Volkswagen reveals more details about the Golf GT Mk8

KUALA LUMPUR: Yesterday, Volkswagen, in an online press conference spilled more details about the Golf GT Mk8. This hot hatch is said to be near its market launch.

Let’s start with its under the hood configuration. It is powered by the same carried forward 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine. However, the Performance variant tunning is now standard. The said unit makes a 15 PS and 20 Nm more than the regular Mk7.5 GTI, actual figures being 245 PS and 370 Nm. The power is sent to the front wheels via either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission.

Electronic locking differential from the Performance version is now a standard offering. It joins the XDS+ torque, and together they’ll all be managed by a centralized controller called the Vehicle Dynamics Manager. It also controls the Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive dampers that can adjust their settings up to 200 times based on the road condition. The company also claims to eliminate the understeer in the corners due to the ability to enhance the differential’s locking torque in the Sport mode.

Apart from the Comfort, Sport, and Eco mode, there is a new Individual drive setting. Here the driver can adjust the DDC dampings that can go beyond the Comfort and Sport modes for either maximum stiffness or softness.

Providing more dynamic and predictable steer while maintaining the perfect balance, the chassis has been revised with new front bumps stops, wishbone brushing, and springs. In order to give the hatch better handling balance and greater agility, the spring rate has been increased both at the front (by 5%) and rear (by 15%). The front subframe is made up of aluminium to save weight (3 kgs), it’s been optimised for maximum rigidity as well.

Inside, it gets ‘progressive’ steering with a variable ration that appears to be lifted from Audi. It also features an electronic brake booster with bespoke tuning for a more precise pedal feel.

Overall, the company claims the new GTI offers greater driving pleasure with higher rear-end stability and greater agility in tight low corners at higher speed, along with a higher cornering grip and more neutral steering. Also, VW says that the Mk8 is 4 seconds faster than the MK7 around the Ehar-Lessein’s track.

Here are a few exterior and interior highlights of the upcoming VW GTI Mk8:

• LED illuminated headlight
• Grille with illuminated strips
• X-Shaped LED fog lights
• Standard 17-inch Richmond units
• New centrally-mounted GTI badge
• Flat-bottomed three-spoke steering wheel with red accent and GTI badging
• New “Scalepaper” design sports seat

Also Read: VW reopens factory in Germany, restarts Golf production