Volkswagen Unveils the 245 HP, Manual-Having Golf GTI

Well. Here it is. Ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show, Volkswagen has released images and specs for the Mk8 GTI (as well as the GTE and the GTD, but we won’t be getting those, so we’re focusing on the GTI, which we will get in America).

European output has been bumped up to 245 HP and torque maxes out at 273 lb-ft. That power comes from, you guessed it, 2.0-liter direct-injection four-cylinder that’s hooked up to a standard 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG.

The power is also mediated by an XDS electronic differential, helping the wheels get their power down as efficiently as possible. And to keep it all on the road, the GTI gets struts up front and a multi-link suspension and an adaptive damping system that provides high grip and comfort.

All of which means that the GTI (and the GTE and GTD) sit about half an inch closer to the ground than the TSI. They also get a read diffuser, a roof spoiler, special tailpipes, sill extensions, red brake calipers, and 17-inch wheels as standard. The GTI, specifically, gets unique Richmond alloy wheels (those are the 17s), with 18s and 19s being optional.

On the nose, meanwhile, the GTI gets a red stripe just above the VW logo. They also get an LED DRL that spans the length of the grille and comes in red for the GTI, blue for the GTE, and silver for the GTD.

Inside, meanwhile, you’ll be happy to hear that the golf ball shifter remains and that the tartan seats remain. In fact, the color themes continue with the seats—this time officially called Scalepaper—with the GTI getting some red in the check, while the GTE gets blue and the GTD gets silver.

A 10-inch infotainment screen is joined by a 10.25-inch digital dash and from it you can personalize your drive mode setting. Not only does the GTI come with the expected ECO, COMFORT, and SPORT modes, it also comes with an individual setting that you can control via sliders.

No word yet on price or 0-60 times, nor when exactly it will arrive in America, but VW did confirm at a separate event that the GTI will be a 2022 model year for us, so you’ll have to wait.

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