More power and more tech is the theme of the all-new 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTi as it was revealed before the 2020 Geneva Auto Show.
The 8th generation VW Golf GTi will be powered by a 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder that will produce 245 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque, the most of any GTi before this one. However, there is a little caveat with that power figure. The European spec 2021 Golf GTi will be producing that power but the North American version will not. A Volkswagen spokesperson has said that the North American spec Mk8 GTi will produce more power than the current Mk7 generation but it will be less than the Euro spec.
Mated to the engine will be a choice of manual or automatic transmissions. A 6-speed manual for those that want to change gears themselves. Or a 7-speed dual-clutch for those that don’t. It is worth noting that in terms of outright performance, the 7-speed dual-clutch produces slightly quicker 0-100 km/h times in the current Mk7 Golf GTi.
Like all other GTi’s before it, power will go only to the front wheels through a limited slip differential. A new Vehicle Dynamics Manager will control how that power is delivered to the road through the limited slip differential and it will also be in charge of controlling the adaptive dampers. Comfort, Eco, Sport, and Individual drive modes will be available to the driver.
On the inside, the 2021 Volkswagen Golf GTi will preserve a bit of heritage in the shape of the plaid covered seats. In the available press pictures, an automatic is shown so it is unknown if the manual version retains the golf ball style gear shifter.
The rest of the interior is thoroughly modern with a large 10.25-inch driver instrument cluster and a 10-inch infotainment display. The center console is minimalistic in its design compared to Golf’s of the past. The gear selector in the automatic is almost Porsche-like in its design and a couple of USB-C ports are available for smartphone connectivity.
The all-new 2021 VW Golf GTi will be first launched in Europe later in 2020 with North American deliveries in 2021.
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Photo courtesy of Volkswagen 
Photo courtesy of Volkswagen 
Photo courtesy of Volkswagen 
Photo courtesy of Volkswagen 
Photo courtesy of Volkswagen 
Photo courtesy of Volkswagen 
Photo courtesy of Volkswagen
