A Sportier Future for the New Golf.

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According to Autocar Volkswagen is preparing three hot versions of the new Golf. The first one to arrive will be the reincarnation of the famous Golf GTD. This version, scheduled for the spring of 2009, will feature a 2.0 litre TDI engine with an expected 200 hp and tons of torque. The current R32 will be replaced by a GTI Plus version with the 2.0 litre TSI engine delivering around 270 hp. A seven-speed flappy paddle gearbox and a non-permanent four-wheel drive system will command the car's huge power. Finally, the R version, possibly a R42, will feature a 2.5 litre turbo-charged five-cylinder engine developing about 350 hp. This last version should arrive on the market in 2010.

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Next is the original Autocar article.

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"VW plans three hot Golfs

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Autocar has learned that Volkswagen is planning to launch three all-new performance VW Golf variants within the next three years.

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A performance diesel Golf – dubbed the GTD - is scheduled for launch in the spring of 2009. It will use the VW Group’s latest twin-turbocharged 2.0-litre TDI engine, offering in excess of 200bhp and 260lb ft torque.

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VW bosses have wanted to deliver a diesel-engined GTI since the Mark 5 went on sale in 2003. The combination of stringent European CO2 laws, the current economic climate and the arrival of the latest twin-turbo TDI technology means that the VW Golf GTD is now a certainty.

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VW is also looking at a Golf GTI ‘plus’ model. This harder-core version of the GTI will use a tuned version of the standard car’s 2.0-litre TSI engine to deliver up to 270bhp. It will also have a seven-speed DSG gearbox and a Haldex clutch providing non-permanent four-wheel-drive. This GTI ‘plus’ will replace the current-generation R32, although it also looks set to come close to entering the territory already occupied by sister company Audi’s S3.

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The final new performance Golf is likely to be another ‘R’ variant, possibly the ‘R42’, which is pencilled in for a 2010 launch. This will use a 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine that will be shared with the forthcoming Audi TT RS, giving the Golf around 350bhp along with competitive fuel economy and CO2 figures.

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According to Volkswagen insiders the spate of new high performance Golfs has been brought about by an influx of Audi engineers into Volkswagen, and a move to bring about more component sharing between the two companies."

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Source: Autocar.

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Keeping it Dropped.

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Now that the 6th generation Golf is unveiled, new variants of it will follow in very short notice. Among them is the new Golf Cabriolet due late 2009. Contrary to the Volkswagen Eos, the new drop-top will not feature a hard-top. Instead it will be a true soft-top with a very simple operated fabric top. The new cabriolet will seat four. Engine choices will be basically the same as the ones that are avaiable for the regular Golf hatchback, with special regards to the spectacular TSI engines. Until the official unveil, here's an exclusive preview from No6 Golf. Enjoy!

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Sharp and Sovereign - The new Golf GTI.

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"The bestseller with the best values: 240 km/h, 210 bhp, 7.5 litres

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Wolfsburg, 25 September 2008 - Since the debut of the first and the discontinuation of the fifth generation, more than 1.7 million buyers made the GTI to the world’s bestseller. Now the new GTI is at the ready: at the Paris Motor Show (4th to 19th October 2008) Volkswagen will be demonstrating the design study of the new Golf GTI at its world premiere.

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The GTI suspension with a new electronic limited-slip diff (XDS) defines curves and traction in a completely new way. A GTI with a top speed of 240 km/h that with its 155 kW / 210 bhp strong turbocharged engine is even more fun and, on average, only uses 7.5 litres.

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The sixth generation Golf GTI will go into series production in the spring of 2009 – as usual with a unique connection between sporty suspension and agile engine. The engine develops already at 1,800 rpm a maximum torque of 280 newton metres. The sprint from 0 to 60mph is achieved in 6.9 seconds. A stand-off between wind resistance and output occurs only just at 240 km/h.

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Lowered by 22 millimetres and equipped with a new sports suspension, the springs, shock absorbers and rear anti-roll bars of the design study have been completely reworked. Furthermore, the optional adaptive chassis control DCC feature will also be available for the future GTI.

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"We wanted a purposefully clear GTI design. A car that has power but also style," summarises the Volkswagen AG's chief designer Walter de’Silva. The design study of the sixth generation presented in Paris blends in both style elements of the GTI icons. Details like the typical honeycombed radiator grill and the V-shaped bonnet, stretching over the head lights, contribute to the GTI V. The clean and horizontal structure clearly originates from the GTI I. Because of the styling as well as the underlining horizontal graphic of the front section the Golf GTI design study appears visually wider (1.78 meter), lower (1.47 meter) and more dynamic than any other car in its class."

