Volkswagen has a well-overhauled seventh generation Golf GTI hitting the pavement sometime this year as a faster, lighter, more technologically advanced version of its former self.

A special welding process allows the automaker to build shells with aluminum roofs and bolt-ons, cutting weight by over 220 pounds from the current model. The lighter weight will also get better distribution with a 40mm upward shift of the front wheels, which will also improve handling. Suspension parts have also been upgraded along with a new steering rack. Traction has been improved by swapping out the current brake based traction control for an electronically controlled mechanical limited slip differential.

Power for the model is expected to come in just around 230hp, close to the Mk6, but the addition of the Audi’s Valvelift system gives torque a nice boost up to 260 lb-ft. A new GTD model is also in the works, packing 20 more horsepower over the current model’s 170hp, and 280 lb-ft made by an all new engine picked from Volkswagen’s new diesel line.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen GTI.

The new GTI also borrows Audi’s technology for the entertainment system, which includes hi-fi, navigation and connectivity features presented on an 8 inch capacitive touchscreen. The system also features a proximity sensor, which brings options on the screen when your finger comes close to it. Forward cameras have also been added that help with maintaining lanes, auto-breaking, and radar cruise.

A new platform is being implemented by the VW Group called the MQB, which is what the Mk7 is based on. The MQB will be featured on all transverse-front-engined models in the lineup. Included are systems, design processes, components, and factories. The upgrade reduces development and tooling costs by 30 percent, parts costs by 20 percent, and manufacturing costs by 30 percent.

Overall, this sounds like a solid update for the GTI, and the GTD.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: Top Gear

The visual highlight of the kit would be the 19-inch red and black wheels, wrapped in Margangoni tires. Schmidt Revolution also dropped the car, added a dual exhaust system, sport tuned suspension and fitted the rear with the original bumper for the R32. On the inside, a Kenwood navigation system has been added.

The kit doesn’t leave out performance, with a 74hp upgrade kicking total power output up to 271hp. Starting with the 2.0-liter TSFI motor, the ECU gets an upgrade as well as the air intake.

From the perspective of a GTI fan, this is a nice tune, although power upgrades could have been improved upon.

- By: Alexandra Koken

All of the editors over at CARandDRIVER have sat down and chosen their top 10 cars for 2012 that are available for sale in the United States.

As always, the cars on the list don’t have to be the newest, and they don’t have to be expensive as nothing over $80,000 is even allowed to make the cut.

Audi, Ford and Honda all had two models that made the list.

So who made the list this year?

CARandDRIVER 2012 10Best Cars:

• Audi A6/A7.
• BMW 3-Series / M3.
• Cadillac CTS-V.
• Ford Focus.
• Ford Mustang / Boss 302.
• Honda Accord.
• Honda Fit.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata.
• Porsche Boxster / Cayman.
• Volkswagen Golf / GTI.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

It’s time for another Let’s Talk Numbers battle and today we are focusing on two popular hot hatchbacks – the 2011 Volkswagen GTI and the 2011 Mazdaspeed3. These two hot-hatches have always been the center of debate for youngsters in the market and today we’re here to let you settle the score with some help of the specs.

Click here to check out our previous Let’s Talk Number wars.

2011 Volkswagen GTI:

• Style: Hatchback.
• Drive Type: Front-wheel-drive.
• Power: 2.0 liter turbocarged inline 4-cylinder / 200-hp  between 5,100 – 6,000 rpm – 207 lb-ft of torque between 1,800 – 5,000 rpm.
• Transmission: 6-speed DSG automatic with Tiptronic and Sport mode; 6-speed manual
• 0 to 60 mph: 6.7 seconds.
• Top Speed: 149 mph.
• Curb Weight: 3,034 lbs (3-door) / 3,113 lbs (5-door).
• Fuel-economy: 24/32 mpg (city/highway).
• Price: $23,695 (3-door), $24,295 (5-door).

2011 Mazdaspeed3:

• Style: Hatchback.
• Drive Type: Front-wheel-drive.
• Power: 2.3 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder / 263-hp  at 5,500 rpm – 280 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm.
• Transmission: 6-speed manual.
• 0 to 60 mph: 6.4 seconds.
• Top Speed: 155 mph.
• Curb Weight: 3,221 lbs.
• Fuel-economy: 18/25 mpg (city/highway).
• Price: $23,700.

Review: 2010 Volkswagen GTI:

Review: 2010 Mazdaspeed3:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

Review: 2010 Volkswagen GTI:

Review: 2010 Mazdaspeed3:

- By: Omar Rana

B & B just released not one, but three different tuning kits for the Golf GTI Edition 35 anniversary edition. Different options are available and coincide with different price ranges.

