Volkswagen Abandons Hybrid Golf GTI Plans - For Now
Volkswagen has reversed a decision to hybridise the Golf GTI. Current VAG chairman Herbert Diess has ordered a U-turn from predecessor Matthias Muller’s directive to switch the car to a mild hybrid setup, surprisingly in favour of the status quo.
A lightly electric-assisted GTI was on the cards for the eighth generation car due in 2020. The company has developed a system that would boost the car’s response at low revs, while the turbo is still sleepy, as well as improving fuel efficiency overall.
But now, according to Autocar, the GTI will maintain a pure petrol engine for at least the three to four years following the car’s launch. The continuously evolving 2.0-litre EA888, which has been the GTI’s powerplant since 2009, will give the next one a very familiar character indeed.
Two power options will be offered: a standard 250bhp or so and a more potent 286bhp-ish option badged TCR in line with the final hurrah edition Matt R recently drove, pictured above and below. The TCR will clock 0-62mph in under 6.0 seconds with the optional seven-speed DSG gearbox.
It’s understood that Volkswagen has already developed the systems that team the EA888 with a small electric motor and a 48-volt electrical system so it’s possible that the layout could make an appearance when the eighth-gen GTI is likely to be facelifted for the 2024 model year.
Elsewhere in the new, five-door-only car’s development, engineers are said to have been focusing on the steering in particular, working to add extra feel and directness. The electromechanical system will aim to make a giant leap forward in tactility.
Comments
Ok
Kind of disappointing news, i’d love to see what hybrid power would bring to the Golf GTi
Keep the hybrid for the R. The GTI is meant to be simple and not excessively fast. 250hp is perfect.
I’d want it to be more of a 48v electrical system like the A7 where it’s used for starting off and coasting at highway speeds
This is very good news indeed. Nobody buys a performance car for the ultimate in fuel efficiency.
What about the BMW i8?
Thing is that we’re talking about the GTI, not the Miata or something like that. It’s a sporty commuter, not a sports car that can do a commute. It’s very different, you don’t buy a GTI to track it or anything like that. It’s just a spiced up Golf, so I believe an hybrid drivetrain would be very interesting.
I own a gti and it could use with a hybrid unit. When it comes to launches, the clutch likes to take its sweet time engaging and then you havr to wait a bit for the turbo after that.
Good
Rather make “normal” versions hybrid, and keep GTI and R petrol
Makes way more sense than hybritising the GTI and R while selling millions of diesel golfs
But a hybrid R could make much more power without sacrificing reliability, fuel economy or emissions
That’s good
A hybrid GTI is a good idea but Honda is the only one who made a hybrid manual
GTE…
That is good news!
There already is a GTE, why would they make a hybrid GTI?!
This is exactly what I was thinking