New VW Golf GTD to debut in April, Rabbit GTD to follow for U.S.?
Volkswagen Golf Mk VI GTI – Click above for high-res image gallery
We've been hearing rumblings about a new variant of the Volkswagen Golf and Rabbit for several months now, ever since a reader sent in what appeared to be an order form for the new sixth-generation model for the U.S. market. This new model was dubbed the Rabbit GTD, implying that it's a sporting variant like the GTI, but powered by a TDI diesel engine. Volkswagen of America has only confirmed that the U.S. will get a new Mk VI GTI this summer followed by a new Rabbit in the fall that will offer TDI power.
It now appears that the Golf GTD will at least be unveiled in April at the AMI Car Show in Leipzig, Germany. If the reports are correct, the GTD will use the more powerful 170-hp version of the 2.0-liter TDI that we already get here in the Jetta. This is the same unit used in the Jetta TDI cup race cars as well as the European market Audi TT TDI. The Golf/Rabbit GTD will be a bit quicker than the Jetta with a 0-60 time of about 8.2 seconds, but should still approach the 40+ mpg real world mileage of the sedan. As for whether or not it will be sold in the U.S., we still don't know, but at least it exists. Thanks to Andrew for the tip!
Gallery: Volkswagen GTI Mk VI
[Source: 4WheelsNews]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Yikes 10:26AM (3/24/2009)
GTD, where do I sign?
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Kumar 10:37AM (3/24/2009)
Exactly....
4 door hatch with decent performance and good gas mileage (for the US market), as well as some other perks to jack up the price. People will be lining up for this thing, and then again for the diesel Rabbit when it arrives a few months later.
As long as the A3 isn't coming stateside with quattro, this would be my choice in 2 wheel drive diesels. Unfortunately for VW/Audi, I'm leaning towards Subie's AWD entries (or the A3 quattro if Audi wises up).
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1138 11:08AM (3/24/2009)
I understand the advantages of diesels but are those pumps prevalent all over the country? I live in New York and I can remember seeing one pump in all the gas stations I go to here. Is it more widespread in, let say, Idaho?
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jharlan 11:37AM (3/24/2009)
No diesel, no second look!
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Damien Gagne 1:13PM (3/24/2009)
reduce the diesel engine to a 1.5, and then add the hybrid feature. What kind of mileage would that get?
Anyone anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
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Steve-O 1:15PM (3/24/2009)
Hey 1138,
Diesel is not E85. It truly is everywhere.
Hurry up VW I loved the Golf TDI's before you trashed them in 2006. Bring 'em back please, thanks!
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PeterG 1:32PM (3/24/2009)
No way is the 170HP version coming to North America (emissions). But we will probably get the 140hp version.
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Steve-O 2:00PM (3/24/2009)
Hello Kumar,
Like the honda and Kia Borrego, I'll bet the Subie never shows. I hope I'm wrong!
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Kumar 8:57PM (3/24/2009)
The only reason it wouldn't come over would be due to reliability issues. From what I've read, it's a pretty solid performer in Europe right now, where Subie doesn't have much presence (yet hopes to because of this engine). Hopefully they'll be satisfied enough to bring it over without feeling like they'd be endangering the legendary lifespan of their current cars. Whether warranted or not, they're pretty highly regarded in terms of lifespan.
If that's the case, I say thank you to our friends across the pond for being our guinea pigs. ;)
diffrunt 4:42PM (3/25/2009)
If there isn,t a rear awning delete, I,m canceling my order
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RickyLee 1:44PM (3/27/2009)
The VW dealer in Albuquerque told me that VW was not planning on selling the Rabbit/Golf for the next two years (that is, neither the old model nor the new MKVI model). He said that VW was closing it's plant in Wolfsburg to open up in the U.S. to make Rabbits. My sense is that he's either lying (not surprising for VW dealers) or VW is very good at keeping secrets. Any thoughts?
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