Stage 1 is actually split itself, and offers a package that boosts the GTI to 277-hp at 277-lb per ft, up from 232-hp at 221-lb per ft. Already a decent tune, stage one can take the torque even further, to 310-lb per foot.

B&B’s second stage provides a nice jump in horsepower over stage one, kicking it up to 321-hp at 332-lb per ft of torque. If this still isn’t enough, a third stage is available, as well.

The stage 3 option comes with a price tag to match. Just over $12,700 can buy a GTI that’s dropped 30mm, sits on 19- or 20- inch rims, and an upgraded turbocharged motor. In a rush? This GTI hits 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds, pushing 375-hp and 376-lb per ft of torque.

B&B Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35:

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: WCF

The Mark VI Volkswagen Golf and GTI have been with us for about three years now. So naturally, we’d expect Volkswagen AG to be hard at work to make sure the next-generation Golf and the GTI are just as successful as the last two generations. In light of this, we’ve just received news that the next generation GTI will be getting a carryover of the current 2.0L turbocharged engine, but with a twist…sort of.

The next generation GTI will get today’s version of the EA888 turbo four, but will be receiving a power upgrade from 200-hp to 220-hp for the next generation, thanks to some slight tweaks and a new valve lift system developed by Audi. But that’s not all. The next generation GTI and GTI-R will also get a new electronically controlled, mechanically locking differential.

As for the standard Golf, significant changes were made to the EA111 1.4L “twincharger” four-banger. Renamed to EA112, the new motor will drop the supercharger and turbocharger combination for just a “soft” single turbo setup. Output is estimated to peak at 150-hp.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen GTI.

We’ve also received news regarding the next generation Golf’s new sibling: a Golf Carbiolet, which will also get a hot R version. It will use the same 2.0L turbocharged four-banger good for 261-hp in the Scirocco R while the GTI Cabriolet will just use the plain 207hp motor from the regular GTI.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCar

Getting pulled over is never fun. And if you are one to get pulled over often, consider the car your driving. It’s no news that what you’re driving can make the coppers see you as a huge red flag that says: “HEY PICK ME!” But some of the cars that were found to be the most ticketed may come to a surprise for some, because it did for us.

Quality Planning conducted a study by collecting data from law enforcement firms around the country and ranked the cars that are pulled over the most. The study is based on the number of moving violations that a car is issued per 100,000 miles.

Some patterns found that seven of the top 10 cars were most likely driven by women. And sure, you might think that the majority of the cars are also driven by the youth. But, you’ll be surprised as once again, seven of the ten total entries were most driven by individuals with an average age of 40 or higher.

These sort of studies always end up being interesting. So without further ado, the list:

Quality Planning’s Top Ten Most Ticketed Cars:

1. Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Convertible
2. Toyota Camry-Solara Coupe
3. Scion tC Coupe
4. Hummer H2/H3 SUV
5. Scion XB Hatchback
6. Mercedes-Benz CLS-63 AMG Sedan
7. Acura Integra Coupe
8. Pontiac Grand Prix Sedan
9. Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Sedan
10. Volkswagen GTI Hatchback

- By: Chris Chin

Source: CNBC

Earlier this month, reports of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 coming to the United States had us pretty excited. Besides being a Volkswagen GTI, the V-Dub Golf GTI Edition 35 is powered by a 2.0-liter TSI 4-cylinder turbo engine, that has been upgraded to make 232-hp.

It seems like Volkswagen has changed their mind.Why? According to a source, “Volkswagen of America doesn’t want it,” … even if we, the consumer want it.

According to an inside that spoke with CARandDRIVER: “VW of America do their own special editions. The GTI is selling very well over there, and they don’t need special editions to move it.”

Show your anger in the comments section after the jump.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

Volkswagen’s hot hatch models are making some big headlines this week thanks to the 2011 Worthersee event – so it’s only right that a report like this pops up.

Last month when Volkswagen unveiled the special-edition Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 celebrating the model’s 35th anniversary, it said that the limited-edition of the hot-hatchback will only be available in Europe.

Well, it seems like V-dub has had a change of mind and has decided to bring the GTI Edition 35 to the United States. However, the 35 badging will have to change since the number of years are specific to the European market. In 2012, the GTI will celebrate its 30th birthday in the United States.

In the Euro version, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 is powered by a 2.0-liter TSI 4-cylinder turbo engine, that has been upgraded to produced 235 PS – or 232-hp.

