2013 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet GTI unveiled, debuting in Geneva next week

Volkswagen has unveiled the first-generation of its new Golf GTI Cabriolet, bringing some power and suspension tuning to the drop-top compact segment. Buzz around a high-performance Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet started at the 2011 Wörthersee GTI meet in Austria where the company showed a drop-top version of the Golf R and the Golf GTI.

Power for the new 2013 Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet GTI comes from a 2.0 liter turbocharged, direct-injected 4-cylinder engine from the GTI hatchback. Output comes in at 207-hp with a maximum torque of 207 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic, 0 to 62 mph for the Golf GTI Cabriolet comes in 7.3 seconds with a top speed of 147 mph (2 mph lower than the hatchback).

Visually, exterior changes for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Cabriolet include 17-inch wheels, honeycomb treatment for the front lower fascia, GTI badging, smoked LED taillights and dual chrome exhaust pipes.

Inside, you’ll find the similar sport touches from the GTI hatchback including red accent stitching, leather steering wheel, and plaid pattern fabric seats with leather being optional.

The soft fabric top on the Volkswagen Golf Cabriolet GTI comes down in just 9.5 seconds and can be operated at speed of up to 19 mph.

The top on the Golf Cabriolet GTI will come down at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. No confirmation on whether it will come to the United States.

2012 Geneva Motor Show

– By: Omar Rana