The GTE is the best option if you need an electrified GTI.
Three years ago, purists were shocked by rumors about an electrified Golf GTI. Autocar reaffirmed its report two years later, stating that the original plan approved by Matthias Muller, former chairman of VW Group, had been drop. Herbert Diess, VAG’s new boss, ultimately decided against a hybrid Grand Touring Injection.
Fast forward to 2020 and the same British magazine had an interview with Matthias Rabe, newly appointed Volkswagen chief technology officers. He explained why the Golf GTI Mk8 uses a conventional powertrain. He is a big fan of the 1.5-liter TSI engine, which has mild-hybrid technology. However, the extra hardware would have made the car heavier. He mentions that the 2.0 TSI engine’s 273 pound-feet (370 Newton meters) of torque doesn’t require more torque. Adding an electrified 1.5 TSI to the car wouldn’t have provided any benefits in the rpm range necessary to make it a performance car.
The GTI won’t be going hybrid in its eighth iteration. However, Volkswagen will be selling in certain parts of the world an electric counterpart. The not-for America GTE is a combination of a smaller 1.4-TSI engine and an electric motor. It produces a total horsepower that matches the GTI’s 242-hp output. To match the GTD’s diesel-fueled GTD, it actually has a higher torque figure (295lb-ft/400 Nm vs. 273lbft/370 Nm). You will be limited to a 6-speed dual-clutch auto transmission, while the GTI is available with either a manual or optional seven-speed DSG.
Autocar Matthias Rabe stated that the GTE felt more like a GTI. The new model has a smaller handling distance than the GTI and acceleration and braking are comparable to the GTI. He thinks that most GTI buyers will make the switch to the GTE with its “very smooth electric motortrain”.
GTI, GTE and GTD triple unveil this week are not the end of the story for the front-wheel-drive Golf. In the months ahead, VW will reveal the already spied GTI TR with more power, track-ready upgrades, and more power. The all-paw Golf R, captured earlier in the month, will also be revealed this year.