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

Excited about the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R heading to the United States? Being a huge fan of the Volkswagen GTI, so am I. However, I’ve always wondered whether Volkswagen will ever offer us hot-hatch lovers a convertible version of the GTI or Golf R. With the recent debut of the 2012 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, a hot-hatch drop-top version seemed more likely than ever before.

Okay enough of that introduction; the likeliness of a Golf GTI Cabriolet and the Golf R Cabriolet has just intensified with the debut of the Golf R Cabriolet Concept and the Golf GTI Cabriolet Concept at the 2011 Worthersee.

Power for the Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet Concept (which is the highlight at this year’s Worthersee event) comes from the same 2.0L TSI direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder from the closed-top hatch. The engine produces a nice 266-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, allowing the Volkswagen Golf R Cabriolet to go from 0 to 62 mph in less than six seconds.

While Volkswagen hasn’t really confirmed production, the brand is most likely gauging interest in the possibility of a series production model and we’re pretty sure there’s a lot of interest.

Check out the press release after the jump.

Press Release:

Volkswagen News at Wörthersee: Powerful 270 PS Golf R revealed as cabriolet concept!

• Cruiser: open-top Golf R at full strength even in lowest speed range
• Strong look: debut of Golf R Concept at Wörthersee

Wolfsburg / Reifnitz, 02 June 2011 – Volkswagen has travelled to the largest GTI Meet in the world at Wörthersee with an entire fleet of new models, concept cars and accessory highlights. After revealing the new Golf GTI Edition 35 in a world debut, the company that invented the GTI will be pulling the veils off some other secret projects of a sporty nature: Volkswagen is presenting the Golf R Cabriolet as a concept car with 270 PS of power and a top speed of 250 km/h; it is a fascinating thought experiment in cabrio dynamics. This “power cabrio” also demonstrates the inexhaustible potential of the Golf. But there is more news as well: other concept cars such as the Golf R Concept and the latest original accessories will make the GTI Meet (until June 4th) a mecca for every Volkswagen fan.

Golf R Cabriolet concept: Volkswagen just recently introduced the new Golf Cabriolet, and the designers and engineers of Volkswagen R GmbH have already come up with an extremely sporty variant of this model: the Golf R Cabriolet Concept. Like its closed top counterpart, the 199 kW / 270 PS Cabriolet concept races to the 100 km/h mark in less than six seconds. Their top speeds are also identical at 250 km/h. This makes the R Cabriolet the fastest open-top Golf ever. Even more impressive, however, is the engine’s tremendous torque – 350 Newton metres from a low 2,500 rpm make this cabriolet an ideal cruiser.

Like the closed-top Golf R, the cabriolet was lowered by 25 mm via a sport chassis. A 17-inch brake system with internally ventilated discs at all wheels and blue painted high-performance brake callipers (including R-logo) enables impressive deceleration values. Making contact to the road surface on the Golf R Cabriolet Concept are 19-inch “Talladega” alloy wheels with size 235 tyres.

Naturally, the Golf R Cabriolet Concept also presents an especially sporty interior concept. Motorsport shell seats in dark blue carbon leather, combined with high-end Nappa leather in “Pure Grey”, set the tone here. The backs of the shell seats are painted in luxurious black piano paint. Upholstery piping and decorative seams provide for colour contrast. Carbon accents emphasise the concept’s technical-sporty character. The sand-blasted aluminium door sill plates with black piano paint inlays display finely crafted workmanship.

Golf R Concept: Two variations of the Golf R Concept are also making strong visual statements at Wörthersee. Like the classic Golf R and the R Cabriolet on display at Wörthersee, the two Golf R Concepts are also powered by a 2.0-litre turbo engine with the mentioned 199 kW / 270 PS, which is as powerful as it is efficient.

The first version of the Golf R Concept attracts attention with mid-tone “Velvet Grey Metallic” exterior, polished 19-inch “Talladega” alloy wheels, orange painted brake callipers and carbon mirror caps.

The driver and front passenger have the pleasure of sitting on perfectly ergonomic motorsport shell seats. Their outer segments are upholstered in black Nappa leather; anthracite-coloured Nappa leather (“Light Anthracite”) is used towards the inner surfaces in the area of the lateral seat supports and towards the head section. The cross-stitched centre panels of the seat and seatback gets an even lighter Nappa leather (“Pure Grey”). The back shell glistens in black piano paint. The piping on the side sections of the seat and head section provide a fine contrast: the orange of the brake callipers is repeated here. Meanwhile, interior accents match the look of the mirror caps: carbon. The same material is also used for the steering wheel, gear shift lever and the door sill plates. Black piano paint characterises the panels behind the inside door handles, the trim of the window controls and the trim of the gear shift grip.

