Volkswagen introduced a camouflaged 2025 Golf GTI to CES in Las Vegas final month, however the precise reveal came about weeks later in Europe. Whereas the US-spec mannequin remains to be a no-show, a thinly disguised prototype attended the F.A.T. Ice Race Aspen in Carbondale, Colorado. We requested VW of America about what the long run has in tow for the quintessential scorching hatch.
Confirming our worst fears, the six-speed handbook gearbox disappears after the 2024 mannequin yr. In an e-mail to Motor1, Volkswagen of America Product Communications Specialist Jerohn Anderson stated: “I can inform you that the handbook transmission won’t be obtainable after MY2024 for Golf GTI and Golf R.”
Some studies advised VW might need a change of coronary heart on account of extra relaxed Euro 7 rules, however the Euro-spec Golf GTI debuted with a DSG solely. Consequently, its American cousin can also be shedding the stick. The GTI 380 particular version marked the tip of the street for the three-pedal Golf in america.
And there is a purpose why the Euro 7 commonplace would influence the American model. US gross sales of the Golf GTI with a handbook accounted for less than about 5 % of complete quantity in 2023. For the reason that bulk of gross sales got here from different markets, preserving the third pedal in North America simply wasn’t well worth the trouble. Though the Euro 7 laws has been relaxed because the preliminary proposal, the change did not occur quickly sufficient to maintain the handbook. The Golf Mk8.5 had already been largely (if not totally) developed.
Whereas the Golf R wasn’t provided with a handbook transmission in Europe, People may row their very own gears. Nevertheless, the all-wheel-drive flagship may also be bought strictly with the automated from the 2025 mannequin yr on. It doesn’t suggest the handbook is totally lifeless within the Golf 8, although, since some markets are getting cheaper variations with 1.5 TSI gasoline and a couple of.0 TDI diesel engines mixed with a clutch pedal.
Shedding the handbook goes to be an enormous disappointment for fanatics involved in shopping for a GTI or an R. Initially of the yr, we requested VW how many individuals bought the efficiency hatch with three pedals in 2023. The take charge for the GTI was 50 % whereas the R was intently behind, at 40 %, the identical as for the Jetta GLI.
In associated information, we additionally requested VoA whether or not the 2025 Golf GTI will obtain the facility bump of the revised mannequin bought on the Previous Continent. Jerohn Anderson refused to verify whether or not the US-spec variant will acquire these 20 further ponies, which might convey the tally to 261 hp.
VW has but to disclose the revised Golf R. It had a camouflaged automotive on the Ice Race within the Austrian metropolis of Zell am See on the finish of January. The world premiere will occur someday this summer time. VW has but to say whether or not Europe will get one other Golf R wagon. Spy pictures point out the long-roof mannequin will soldier on.
It is also unclear if the range-topper will get extra energy. The 2023 Golf R333 and the 20 Years Version from a yr earlier than each had 328 hp in Europe. If VW desires to unlock that further muscle for the common Golf R, it might convey a bump in output of 13 hp.
These would be the ultimate GTI and R updates within the combustion engine period since VW will change the eighth-generation Golf with an all-electric mannequin. Scorching variations carrying these well-known suffixes will dwell within the electrical period. VW has already trademarked a revised “GTI” emblem with a thunderbolt changing the final letter.
