typical hybrid model just supplements the combustion engine, the exact opposite is true on the TwinDrive: here the diesel or gasoline engine supplements the electric-motor,” said Winterkorn.

Although VW’s representatives didn’t give out all the details on the new hybrid system, they did reveal that over the route from Potsdam to the “Automobile Forum” in downtown Berlin and back – considered a typical commuting route –the Golf TwinDrive consumed just 8Kw-hours of electricity and 2.5 liters of fuel (that equals to 94 mpg!). -Continued

According to the German carmaker, the Golf TwinDrive can cover a distance of about 50 km or 30 miles purely on electric energy. As for power, VW revealed that the Golf TwinDrive’s electric motor and internal combustion engine deliver in tandem up to 130 kW or 174Hp.

“The present era of the automobile would be inconceivable without highly efficient gasoline and diesel engines. But the future will most certainly belong to the electric motors – refueled at the electrical outlet. On the way to this future, our TDI (diesel) and TSI (petrol) engines are now being merged with electric motors and extremely efficient battery systems to form a new drive system”, explained Martin Winterkorn.

“The Golf TwinDrive being presented here today enables electrically powered driving in the city, on the one hand, while also enabling very long ranges over extended driving routes on which the combustion engine is used. For us, the TwinDrive represents an elementary step along the path toward the completely electrically driven automobile!” the Volkswagen chief added.

2009 VW Golf Will Cost €1,165 Less to Produce Than Current Model

The sixth generation VW Golf that is expected to be introduced at the Paris Motor Show this fall with sales starting in Europe at the end of the year, will cost €1,165 or about $1,830 less to produce than the current model according to a report from daily German newspaper, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung (FAZ).

The article in the German newspaper states that VW managed to make the savings through the use of common components with the current generation model, the elimination of the four-day work week and wiser material purchasing along with higher planned production volumes. According to an unnamed VW source, unlike the current model which started making money after two years, the savings will allow the German carmaker to make a profit off the new Golf as soon as it enters the market.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance Study

The usually articulate German folks over at Volkswagen revealed this mystery Golf GTI Performance Study at the annual GTI meeting at Wörther Lake in Austria without giving any information whatsoever apart from the car’s elusive name. We’ve no idea whether or not VW performed any performance upgrades on the GTI’s 2.0 TFSI engine, but they did fit it with Lambo style doors and an extreme wide bodykit along with a bi-color paintjob which is also continued in the cabin that features 2+1 seating. –More pics after the jump

Karmann Won’t be Building 2010 VW Golf Cabriolet

As if things weren’t troublesome enough for German contract manufacturer Karmann after it ended production of the Chrysler Crossfire last year and the forthcoming termination of the Audi A4 Convertible this autumn and the Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet in 2009, German newspaper “Handelsblatt” is reporting that VW has given them a big fat “nein” in concern of the 2010 Golf Cabriolet.

Karman has built every single previous generation Golf Cabriolet -some 675,000 units altogether. Like many other carmakers in Europe, VW has decided to take production of niche vehicles into its own hands, leaving contract manufacturers such as Heuliez, Bertone and Karmann struggling to find replacement business. According to company insiders, the new Golf Cabriolet will make its market debut about a year after the hatchback versions of the new Golf are introduced in Europe in early 2009.

VW Golf GTI Pirelli Available in the UK

The special edition Golf GTI Pirelli is making its comeback in the British market this year as Volkswagen announced that it has begun receiving orders with the first vehicles set to arrive in the country this June. Inspired from the original Golf GTI Pirelli that was introduced in May 1983, the 2008 version of the car is based on the Golf GTI Edition 30.

At its heart is an enhanced version of the 2.0-litre TFSI unit with its output raised from the standard 200 Hp to 230 Hp. Drive is channelled through a choice of 6-speed manual or the twin-clutch DSG gearbox. With this engine, the new GTI Pirelli reduces the standard car’s 0-62 mph time of 7.2 sec to 6.8 while the top speed rises from 146 mph to 152.

As with the original GTI Pirelli the new car features a set of unique wheels and in particular, a set of five-spoke 18-inch alloys wrapped in 225/40 R18 Pirelli P-Zero tyres. Other exterior features include body-coloured front splitter, side skirts and rear bumper complimented by a set of smoked rear light lenses and tinted rear windows. The Pirelli GTI will be available in a choice of three colours –silver, black and blue. -Continued

Inside, the Pirelli theme continues with the half-leather sports seats with tyre-tread imprints set into the seat base and back. Yellow stitching contrasts against the black leather of the seats, sports steering wheel and handbrake.

Prices in the UK will start at £22,555 on-the-road for the three-door model equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, rising to £24,385 for the five door model fitted with a six-speed DSG gearbox.

VW’s Golf GT Sport Bourne Ultimatum Role Playing Game

It has been a while since we last played an online game but since we had nothing better to do this morning we decided to give VW’s Golf GT Sport Bourne Ultimatum RPG (Role Playing Game) a shot. We only got up to the point where you are asked to insert a code in order to continue, so if any of you guys or gals manage to finish it, do the right thing by sharing the answer(s) with us. Mind you, the game is on VW’s German site, but it’s rather straight forward so you probably won’t find any difficulties getting around.

Link: VW GT Sport

$20k Buyers: Dodge Challenger SE V6 or VW Golf GTI?

At the New York Auto Show, Dodge announced that the entry-level version of the 2009 Challenger coupe, the SE that’s powered by Chrysler’s 250 Hp 3.5-liter V6 unit matted to a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be priced in the low $20,000s. Now, let’s say you’re in the market searching for a brand-new sports car in that price range.

Would you prefer an underpowered but attention grabbing rear-wheel-drive coupe like the base Challenger SE from an undiluted sport hatch like the 200Hp VW Golf GTI (priced from around $22k)? We’d also like to hear what our European friends have to say if these two cars where available for the same price in their home turf. Have your say in the comment section below. (Pic: Carscoop)

Geneva: Volkswagen’s 69 MPG Golf Diesel Hybrid Concept Will Inspire Production Version!

Yes that’s right; Volkswagen officially stated that the Golf TDI Hybrid is likely to inspire a production vehicle in the near future. Apparently, the production model will be based on the next generation Golf which is expected to be introduced at the end of the year. At the core of the Golf TDI Hybrid is a 1.2-litre 3-cylinder TDI diesel engine developing 75 Hp and 132 lbs ft of torque combined with an electric and the very latest generation of the 7-speed DSG gearbox.

Working either in tandem with the diesel engine or, on its own, the electric motor generates and extra 27 Hp but more importantly, 103 lbs ft of torque. The electric motor also operates as a generator, recovering kinetic energy from the car during braking thus charghing the 220 volt, 45 kg nickel metal hydride battery. -Continued

When driving, the electric motor powers the vehicle from standstill with the diesel engine engaging only should additional acceleration be required or at higher speeds. Under these circumstances the diesel engine takes over with the electric motor kicking in only if required to supplement the combustion engine – for example, during overtaking. When at a standstill the diesel unit shuts down completely. According to VW, the Golf TDI Hybrid achieves an impressive 69 MPG or 3,4 lt of diesel per 100 km on the combined circle emitting just 89 g/km of CO2.

Volkswagen’s engineers have also intervened with the Golf’s aerodynamics by adding a new, unique grille design and smaller front air intakes while the TDI Hybrid also sits lower than the standard Golf on revised suspension and adopts the front splitter from the Golf GTI Edition 30 to help further reduce aerodynamic drag. A unique interior further distinguishes the Golf TDI Hybrid from the conventional vehicle.