VW Golf GTD may arrive with 170 hp, Jetta TDI Cup replica coming in January
2010 VW Golf GTD - click above for high-res image gallery
Several months back, prior to the U.S. launch of the MK VI VW Golf, rumors emerged that the American branch was going to offer the GTD version of the hatchback. For those unfamiliar with the GTD, it is essentially the much-loved GTI but with a 170 hp version of the 2.0-liter TDI diesel. Unfortunately, when we got the details on the Golf lineup last week, the GTD wasn't included. While we are in Germany this week to drive the new Golf lineup, we spoke with VW of America product planner Andres Valbuena about the GTD.
According to Valbuena, while the GTD didn't make the cut for launch, it is still under consideration. In fact, the GTD could arrive within the next 18 months. When we first wrote about the GTD, we speculated that it would likely carry the existing 140 hp diesel along with all of the other good bits. Valbuena tells us that if they do offer the GTD in the U.S., VW will do it right and bring the high output 170 hp engine.
One car that is definitely coming is the Jetta TDI Cup model. This is essentially a street-legal version of the race car but without the race bits like the roll cage. It will get the same front fascia that is available from the VW performance parts catalog, along with the bigger brakes, suspension upgrades and interior bits from the GLI sedan. Unfortunately, the TDI cup replica keeps the standard 140 hp engine instead of the 170 hp unit in the race cars. The cup car will probably have its public debut at LA Auto Show in December prior to going on sale in January.
Gallery: 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD
[Source: VW]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Trace 10:00AM (10/08/2009)
IF more than a rumor, this is wonderful news.
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JMF 10:01AM (10/08/2009)
I would trade my spark plugs for glow plugs but not for the lesser 140 HP turbo diesel.
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mapoftazifosho 10:22AM (10/08/2009)
2009 Jetta TDi owner here...the 140hp TDi is no slouch. It's no 350Z, but it is more than adequate...it will SMOKE a Honda Civic or other comparable fuel-sipper off the line and passing on the highway.
Invisible 10:43AM (10/08/2009)
By "smoke" I guess you mean literally!
Snowdog 12:42PM (10/08/2009)
So a 2.0L Turbo diesel will smoke a Normally aspirated 1.8L econo car. Is that supposed to be impressive?
Brandon 1:00PM (10/08/2009)
Yeah but while its smoking that 1.8L NA economy car it will be getting much better fuel economy. So it is impressive to some.
atc98092 1:40PM (10/08/2009)
Invisible,
No, these new TDIs have no smoke at all.
If you were being tongue in cheek, sorry :)
Snowdog 6:54PM (10/08/2009)
Consumer Reports testing:
Jetta TDI DSG:
0-60: 9.8sec
1/4 mile: 17.5
city: 23mpg
Hwy: 47mpg
$23.8K
Civic EX AT:
0-60: 10.1sec
1/4 mile: 17.7
city: 18mpg
Hwy: 43mpg
$20.1K
~
Actually the TDI cost about $3700 more, has about the same acceleration, not that much better fuel economy. Oh and good luck paying for VW maintenance.
Laurens 10:16AM (10/08/2009)
Actually the 1.6 litre 105 hp/250 nM engine is plenty. More is between the ears... Add a DSG box if you must, and the play-station generation is happy as well.
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Snowdog 12:58PM (10/08/2009)
This isn't Europe where we get a dozen engine choices in each vehicle.
Everyone always seems to want what they haven't got.
VW offeres a 140HP 2.0L diesel and now everyone wants a weaker 1.6L for a few more mpg or to sacrifice a few mpg for a few more HP.
In reality the 140HP offers the best combination of HP and MPG for a North American market.
Laurens 1:05PM (10/08/2009)
If the choice is: some EV/hybrids as poster boys and continue as is, or everybody starts driving a car that consumes (in the US at least) 50% less than current average and in practice also provides what everybody seems to be already happy with, what is the better decision? For the consumers, not for the manufacturers that is.
Kumar 10:25AM (10/08/2009)
If I can't get an A3 quattro tdi, at least give me a 170hp 5-door GTD.
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gotsmart 10:39AM (10/08/2009)
5-door GTD in North America? Yes, please!
If they're bringing over the Golf TDI, it shouldn't take much to get the GTD over here.
Please, VW? Please!
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Snowdog 1:13PM (10/08/2009)
So the cup car comes with only 140HP, but the are looking at a GTD with 170HP.
I remain skeptical.
The big factors I see against this happening.
The expense of federalizing another engine vs the amount of people who will pay more for the higher output engine.
The possibility that it might need Urea to meet emissions and how that would drop sales.
So I will believe it when I see it.
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wincros 2:05PM (10/08/2009)
They are already working on the 2012 Mark VII Golf which has been reported here and other places.
http://www.motorauthority.com/blog/1036025_2012-volkswagen-golf-mkvii-leak
That means that an 18 month Mark VI GTD would be announced at about the same time at the European announcement for the Mark VII. No one here will want a GTD on last year's model and VW knows that. Color me skeptical, but I think the answer to your question means Valbuena did not want to hurt your feelings, but we are not getting a GTD.
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deslock 9:06AM (10/09/2009)
wincros, you bring up a good point. However, VW has sold many old vehicles over here while Europe had the next generation version. Even recently the 2009 TDI Jetta wagon has been in high demand even though the new model was announced.
Also, given that MPG standards are becoming more and more strict, it seems like a sensible long-term strategy to bring the GTD engine over here as it could be used in other vehicles.
Having written all that, I'm only somewhat excited by this news. I drove the TDI and was underwhelmed. On the plus side, it has lots of low-end and is smoother, roomier, quieter, and nicer inside than your typical econobox. The downside is that it's also heavy, understeering, not especially quick, and its engine doesn't like to rev. But the extra 30 hp will make a difference and the GTD should make for a nice daily driver, especially for those with long highway commutes.