SPIED: Volkswagen's Next-Gen MKVII Golf, Lighter, Faster & MORE Tech

With stiffer competition closing in on Volkswagen from all sides, it's clear that the storied German marque has to do something to keep up. To do so, VW has a raft of changes coming to the next-generation Golf.

Primarily VW will focus on three areas: weight reduction, more power and a better transmission, and new technology. These new additions will culminate in a product that is lighter, faster and more fuel efficient. And, according to our sources, the Golf will feature a plug-in hybrid and a fully electric version.

All of this certainly sounds impressive but the real question is: Will VW de-content the next-gen Golf like the current Jetta?

Here's the funny thing though. While a significant majority of the media has panned the Jetta, it's been selling extremely well. I am betting the next-gen Golf will follow the Jetta's footsteps in that it will get larger, a cheaper price, and de-contented.


The seventh-generation VW Golf will be lighter, safer and better to drive than ever. And as these latest spy shots show it's deep into development ahead of its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in October...

...The reduced weight will help to improve emissions and economy, as will a host of new three and four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines - the highlight of which will be a 1.4 TFSI unit with cylinder deactivation technology. A plug-in hybrid and a fully electric model have also been confirmed, while a GTI and range topping 300bhp four-wheel drive R model will complete the line up. Buyers will be given the choice of six-speed manual and seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic gearboxes, as in the current Golf...



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USNA1999 - 2/19/2012 7:07:17 PM

+2 Boost

300HP R Model! Sign me up for it.

DasApollo - 2/19/2012 10:26:06 PM

+1 Boost

If you think Volkswagen will "decontent" the GTI, you are SEVERELY mistaken. The GTI is their bread and butter, and never in the history of the GTI has Volkswagen ever made it cheaper. You can't compare it to the Jetta because it sells in HUGE volumes. Unlike Americans, Europeans love smaller calls, hatchbacks in particular, and they will have none of the cheap stuff, that's why the Jetta doesn't sell well in Europe. You can take that to the bank.

Agent00R - 2/20/2012 11:49:52 AM

+1 Boost

Pst.

VW has been differentiating its US-bound products from its European products for quite some time.

Pretty sure VW is aiming to hit its 800k cars sold mark...

And in the States, the GTI is definitely not its bread and butter.

chewy - 2/20/2012 5:01:14 PM

+2 Boost

Different markets work differently. VWs in Europe are available with an extremely wide range of optional equipment. The US usually gets a slice from the middle content wise.