Is a VW Rabbit GTD coming? Not officially to the U.S. at this point
This fall, Volkswagen will be bringing the 6th generation of the Rabbit/Golf to the U.S. market and diesel will definitely be part of the lineup. Last September, at the first drive of the 2009 Jetta TDI VW of America spokesman Steve Keyes confirmed that a Rabbit TDI is coming in the second half of this year. Today, an anonymous tipster sent us a screen capture from a vehicle order form that seems to imply that a Rabbit GTD will also be available for 2010. The GTD is basically a diesel-powered GTI and it is available in some overseas markets. We contacted Keyes again for a comment, and he replied that "We're aware of other markets that have offered the GTI TDI (GTD) but we're planning to offer the GTI 2.0 TSI, Rabbit 2.5 and the Rabbit TDI." So, at least officially, Volkswagen is not admitting to a GTD. Could it happen? It's certainly possible but nothing is certain.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
jharlan 1:26PM (1/30/2009)
Would this car sell in the US? HELL YES!!!
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ale 2:51PM (1/30/2009)
BRING IT VW!... man this would be sweet... VW could even do a racing program with this car in like SPEED Touring Car.. maybe with more resources, turn it into a GT2 program... but man how sweet would it be to have a Rabbit GTD... 50 mpg, 6 spd DSG, GTI springs, body, wheels... all out of the factory...
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PeterG 3:33PM (1/30/2009)
Wont' happen.
Remember they wouldn't put the 140HP engine in the golf SUV thing, because it couldn't meet emissions in the heavier vehicle.
The 170HP diesel just wont' pass emissions either.
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montoym 9:10PM (2/02/2009)
Not that it couldn't met emissions per se. Just that it would require a urea tank in the vehicle and the Tiguan was not designed with one in mind. So, I'd assume that VW figured it wouldn't be worth the extra resources spent on it for what would be a low-volume vehicle anyhow.
I think they should go for it though.
http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/18/vw-rabbit-tdi-confirmed-for-next-fall-no-diesel-tiguan/
Investor 5:38PM (1/30/2009)
Why not? The current Jetta TDI with the same engine passed emissions for 50 states!!!
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dr61 6:08PM (1/30/2009)
The people want a GTD!
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Kumar 8:08AM (2/01/2009)
If the GTD was available, it would be a hard choice between that and the upcoming Subaru diesels.
After the last snowfall, it's still leaning towards the Subie, but the rental Jetta I had while my Subie's blown alternator was getting replaced makes me yearn for those VW interiors.
Keep emailing VW people, it's how we got the 4 door GTI when they were only planning on bringing the 2 door. To date, about half the GTIs I see have 4 (5) doors.
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RAS 11:44AM (2/04/2009)
Drop that 2.5 gas guzzler in the MKVI and replace it with the 160hp 1.4 twincharger for the North American market.. same performance with fuel economy numbers 5 to 6mpg higher in both city and highway driving. wake up VW of NA because a Golf/Rabbit buyer who wants higher preformance will get a GTI otherwise they are looking for utility and economy.. TDI should be the 140hp 2.0. I do not see the GTD doing well here should it be available.
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