The first batch of photos of the new Volkswagen Golf GTI Concept were unloaded on the internet today, less than 24 hours ahead of the car’s reveal at the 2012 edition of the Paris Motor Show.
Much like the previous model that was displayed in concept form at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, the new Golf GTI is also going to be shown as a near-production study. What this means is that that the car’s looks and mechanicals will remain virtually unchanged when it goes on sale next year starting with Europe in spring.
Volkswagen’s new hot hatch incorporates all the traditional design cues of the series like the honeycomb upper and lower front grilles with red accents, which now extend to the angular headlamps, five spoke alloy wheels wrapped in beefy tires, and two large exhaust pipes split far.
The darkened tail lamps, rear diffuser in black, a discreet roof spoiler, the LED headlamps and the new black trim on the front bumper round out the visual changes on the outside.
Inside, you will find classic tartan upholstery covering the body-hugging sport seats along with black piano trim décor, and red stitching applied on the flat-bottom sports steering wheel and the transmission lever.
There’s no official information from Volkswagen yet, but Autobild magazine is reporting that the next Golf GTI gets a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 217Hp (220PS) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) in regular guise and 227Hp (230PS) with an optionally available performance package.
Power will be transferred to the front wheels via a standard six-speed manual or an optional dual clutch transmission.
The magazine claims that the regular GTI will complete the 0 to 100km/h (62mph) sprint in 6.6 seconds and top out at 246km/h (153mph), and the 227Hp (230PS) in 6.5 seconds en route to a top speed of 250km/h (155mph).
