New Engine, New Design, Hinting at Future Volkswagens

With a maximum output of 370 kW (503 ps), this power level rivals that of Audi's flagship sports car within the Volkswagen Group, theR8 Coupe 5.2 FSI quattro"R8 Coupe 5.2 FSI quattro" (386 kW (525 ps)), and the Porsche " 911 Turbo"911 Turbo" (383 kW (520 ps)), which recently began accepting reservations in Japan.

This concept model, the "Design Vision GTI," is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 twin-turbo engine and is based on the latest7th Generation Golf"7th Generation Golf" body.

While currently only presented through illustrations, the actual car is scheduled to be unveiled at the "GTI Meeting" fan event starting today.

Considering that the standard "Golf GTI" produces a maximum output of 162 kW (220 ps) from its 2.0-liter inline-4 engine, and theGolf GTI Performance"Golf GTI Performance" produces 169 kW (230 ps), this "Design Vision GTI" engine boasts more than double the specifications.

Its peak torque is 560 Nm between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm, but it's said to generate 500 Nm from as low as around 2,000 rpm.

There is no similar configuration among existing Volkswagen Group engines, suggesting this is likely a new engine developed with future models within the group in mind.


The "Design Vision GTI" is designed for circuit driving, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 3.9 seconds. Although details are still unclear, it will be equipped with a dual-clutch transmission (DSG) and all-wheel drive. Its top speed is 300 km/h, and it rides on dedicated 20-inch wheels with 235/35 front and 275/30 rear tires.

Compared to the latest Golf GTI, the body dimensions are 15 mm shorter at 4,253 mm, about 70 mm wider at 1,870 mm, and 57 mm lower at 1,385 mm. The track width is 1,595 mm front and 1,579 mm rear, compared to the Golf GTI's 1,538 mm front and 1,516 mm rear.

The body design, overseen by Klaus Bischoff, is an in-house creation. A distinctive feature is the shape of the C-pillar and side sills, which appear slightly detached from the body. As is characteristic of the GTI, the red line accentuates the front, where the design of the headlights and grille also serves as a preview of the future design direction for all Volkswagen brand vehicles.