Volkswagen GTI Supersport Vision Gran Turismo
Volkswagen has developed a new sports car for the digital world in the shape of the two-seater "GTI Supersport Vision Gran Turismo". The designers and engineers picked up on the legendary GTI DNA from a visual and technical standpoint. In a further development, the styling of the iconic compact sports cars was once again reinterpreted and further endowed with a 503 HP VR6 TSI engine. A 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox transfers the power via the 4MOTION four-wheel drive to the track. Up to 665 Nm (490.3 ft-lb) of torque delivers mighty thrust. And the handling characteristics have been tuned specifically for the "Gran Turismo" racetracks. Despite the progressive interpretation of the GTI concept, the classic Golf design is instantly recognizable. The body of the "Supersport" has been aerodynamically optimised through numerous features. The front-end, for instance, has been fine-tuned, with the designers placing the vertical light modules further outboard; they are connected via a spoiler element to underscore the width of the GTI and enhance its visual presence.
The air flow through the body has also been enhanced with a large air inlet boosting aerodynamic performance at the front. The airstream flows past the front wheels and is practically sucked out of the wheel arches in order to cool down the brake discs. The hallmark GTI honeycomb structure adorns all the air inlet and outlet openings. Aerodynamics and cooling are just as important in the strengthened rear section: downstream of the striking roof spoiler, a rear wing creates the necessary downforce at the rear axle. From a design point of view, the carbon-fiber structure which holds the rear wing, protrudes from the C-pillar. An aerodynamic feature on the roof ensures that the airflow to the rear wing is perfect. Furthermore, air flows through the rear wheel arches in order to optimally dissipate the thermal energy produced during braking. Like the "Roadster", the "Supersport" is also fitted with 20-inch GTI alloy wheels. The multipiece GTI wheels were refined further; a star consisting of five spokes, which are finished in ultralight carbon fiber, sits proudly in the center. On the racetracks in the world of GT6, the unmistakably charismatic looks of the new "GTI Supersport Vision Gran Turismo" in the digital rear-view mirror are likely to make the other contenders more than a little nervous.
The torque curve starts to lose steam around after 4800 rpm and engine redlines at 6800 rpm. Bottom line, forward thrust is impressive when you find the engine鈥檚 sweet spot. Does the Golf R add up to a good value? Alex: Looking for a practical hatchback with a fair amount of cargo space and the dimensions to make it suitable in an urban setting, but want a car you look for excuses to drive? The 2018 Golf R is the answer. The one hesitation in its case might be the price point. 42,000, the R is a lot more demanding of your hard-earned cash. 30,000. That鈥檚 a big leap. The jump in power is 72 ponies, which is substantial, but does it justify the 12-grand leap in price? What if you factor in the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system that changes the car鈥檚 handling dynamics only for the better, the added technology and VW鈥檚 People First Warranty that covers the 4-door hatchback bumper-to-bumper for six years/72,000 miles? Then the 2018 Golf R begins to overcome the price difference. 20,000 or less. There aren鈥檛 too many out there though. According to VWVortex forums, Volkswagen produced 5,507 2012 and 2013 Golf R models for the US. Whichever model suits your fancy, V-dub鈥檚 hot hatch is sure to please on all counts. After all, no contender can match the Golf R for its blend of laid-back competence, value, and absolute commitment.
It is no secret that a new Volkswagen Golf is on the way! It is expected to arrive any day now. As the benchmark in the premium family hatchback market, it is much anticipated. Currently, Volkswagen offers an entire range of engines for US customers of the Golf. We recently learned that this will not be the case when the new Golf arrives. What is almost certain is that Volkswagen will offer GTI and R versions of the Golf. The news comes via Motor1 who claim to have spoken to an anonymous Volkswagen executive at an event. Previous rumours have suggested that the e-Golf won鈥檛 be replaced with Volkswagen preferring to consolidate its electric offering under the Volkswagen I.D. It remains to be seen what will happen with the popular GTE model. Sales figures show that Volkswagen sold just 6,642 base Golfs last year so the decision should not surprise anyone. Recent decisions by the likes of companies like Ford prove that the bottom has fallen out of the market for hatchbacks in the US. There is no suggestion that the Golf range will be curtailed in Europe however.