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The New Golf: A Five-star All-rounder.

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Autoexpress laid theirs hands on the two most desirable versions of the new Golf, the 160 hp 1.4 TSI and the 140 hp 2.0 TDI. The result: a five-star rating for both.

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Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI by Autoexpress.

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Volkswagen Golf 2.0 TDI by Autoxpress.

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German Brochure Now Avaiable.

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While snooping around in Volkswagen's german website I found this, the german brochure for the new Golf. Have a look!

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Der neue Golf.

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Nice Article about the New Golf.

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The british magazine WhatCar has a nice first drive of the new Golf.

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First Drive: Volkswagen Golf.

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International Press Presentation.

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Today the new Golf is officially beeing presented to the world press in Iceland. At Unitedpictures.com you can find pictures of the event. Just folow the indicated link.

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International Press Presentation.

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Golf Collectors Edition - One of a Kind.

Much like the new Scirocco, Volkswagen presents a Collectors Edition of the new Golf. This special version should be limited to the initial phase of the car's market launch and in specific markets only.

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"Golf Collectors Edition – One of a Kind

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Golf concept car is equipped with highly exclusive natural leather

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Collectors Edition underscores Golf’s class-independent image

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Wolfsburg, 08 September 2008 - “Trendline”, “Comfortline” and “Highline” are the names of the three official equipment lines on the new Golf. Yet there is a fourth version. An unofficial version, since it is not mentioned in any brochure or price list: the “Collectors Edition”. It shows how impressively Volkswagen has mastered the art of upgrading. And it underscores how the Golf is right at home in all classes – a car that cuts a good figure just as naturally in its base version as it does in an exclusive individualized top model with a natural leather interior in the style of the finest luxury sedans.

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Orchestrated by corporate design chief Walter de Silva and the director of the “Lifestyle & Performance” design group, Friederike Plock-Girmann, the Collectors Edition prototype developed into what is certainly the most exclusive Golf in the history of the model.

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EXTERIOR OF THE COLLECTORS EDITION

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The Collectors Edition concept car was painted in a very dark, very refined blue – “Moonlight blue pearl effect”. While the radiator grille of the production Golf was designed in black, here it is presented in the car’s color. In the wheels area, new 18-inch “Vancouver” alloy wheels are used. They can also be ordered as an option on the production car, and they were given a high-gloss polish for the Collectors Edition.

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INTERIOR OF THE COLLECTORS EDITION

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The Collectors Edition is the first Golf in which natural leather is making its appearance. It adorns the seats (lateral supports of seatback, outer sides of seat, center panel and covers), the center armrest and door inserts. Walter de Silva took the natural leather color as the standard in applying a refined brown tone called “IOWA”. It is reminiscent of the elegance of hand-crafted Italian shoes. The leather sections of the sport seats – that are as sporty as they are comfortable – are offset by black piping; they are joined together by seams in “Natural brown” color. The seat’s outer side panels discreetly sport the embossed letters “WDS” – the initials of the chief designer.

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Designers added decorative accents to the interior (including accent strips, surrounds of the air vents) in high-gloss piano lacquer to complement the overall harmony of the black trim. Made entirely of aluminum are the door tread plates embossed with the “Collectors Edition” signature – insignias of a one-of-a-kind car."

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Bluemotion Concept.

The new Golf will be officially unveiled tomorrow in a media presentation which will take place in Iceland. As for today, Volkswagen released the first pictures and facts of the Bluemotion version of the new Golf. Although still a concept, its figures are impressive!

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Tomorrow a Twin Drive Hybrid version will be unveiled at the media presentation.

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"99 G/KM, 74 MPG: GOLF BLUEMOTION CONCEPT SETS NEW BENCHMARKS

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Volkswagen has today unveiled the remarkable Golf BlueMotion concept vehicle, a car capable of achieving a combined 74.3 mpg while emitting just 99 g/km of CO2. This matches the economy of the Polo BlueMotion, itself among the most efficient vehicles currently on sale.

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The BlueMotion label was first attributed to the Polo in 2006 and represents the most efficient model in each of Volkswagen’s passenger car ranges. Since the Polo made its debut, BlueMotion versions of the Golf , Golf Variant, Golf Plus, Jetta, Touran, Passat, Passat Variant and Sharan have been launched.

