Volkswagen Abandons Hybrid Golf GTI Plans - For Now

Volkswagen is no longer planning to hybridise the Golf GTI, and instead plans to keep things more or less as they are
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.

Volkswagen Abandons Hybrid Golf GTI Plans - For Now

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.

Volkswagen Abandons Hybrid Golf GTI Plans - For Now

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.

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Comments

Anonymous

Ok

02/04/2019 - 12:12 |
2 | 8
Elliot.J99

Kind of disappointing news, i’d love to see what hybrid power would bring to the Golf GTi

02/04/2019 - 12:13 |
20 | 8
TheMindGarage

Keep the hybrid for the R. The GTI is meant to be simple and not excessively fast. 250hp is perfect.

02/04/2019 - 13:23 |
38 | 0
Chewbacca_buddy (McLaren squad)(VW GTI Clubsport)(McLaren 60

In reply to by TheMindGarage

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

02/04/2019 - 13:35 |
2 | 2
Anonymous

This is very good news indeed. Nobody buys a performance car for the ultimate in fuel efficiency.

02/04/2019 - 13:38 |
10 | 2
Elliot.J99

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

What about the BMW i8?

02/04/2019 - 14:07 |
0 | 0
Olivier (CT's grammar commie)

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

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.

02/04/2019 - 15:29 |
6 | 4
eric 10

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

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.

02/12/2019 - 19:37 |
0 | 0
DL🏁

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

02/04/2019 - 14:20 |
10 | 0

But a hybrid R could make much more power without sacrificing reliability, fuel economy or emissions

02/04/2019 - 14:54 |
8 | 2
RWB Dude

That’s good

02/04/2019 - 15:22 |
2 | 0
Basith Penna-Hakkim

A hybrid GTI is a good idea but Honda is the only one who made a hybrid manual

02/04/2019 - 15:52 |
2 | 2
Carmadnab

GTE…

02/04/2019 - 21:46 |
0 | 0
Lauge

That is good news!

02/05/2019 - 08:45 |
2 | 0
GhostHUN

There already is a GTE, why would they make a hybrid GTI?!

02/05/2019 - 09:23 |
4 | 0
Ruud van Leeuwen

In reply to by GhostHUN

This is exactly what I was thinking

02/06/2019 - 06:44 |
2 | 0