If there was ever a more important model in the vast lineup of the Volkswagen Group, it is the seventh generation of the Golf, which we will have the opportunity to see it in person for the first time at the upcoming 2012 Paris Motor Show this September.
Say we had to single out one variant out of the Golf’s range, that would no doubt be the GTI, the model that gave birth to an entire segment. However, before you get too excited, learn that we will not be seeing the next Golf GTI in Paris but most likely in Geneva the following March.
Since its presentation is a full year away, we have the next best thing with our first spy pictures of the Golf GTI MkVII wearing its production outfit while testing on the ‘Ring.
Compared to the regular Golf prototypes we caught earlier this year, the GTI is distinguished by the larger alloy wheels wrapped around beefier tires, the lowered body and the side skirts. The car seen here is the five-door model, but Volkswagen will also offer a three-door variant and possibly a convertible later on.
The Mk7 Golf’s styling is expected to evolve from the current Golf with the GTI featuring its usual signature styling traits such as a unique front grille with red accents, smoked lights and plaid seats.
The fact that it rides on the Volkswagen Group’s brand new MQB modular platform, which made its debut on the 2013 Audi A3 hatchback, means that the GTI will be lighter than the current model.
Power for the next GTI will come from an uprated version of today’s EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine with around 220hp to 230hp, up from the 2012 GTI’s 207hp (210PS). The increase in power together with the lighter body should help make the new GTI modestly faster than the outgoing model.
A six-speed manual gearbox or an optional seven-speed dual clutch transmission will drive the front wheels via a brand new, electronically controlled limited slip differential.
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