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The new Golf BlueMotion concept is powered by a highly-efficient and refined 1.6-litre TDI common rail diesel engine developing 105 hp and 184 lbs ft of torque at 2,000 rpm. Despite the focus on economy the Golf BlueMotion concept can reach 62 mph from rest in a respectable 11.3 seconds before going on to a top speed of 117 mph.

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As with all BlueMotion models the Golf BlueMotion adopts a series of changes to drivetrain and aerodynamics in order to maximise the vehicle’s efficiency. A set of low rolling resistance tyres are joined by optimised aerodynamics and revised ratios in the five speed gearbox. The resulting combination of changes works to reduce loading on the engine to drive up economy and reduce emissions.

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In common with every diesel model in the forthcoming new Golf range the BlueMotion concept is fitted with a diesel particulate filter.

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Even in standard non-BlueMotion form, the new Golf sets new economy standards. The entry-level diesel Golf will be powered by a 2.0-litre TDI 110 PS common rail engine capable of achieving 62 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 119 g/km of CO2. This matches the economy of the current Golf BlueMotion model.

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The production BlueMotion model is tipped for a 2009 debut."

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To the Point: The Best Golf of All Times.

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"08 September 2008

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- Golf’s high customer value and comfort defy class distinctions

- New Golf design points the way to Volkswagen’s future

- TDI, TSI and DSG systems reduce fuel consumption by up to 28 percent

- First Golf with Adaptive Chassis and Automatic Distance Control

• Volkswagen is sending a new Golf out into the world, the best of all times. The Golf is a phenomenon, regardless of its particular generation. Positioned in the compact class, this style icon defies all automotive and social class distinctions. No other car in this price segment has even come close to reaching as large a cross-section of people. The Golf is the only one that always fits right, and the new one is even better fitting.

• It was perfected in every detail. It is also the quest for perfection that has elevated the styling of the Golf to a new level. The team headed up by the Group’s chief designer, the Italian Walter de Silva, has succeeded in giving the Golf a presence, a sharpness, a power that generates even more fun. Fun to look at and fun to drive. An intelligent car. Data such as an average fuel consumption of 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers for a 110 PS TDI put fuel prices in their place. Upon request, the Golf can park itself nearly automatically in the city thanks to “Park Assist”, it can maintain an ideal gap on the freeway by distance control (ACC), and at the push of a button it can transform itself from a cruiser to a sports car when the new “DCC Adaptive Chassis Control” system is on board.

• Above all, the car exhibits a standard of quality never before attained in this price class. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board at Volkswagen AG sums it up: “This sixth generation of Golf cars will completely redefine the quality and comfort level of its class over broad categories, offering more customer value than ever before”. In Europe the new Golf will be introduced to the market in October. Following in succession will be Africa, Asia, Australia and North America.

Innovative force – the Golf democratizes progress

• The clear and powerful styling of the Golf being offered as a two-door and four-door in the “Trendline”, “Comfort­line” and “Highline” equipment lines is showing the entire brand the way to the future. The Volkswagen’s acoustic properties and overall comfort tear down class distinctions. Innovative engine and transmission technologies reduce fuel consumption by up to 28 percent. All gasoline and diesel engines fulfill emission limits of the future Euro-5 standard.

• Assistance systems such as “ACC Automatic Distance Control” – as well as developments like “DCC Adaptive Chassis Control” (DCC) and “Park Assist” – bring additional top technologies to the Golf class. A new ESP system, with finer response over its control range, further optimized crash properties, seven airbags including knee airbag, the special head restraints (WOKS) that work to counteract whiplash trauma, a “seatbelt detection” feature debuting on the Golf in the rear seating area and daytime running lights – also standard equipment – provide for a maximum level of safety.

Exterior design – precision in a new form

• The exceptionally high value of the new Golf is reflected par excellence in its stylish design; all key body elements were redesigned: “We have cast the Golf’s core components in a precise new mold”, explains Walter de Silva. And he emphasizes this: “The Golf is the global icon of car making. So the architecture and styling of new model are also absolutely clear and unique.” At the same time, the sixth Golf has a sportier and more distinctive image than any previous generation of the model series. De Silva: “It is more accentuated, more three-dimensional than its predecessor; with precisely defined lines and edges, and with finely proportioned flared surfaces and recesses.” And Klaus Bischoff, Chief Designer for the brand, adds: “Every detail is uncompromisingly aimed at improving value.”

