Volkswagen is reportedly planning to introduce a lightweight version of the upcoming Golf 7 GTI making use of carbon-fibre and aluminium construction.
Given that the Paris Motor Show-bound Golf 7 GTI concept will be powered by an Audi-sourced EA888 turbopetrol engine developing a modest (by contemporary hot hatch standards) 165 kW, it could make sense to introduce a limited-run lightweight GTI to keep the marque’s performance credentials intact in the face of stern opposition from the likes of the new Ford Focus ST and the 206 kW sledgehammer that is the 2013 Opel Astra OPC.
This proposed GTI spinoff, tentatively dubbed “Carbon GTI”, will make use of aluminium construction studded with carbon-fibre components, such as the bonnet and roof. The result will be a GTI that will reportedly weigh 200 kg less than the current car – around 1 193 kg. To make production of such a niche model economically feasible, Volkswagen will probably utilise much of the lightweight bodywork in the construction of its Hybrid Golf model.
The combination of light kerb weight and 165 kW powerplant should see the Carbon GTI hit 100 km/h from standstill in less than six seconds, while a model-tailored take on the Golf 7’s variable-assistance steering system and VAQ front differential should keep things tidy at speed.
Should this model be given the go-ahead, it could be launched in 2014 to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Golf.
It will be joined by the standard Mk 7GTI and Golf-R models, both the Golf R and GTI will utilise an Audi-sourced EA888 turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder engine. The Paris-bound GTI concept (loosely speaking a production preview) will reportedly feature a 165 kW version of that engine, while the Golf R will feature a heavily tuned version developing 205 kW.
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