Volkswagen’s all-new 2020 Golf GTI model will be “cool as hell”, according to the automaker’s chief executive for the United States, Scott Keogh.
In fact, during an interview with Automobile Magazine, he had this to say about the newest version of this iconic hot hatchback: “We will be launching the Golf VIII, which will be the next-gen and it will have a GTI, so we’re 100 percent on board [with that model].”
“But right now the GTI is going to stay GTI. And the [eighth-gen version of that] will come, and it’s going to be cool as hell.”
Just how cool, one might ask? Well, here is our first indicator, courtesy of this recently-spotted prototype. While the camouflage is at this point redundant for the MK8 Golf, the GTI version is however hiding a few extra bits giving it a more sporty appearance.
It clearly features more aggressive-looking spoilers with larger intakes, larger (and wider) wheels, chunkier side skirts and of course a dual exhaust setup with a pipe on each side – just like on the current generation model.
Inside, the all-new Golf GTI will build on what we’ve already seen inside Mk8 prototypes. Specifically, it will feature the same digital instrument cluster, the same infotainment display, rectangular air vents and an overall driver-oriented dashboard design. However, this being the GTI, it will surely also come with aluminum bits, plus contrast stitching on the steering wheel, gear lever and seats.
As for what to expect in terms of performance, the next gen GTI will likely keep the current model’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo petrol unit, but tweaked to produce a bit more power, possibly around 252 HP (255 PS) in base spec. There were rumors of a mild-hybrid powertrain at one point, but current VW Group chairman Herbert Diess reportedly decided against that plan of action.
That same report also talked about active dampers for the new GTI, which will ride on a reworked MQB platform.
With the Mk8 Golf expected to be unveiled this summer, followed by a public debut in Frankfurt this September, the GTI version will most likely break cover sometime next year.