hot hatches. who doesn’t love them? among the torrent of offering by the different automakers, none can claim to be as iconic as the Volkswagen GTI. born nearly four decades ago, every generation of this nimble, front-wheel driven ride has made their marks and with each generation, getting sleeker and more powerful then ever. however, one thing remains unchanged: across all generation of GTI, it was always offered in one power trim, but that is set to change with the 2014 Volkswagen GTI. set to strut its stuff at the Geneva Auto Show next week, this seventh generation hot hatch will be offered in two power levels: the standard GTI with 220 PS (217 hp, or 162 kW), and a GTI Performance model with 230 PS (227 hp, or 169 kW). whichever you choose, it will be mated a choice of manual six-speed transmission, or an automatic six-speed DSG.
with respect to performance, the ‘regular’ GTI gets from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5 seconds with a top speed of 246 km/h (153 mph), while the Performance model is 0.1 second quicker and has a maximum speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). along with a more aggressive stance and aesthetic, the new GTI also features front axle differential lock, 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque, Stop-Start system, signature red-painted brake calipers, dual chrome tailpipes, sport suspension, special side sills, a diffuser, smoked LED rear lights, tartan pattern sport seats, black roof liner, red ambience lighting, sport steering wheel, GTI gear shift knob and instrument cluster, special trim strips, stainless steel pedals and foot support, and a fuel consumption of 6.4- and 6.5-liter per 100 km (or 36.8 and 36.2 mpg) for the GTI and GTI Performance, respectively. order for the 2014 Volkswagen GTI begins on the March 5, 2013 in Germany with prices starting from €28,350 (roughly US$37,000).
images via Autoblog
