Volkswagen Golf GTI on a track with slalom test. Performance preview

The new Volkswagen Golf GTI (8th generation) races through corners extremely neutrally, even at high speeds on race tracks, and also accelerates out of corners without any loss of traction.

The new Golf GTI is powered by a 180 kW (245 HP) 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine (TSI). The maximum torque is 370 Nm. The GTI engine (EA888 evo4) in this output level had been reserved for the predecessor Golf GTI Performance which was available as an alternative to the basic model (169 kW/230 HP) at a surcharge. Now the 245 HP engine is part of the standard range. The TSI unit has been coupled with a manual 6-speed gearbox – a combination that is a firm favourite with sports car purists. A quick-shifting 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) is available as an optional alternative. The electronically limited top speed is 250 km/h in both cases.

The Vehicle Dynamics Manager coordinates and activates the functions of the electronically controlled front-axle locking differential, the electronic XDS differential lock as well as the lateral dynamic components of the optional electronically controlled shock absorbers (DCC) during every driving manoeuvre. In this process, adapting the individual wheel damping (200 times a second) guarantees particularly agile and accurate handling. Running gear engineers have introduced a new technical package to entirely eliminate understeer, a typical characteristic of front-wheel drive vehicles whereby the vehicle’s front wheels lose grip in quick corners. Volkswagen Golf GTI races through corners extremely neutrally, even at suitably high speeds on race tracks, and also accelerates out of corners without any loss of traction. This is due in part to the fact that the locking torque of the front-axle locking differential can be significantly increased in Sport mode. Talking of race tracks, it is possible to adapt the ESC intervention in two stages. In ESC Sport mode the ESC thresholds and ASR slip thresholds are increased to reduce the intensity of interventions. In ESC Off mode, ambitious drivers can additionally deactivate ESC altogether. However, Front Assist and Swerve Assist reactivate ESC in emergencies.

Видео Volkswagen Golf GTI on a track with slalom test. Performance preview канала 1001cars