Volkswagen Preps Next-Gen GTI for Geneva Reveal

Volkswagen launched its first Golf GTI 45 years ago and is preparing to unveil the eighth generation of the zippy hatch at the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show in March.

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The teaser image and information released today paints a very modern picture. Outside, the new GTI will wear a futuristic new face thanks to an open front bumper with GTI wings and a honeycomb grille with an optionally illuminated radiator grille crossbar.

Inside, the new model will use the next generation of VW’s Digital Cockpit, and VW said this is the first generation of Golf GTI to have a completely digitized set of interior displays and controls. It will also offer a host of high-tech driver assistance features.

Also new for the GTI is the availability of Volkswagen’s Travel Assist system, which is a system available in Europe that essentially combines lane keep assist and active cruise control systems to allow the car to basically drive itself in certain situations. VW also said the new Golf will be able to communicate with other vehicles and traffic infrastructure to exchange safety and traffic information thanks to the Car2X system, also available for the European market.

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What will make its way to the U.S. model? There’s no telling yet, but the vehicle at the auto show likely won’t make that answer much clearer. Volkswagen says the GTI that will debut at the show will be a “near-production concept car,” but it hopes to launch the production version of the new model in the second half of the year.

The 2020 Geneva Motor Show opens March 5.

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