The European Golf GTD should be very similar to the GTI.
You’re probably not living under a rock the last few months. Volkswagen will not waste any time rolling out the Golf 8’s rollout. Four performance versions of the Golf 8 will be available in 2020. Some, like the GTI and R have been confirmed for the U.S. while availability of the GTI TCR or GTD variants is unknown. It is unlikely that the latter will be sold in the United States, where diesel engines are rare and scarce. However, it is possible that the former may join the range.
Kolesa.ru has created a new rendering that shows what will undoubtedly be the most popular version of the Golf’s performance quartet, The Grand Touring Injection. It’s easy to see the GTI Mk8 in action once it is officially revealed next year. We’ve seen many spy shots of the front-wheel-drive hot with very little camouflage.
We don’t expect the GTI to change much from its previous iterations, seeing as the GTI has always featured subtle design improvements over regular Golf models. A more aggressive front bumper and discreet red accents are in the plans, as well as larger wheels and a dual exhaust. We expect a slightly lower ride height due to a stiffer suspension setup that improves handling. Additionally, we are expecting a sharper chassis setup and beefier brakes.
The new Golf GTI will only be available with five doors, which some people won’t like to hear. This is due to declining demand for smaller three-door cars. If you want to get the golf R, you will have to stick with five doors. However, you might be able to find a wagon in Europe for your all-in-one family vehicle.
The new Golf packs 245 horsepower thanks to the plug-in hybrid powertrain available on the GTE variant. It would be sensible for the GTI not to have that output and to use electrification. The TCR may increase the power output a bit, and it will feature track-oriented upgrades. However, the GTD is still able to use the familiar design of the diesel-powered GTD.
VW has yet to announce when the new hotter Golfs will be available in 2020. However, logic suggests that the GTI will likely be the first vehicle to go on sale, perhaps in the first half.