• Especially in a direct comparison of generations V and VI, it becomes evident just how much the new Golf has changed. The design team – headed up by Walter de Silva, Klaus Bischoff and the Group’s director for creative design, Flavio Manzoni – crystallized out the Golf’s essential DNA and sent it on a trip to the future. Style features include the clarity of the first generation’s front end and the C-pillar that was perfected in the fourth generation.

• The roof section now rests – similar to the new Scirocco – on a prominently contoured shoulder section. Responsible for this is a dominant curved line that – like a muscle trained down to the last fiber – extends from the headlights back to the taillights. This side profile line – which Volks­wagen Design calls the “character line” – also gives the Golf a fuller, lower stance on the road from a lateral perspective.

• All body surfaces are more relaxed, more athletic. In front the new car adopts the radiator grille of the first Golf generation that is horizontally aligned between the headlights; the grille itself is in high-gloss black. The lines of the bumper match those of the radiator grille. Beneath this is a section with another air scoop. Also presented over a black background are the chrome light housings of the dynamically styled headlamps.

• The rear too is characterized by a predominance of horizontal lines. The taillights – now very wide – are marked among other things by an unmistakably unique night design. Stylistically, the crystal-clear line of turn signal and backup lamps bears a resemblance to the taillights of the Touareg. Overall, the new Golf – in the interplay of all of its design characteristics – gives the appearance of a significantly wider, flatter and higher end car.

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Interior – imploding class distinctions

• The car’s exceptionally high value also applies to the newly designed interior, whose refined surfaces and features completely transform class distinctions, both to the touch and visually, especially in the cockpit area. The appearance and layout of materials – as well as details such as brushed chrome accents and round in­struments and steering wheels derived directly from those of the Passat CC – leave the impression that one is actually sitting in a car of the next higher segment. Ergonomic properties of the car’s interior were also further developed. For example, all controls are even easier to use. They include controls for the automatic climate control system (Climatronic) being presented for the first time on the Passat CC, the new RNS 310 radio-navigation system with touchscreen and the power window controls that are now located further forward in the door trim, making them easier to access.

• There is a common thread here: Volkswagen’s typical attention to perfection of every detail in the car. Take the example of “seatbelt detection” in the rear: if rear head airbags are ordered on the Golf, the driver can tell from the multifunctional display in the cockpit and an acoustic warning whether the occupants have their seatbelts fastened in the rear – separately for each seat. Or take the example of leather seats: a new, more robust leather is being used for the first time on the Golf. Or the cargo area: on the new Golf too, four practical hooks ensure that the contents of shopping bags are not strewn across the cargo area after shopping. Or the outside mirrors: thanks to their aerodynamically optimized shape they get significantly less dirty. They are easier to adjust from the inside, since the power mirror adjustment control is now located higher and further forward in the door trim.

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Low-noise comfort – the quietest Golf since the model series began

• The new Golf is characterized by first-class acoustic properties. A special sound-damping film in the windshield reduces driving noises, as does the newly developed seal design on the doors and side window guides. Significantly less wind noise is generated by the outside mirrors due to their new shape. Furthermore, special modifications were made to better isolate the engine and passenger compartments from one another acoustically. Quiet rolling tires and new engine bearings round out the noise reduction program.

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Diesel engines – the shift to common rail injection

• Making a significant contribution to the pioneering acoustic properties of the Golf are the exceptionally quiet common rail TDI engines being implemented on the Golf for the first time. Two balancer shafts (from 103 kW / 140 PS) also eliminate undesirable vibrations. Plans call for a TDI power range from 66 kW / 90 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS. Right at its market launch Volkswagen will be offering two 2.0 liter TDI engines on the Golf; they deliver 81 kW / 110 PS and 103 kW / 140 PS. Always there: a diesel particulate filter (DPF).

• The new TDIs are exceptionally fuel efficient. The 110 PS strong diesel is satisfied with just 4.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (119 g/km CO2) – that represents a 0.6 liter reduction in fuel consumption! Even the 140-PS version only requires 4.9 liters of diesel (129 g/km CO2), which is 0.6 liter less than the on the previous generation.

