VAG Division – Volkswagen Group Car Club

Range-topping Polo GTI revs up for Millbrook
Scirocco and Golf R models are rrready to go!
While Volkswagen may be unable to match the intrigue surrounding former employee Wayne Bruce’s appearance at the SMMT Test Day at Millbrook on Thursday, it is pleased to be offering its own brand of excitement by showcasing the latest line-up of performance models. That’s cars rather than people.

Visitors to the event will have the chance to sample the Scirocco and Golf R as well as, in left-hand drive form only, the new Polo GTI which is set to come to the UK later this year.

The new GTI model sits at the top of the Polo range. It uses a twin-charged 1.4-litre TSI engine which produces 180 PS and yet is still capable of delivering 47 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting just 139 g/km of CO2. The TSI engine is linked to a compact seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG gearbox that channels drive through the front axle. A host of technical enhancements over the standard Polo as well as wide-ranging aesthetic changes inside and out complete the package, making the Polo GTI every inch the perfect little brother to its successful Golf sibling.

The Polo GTI is now available to order in the UK, with the first customer deliveries expected to take place in July. The three-door model costs £18,275 (RRP OTR) with a £600 premium for the five-door version.

At the heart of the Scirocco R is a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine which has been substantially modified to produce 265 PS and 258 lbs ft of torque – a rise of 55 PS and 51 lbs ft over the previous range-topping Scirocco, the 2.0-litre TSI model. In addition a new front differential lock, braking system, gearbox, spring and damper rates and revised styling both inside and out help the new R model to be not only the fastest Scirocco ever produced but also the most responsive. Yet despite a keen focus on dynamics the Scirocco R remains viable for everyday use with all the comfort, safety, quality and refinement you would expect from a Volkswagen with the ability to seat four adults in comfort while retaining a good-sized boot.

The Golf R is the most powerful and fastest accelerating Golf ever produced. Like the Scirocco R, it’s developed by Volkswagen R, formerly known as Individual, the special projects wing of Volkswagen, and following on from the Mk IV and Mk V Golf R32 models, the Golf R is equipped with a 2.0-litre TSI four-cylinder engine developing 270 PS and a new four-wheel drive system. Compared to the standard Golf on which it’s based, the Golf R has a revised engine, four-wheel drive system, springs, dampers, anti-roll bars and braking system as well as modified traction control, exhaust system, body styling including new bumpers, front and rear lights, sill extensions, wheels and mirrors.

As far as exciting Volkswagen people are concerned, Paul, Nicki, Angus and Kate will complete the performance-led line up and look forward to welcoming visitors to the stand.

To mark the annual Wörthersee Show in Austria, Volkswagen has honed the Golf GTI to create a new concept.

The aptly named Golf GTI Excessive is formed from a series of small but effective modifications to the vehicle’s running gear to create a sharper, more focussed iteration of the iconic GTI.

This comes as a result of firmer springs and dampers and a wider track, requiring the addition of a set of wheelarch extensions each measuring 30 mm. Uprated 370 mm diameter brake discs (310 mm rear) are fitted behind new 19-inch flow-formed BBS motorsport-derived alloy wheels complete with a 35 mm offset fitted with 235/35 ZR19 track-orientated tyres.

The 2.0-litre TSI engine is left unchanged however the addition of a free-flowing and marginally lighter exhaust system raises power from 210 PS to 214 PS while torque rises from 206 to 211 lbs ft between 1,700 and 5,200 rpm.

Aesthetic changes to the GTI Excessive include the addition of a deep front splitter and a pair of revised airdams either side of the front grille. A set of sill extensions finished in gloss black are joined by a new rear diffuser framed by a set of titanium-tipped exhaust pipes and a redesigned wing mounted above the rear window. Finally a set of LED rear lights, now standard equipment on all new examples of the Golf GTI, complete the changes.

Inside the GTI Excessive a set of redesigned bucket seats with integrated headrests finished in black and red are fitted along with brushed aluminium and gloss black trim.

Should there be an enthusiastic reaction to the concept at Wörthersee, the GTI Excessive may inspire an accessories pack which could be retrofitted to the MkVI Golf GTI.

The Wörthersee Show first took place in 1982 and is attended by thousands of Volkswagen enthusiasts every year. More recently Volkswagen has established a tradition of unveiling a concept car specially commissioned for the event. In 2007 the GTI W12 made its debut, in 2008 the Scirocco GT24 was unveiled and in 2009 the Polo ‘Wörthersee 09’ concept preceded the Polo GTI.