The next generation

Since the debut of the first and the discontinuation of the fifth generation, more than 1.7 million buyers made the Volkswagen GTI the world's bestseller.

Now the new GTI is at the ready: Volkswagen demonstrated the design study of the new Golf GTI at its world premiere recently in Paris.

The GTI suspension with a new electronic limited-slip diff (XDS) defines curves and traction in a completely new way. A GTI with a top speed of 240 km/h that with its 155 kW / 210 bhp strong turbocharged engine is even more fun and, on average, only uses 7.5 litres.

The sixth generation Golf GTI will go into series production in the spring of 2009 - as usual with a unique connection between sporty suspension and agile engine. The engine develops already at 1,800 rpm a maximum torque of 280 Newton metres. The sprint from 0 to 100km is achieved in 7.2 seconds. A stand-off between wind resistance and output occurs only just at 240 km/h.

Lowered by 22 millimetres and equipped with a new sports suspension, the springs, shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bars of the design study have been completely reworked. Furthermore, the optional adaptive chassis control DCC feature will also be available for the future GTI.

"We wanted a purposefully clear GTI design. A car that has power but also style," summarises the Volkswagen AG's chief designer Walter de'Silva. The design study of the sixth generation blends in both style elements of the GTI icons.

Details like the typical honeycombed radiator grill and the V-shaped bonnet, stretching over the head lights, contribute to the GTI VI.

The clean and horizontal structure clearly originates from the GTI I. Because of the styling as well as the underlining horizontal graphic of the front section the Golf GTI design study appears visually wider (1.78 m), lower (1.47 m) and more dynamic than any other car in its class.

And because the Golf GTI is no ordinary car - it is also an automotive perspective on the world - it is worth taking a look at the facts behind the "GTI phenomenon": the Golf GTI is the global market leader in the high-performance section of its class; the same holds true in Europe and Germany; 80 per cent of buyers are men, and six out of 10 of them are married; 70 per cent of all GTI drivers have more than one car and have no children; 78 percent of new customers always wanted to drive a GTI sometime. Volkswagen also asked the GTI drivers about their dream car.

The key phrase here: if money were no object. And the response was truly resounding: for nearly 30 per cent the GTI would be their first choice, even if they had all of the money in the world. An extraordinary compliment.

For further details, contact Behbehani Brothers in Sitra on 17459911.