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Gasoline engines – more fuel efficient than ever before

• In the launch phase, four variants will define the range of gasoline engines with 59 kW / 80 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 90 kW / 122 PS and 118 kW / 160 PS. Starting at 90 kW / 122 PS, TSI engines with supercharging and/or turbocharging are used. The fact is: the gasoline engines are also pioneers in economy. The optimized 80-PS entry-level engine consumes just 6.4 liters Super per hundred kilometers (149 g/km CO2) – that is 0.5 liter less than its predecessor. The TSI engines once again make their appearance as prime examples of efficiency: with 122 PS the new Golf 1.4 TSI consumes just 6.2 liters Super (144 g/km CO2); this represents a fuel consumption advantage of 0.1 liters. Even the new 160-PS top version of the 1.4 TSI achieves a top value at 6.3 liters. The 160-PS TSI’s fuel consumption too was lowered by 1.6 liters compared to the retired 150-PS FSI.

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DSG – replaces conventional automatic

• With the exception of the entry-level versions, all gasoline and diesel engines may be paired with Volkswagen’s dual clutch transmission (DSG). Either a 6-speed or 7-speed DSG is used, depending on engine torque. This means that on the Golf the extremely efficient and agile DSG has replaced the classic torque converter automatic. Just how economical the alliance of TSI plus DSG can be is demonstrated by the example of average fuel consumption on the 1.4 TSI with 160 PS and 7-speed DSG: 6.0 liters (139 g/km CO2). This high-tech duo replaces the 2.0 FSI with 150 PS and 6-speed automatic. Average fuel consumption there: 8.3 liters. Savings: 2.3 liters per hundred kilometers or 28 percent – progress at its best.

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Golf Facts Sheet

Key aspects in alphabetical order

• Automatic transmission: 6 and 7-speed DSG.
  Body: two and four doors with tailgate; key body sections are galvanized.
  Cargo area: 350 liter to 1,305 liter, 828 mm to 1,581 mm long.
  Character: bestseller, at home in all social classes.
  Chassis: MacPherson front suspension, multi-link rear suspension, ESP is standard, DCC Adaptive Chassis Control (optional).
  Colors: “Candy white”, “Black uni”, “Tornado red”, “Shark blue metallic“, “Amaryllis red metallic“, “Reflex silver metallic“, “Shadow blue metallic”, “Silverleaf metallic”, “United grey metallic”, “Blue graphite pearl effect”, “Deep black pearl effect”.
  Debut: Generation I: 1974.
  Debut: Generation II: 1983.
  Debut: Generation III: 1991.
  Debut: Generation IV: 1997.
  Debut: Generation V: 2003.
  Debut: Generation VI: 2008.
  Design: Walter de Silva (Group), Klaus Bischoff (Brand), Flavio Manzoni (Creative Design), Marc Lichte (Model).
  Dimensions: 4,199 mm long, 1,779 mm wide, 1,479 mm tall, tread width, front 1,540 mm; tread width, rear 1,513 mm.
  Drive: front wheel.
  Engine range: 59 kW / 80 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS; starting at 90 kW all gasoline engines are charged TSI engines; all diesels are new common rail TDI engines; all engines fulfill Euro-5 emissions standard.
  Engines – diesel: at launch with 81 kW / 110 PS (TDI), 103 kW / 140 PS (TDI); after time offset: 66 kW / 90 PS (TDI) and 125 kW / 170 PS (TDI).
  Engines – gasoline: at launch with 59 kW / 80 PS, 75 kW / 102 PS, 90 kW / 122 PS (TSI), 118 kW / 160 PS (TSI).
  Equipment lines: Trendline, Comfortline, Highline.
  Fuel consumption range: 4.5 liters to 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers.
  High-tech driving systems: DCC Adaptive Chassis Control, ACC Automatic Distance Control, Park Assist, Rear Assist rearview camera, Park Pilot with visual display.
  Infotainment: RDC 210, RDC 310, RDC 510 radio-CD player systems; RNS 310 (completely new) and RNS 510 radio-navigation systems; MEDIA-IN port, AUX-IN port, Excite Dynaudio sound system, hands-free unit.
  Market launch: starting in October 2008.
  Produced Golf cars, total: more than 26 million.
  Production sites: Zwickau and Wolfsburg.
  Standard equipment: includes ESP, seven airbags, air conditioning system, electro-mechanical power steering, power windows in front, multifunctional display, central locking, driver’s seat height adjustable.
  Standard transmission: 5 and 6-speed manual transmission."