The second model of the Golf R Concept is painted in the sophisticated “Aplomb Blue”. The 19-inch “Glendale” wheels that are new to the Golf line-up shine in “Brilliant Silver”. Once again, the exterior mirror caps, various interior accents and the door sill plates are made of carbon.

Parts of the back shells of the motorsport shell seats also feature carbon. Black Nappa leather covers the outer areas of the seat and seatback surfaces. Meanwhile, the ridge of the seats – a continuous stripe that runs along the lateral seat and back supports – consists of blue leather. The sport leather steering wheel’s inner segments and grip recesses were upholstered in “carbon leather”; characteristic of this lightweight material is its woven structure. Even the floor mats have a carbon look. The decorative seams here, as in the area of the parking brake lever, are styled in blue.

Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH: At the 30th GTI Meet, the accessories company is not only showing complete vehicles, but also lifestyle articles and vehicle accessories. Available in the “GTI Shop” at the Volkswagen exhibit is the entire new “GTI Collection” of sporty shirts, coats, jeans, children’s articles and accessories. And that is not all: the 35th anniversary of the Golf GTI was reason enough to design a commemorative series: the “GTI Edition 35 T-Shirt Collection” with the best advertising motifs over the 35 years of the GTI.

Classic accessories on display at Wörthersee include various alloy wheels (up to 21-inch in size). Also being presented by Volkswagen Zubehör GmbH is a customised Polo with features that can be ordered individually such as interior accents and door mirror caps in carbon look, special tailpipe trim, rear apron with diffuser and 17-inch “Motorsport” alloy wheels – all with affordable sports appeal. And that is how it should be. Because Volkswagen democratised the sports car with the GTI back in 1976. 35 years later, this also means that the accessories line-up offers enhanced sports appeal for every budget.

- By: Omar Rana

We’ve all had our fair share of weird sales people at car dealerships. Larry Roesch, of a Chicago-area Volkswagen dealer, takes weird up a notch by demonstrating how tough a Volkswagen really is.

In a 30 second video, Roesch slams the doors of a Volkswagen GTI, stands up on the door to show how solid the hinges are and then challenges you to try the same thing with a Hyundai or Honda.

What would be interesting is if a Hyundai or Honda dealer did the same and threw up a video on YouTube.

Either way, hit the jump for a little laugh.

- By: Omar Rana

Insider senior sources at Kia have just confirmed with AutoCar that they will be producing a hot hatch version of their Pro_Cee’d model that will compete with the likes of the industry leading Golf GTi and the SEAT Leon Cupra – something we’ve previously heard before.

It will feature a new direct-injected 1.6L four banger that will churn out over 200hp. The old 2.0L engine was considered but in order to keep competitive running costs down, the 1.6L engine was favored.

“The sports models aren’t there for volume,” Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia UK explained, “they’ll just be a boost to the brand’s image – particularly in the UK.”

The Pro-Cee’d (Pro dash Cee apostrophe D, as Jeremy Clarkson would call it) will debut for the first time at the 2013 Frankfurt motor show, which will be about 18 months after the all new Cee’d five-door and estate debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCar

Volkswagen announced today that it is celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Golf GTI with the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35.

Visually, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 gets special-edition GTI wheels, smoked head-and taillights with LED running headlamps, glossy black plastic trim on the grille and side mirrors, tinted glass, and “35” badges on the front fenders and door sills. On the inside, the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 gets the number ’35′ stitched into the seats, which are also upgraded.

Click here for more news on the Volkswagen Golf GTI.

However, what’s most impressive is the upgrades under the hood. The 2.0-liter TSI 4-cylinder turbo engine has been upgraded to produced 235 PS – or 232-hp.

Now here is the bad new: The Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35 will only be available to European buyers with prices starting at 30,425 Euro ($43,398 USD).

Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 35:

- By: Omar Rana

2010 Kia Cee'd

Kia is slowly moving upmarket and has plans to offer a performance hatchback in Europe to solidify its upgrading lineup. According to Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s overseas marketing director, Kia is planning a rival to the Volkswagen GTI.

“We are preparing turbocharged engines,” said Soon-Nam Lee. “We are tuning suspension and we are preparing a Golf GTI rival.”

So what Kia model will become a hot-hatch? According to sources, the next-generation Kia Cee’d will be the GTI rival. The Kia Cee’d will be four years old next spring and is due for a replacement then. Power for the Kia Cee’d GTI rival will most likely come from a 2.0L turbocharged Theta II engine.

