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

Andy Helmick jr.

This is interesting and I see a lot of different opinions. Would it be that hard to make the GTI with the hybrid system an optional extra?

02/18/2019 - 07:39 |
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