While the engine is good for making 247-hp with a peak torque of 269 lb-ft, Kia will detune the engine to make between 220 to 230-hp.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar

Photo Rendering: 2013 Volkswagen Golf MK VII

Here is some exciting news for all of you Volkswagen Golf fans – the seventh-generation model is in the works and is scheduled to arrive at the “end of 2012 or early 2013,” according to a V-Dub spokesman.

According to Reuters, the spokesman was responding to an earlier report by Automobilwoche that said a person close to VW’s CEO said that the Golf model would arrive in showrooms in November 2012.

While we have little details on the new Golf, it is reported that the Volkswagen Golf MK VII will be the first Volkswagen model to be built on a new cost-saving modular transverse platform known internally as ‘MQB.’ Volkswagen expects to save in the double-digit percentage range thanks to a new production process that is different from the previous vehicle platform. Now we’re not sure if that will drive down the price of the new Golf, but it would be nice.

The MQB platform will eventually be used to build some 3 million vehicles by Volkswagen Group every year.

Photo Rendering: 2013 Volkswagen Golf MK VII:

Photo Rendering Copyright © Christian Schulte – egmCarTech.

- By: Omar Rana

2010 Volkswagen Golf R

Following yesterday’s small report, Volkswagen confirmed today that it will bring the Golf R to the United States in 2012. In a short press release, Volkswagen said:

The European Golf R is simply the most powerful Volkswagen sports performance vehicle ever built. The car delivers the ultimate Volkswagen driving experience with dynamic handling, refined road manners and unprecedented power for a Golf. It is Volkswagen’s performance halo vehicle, and at the request of VW enthusiasts, the company is bringing it to the U.S. in 2012.

Click here for more Volkswagen Golf R news.

Refresher: The 2010 Volkswagen Golf R is powered by a 2.0L TSI direct-injected and turbocharged 4-cylinder making 266-hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a DSG dual-clutch (6-speed manual as standard), the Golf R goes from 0-62 mph in 5.5 seconds with a top speed that is electronically-governed at 155 mph.

2010 Volkswagen Golf R:

- By: Omar Rana

Car and Driver's 10Best Cars for 2011

Car and Driver has released its annual 10Best Cars list for 2011, with the list featuring some familiar faces and some new ones. The list features some high-horsepower vehicles such as the 556-hp Cadillac CTS-V and for the first time ever, electrically powered vehicles with the Chevrolet Volt.

“Our 10Best award celebrates the best cars on sale in America for less than $80,000,” said Car and Driver VP/editor-in-chief, Eddie Alterman. “In our testing,” Alterman continued, “we are looking for those automobiles that deliver spectacular value, real driver engagement, and the highest fulfillment of their intended missions. Our testing takes place over a week on real roads in the real world, marshalling more than 60 new test cars and our entire editorial staff. It’s a real workout, and the best cars on the market emerge victorious.”

Click here to read Car and Driver’s article on the 10Best Cars for 2011.

Side Note: Honda Fit? Really? We would replace that with the Nissan LEAF.

Check out the full list after the jump.

Car and Driver’s 10Best Cars for 2011:

• BMW 3-series/M3
• Cadillac CTS-V
• Chevrolet Volt
• Ford Mustang GT
• Honda Accord
• Honda Fit
• Hyundai Sonata
• Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Porsche Boxster/Cayman
• Volkswagen Golf/GTI

- By: Omar Rana

JE Design Volkswagen Golf GTI-R

The Volkswagen Golf has always been one of the automotive world”s most customized cars; everyone from amateurs working out of their garages to design teams have taken their crack at making the vehicle a car to race. Indeed, VW itself sported up the Golf by releasing the Golf R at the Frankfurt Auto show, and now JE Design has taken the GTI and created a similar model for buyers now.

Called the GTI-R, it produces 267-hp from the 2.0 L turbocharged engine- the same as V-dubs Golf R. And while the corporate attempt takes 6.9 seconds from 0-60, JE”s GTI-R does it in 6.4 seconds. The 160 mph top speed of JE”s creation also slightly trumps the original.

The car will cast a striking image as well: with side skirts and a central spoiler, as well as 19″ black alloy wheels, the car will not soon be forgotten. The sound, coming from a customized muffler, should impress as well. All in all, JE Design has created a strong offering from what it was given in the GTI; the question remains, however, whether buyers will prefer it to Volkswagen Golf-R, which comes to American shores in 2011.

JE Design Volkswagen Golf GTI-R:

- By: Zain Haq

Source: JE Designs (via WCF)