About six weeks ago we brought you the first photos of the new Mk6 Volkswagen Golf. And now we have the GTI version in all its glory. Volkswagen is calling this a concept but it’s clearly very close to the production version, according to a company insider.
As you’ll notice, the styling cues owe more than a nod to the new VW Scirocco and even the GTI W12 650 Concept that was built last year. The 650hp mid-mounted W12 motor hasn’t been carried over but its face remains.
This new Mk6 GTI has been introduced in a hurry to reduce the cost of the current Mk5 Golfs and increase the company’s profit margins.
At present, there’s no word on whether the Golf or GTI derivative will get a simultaneous release in both Europe and the US, but on previous form we expect the car to hit American soil up to a year later than it goes on sale in Europe.

The MkI Golf GTI was originally launched in 1976 as a low volume addition to the Golf range. Thirty-two years, five generations and 1.7 million sales after that car established the genre, the sixth generation GTI has been unveiled as a concept ahead of its public debut next month at the Paris Motor Show.
The core attributes of the original GTI – sharp dynamics, style and practicality – remain in this new GTI concept. Yet the new car uses the latest advances in drivetrain and chassis technology to enhance the driving experience.
The strut-type front and multi-link rear suspension architecture from the Mk5 Golf are adopted in modified form on the GTI. Specially tuned springs, dampers and anti-roll bars are joined, for the first time, by the option of Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC), which comprises adjustable pneumatic dampers. With three settings (comfort, normal and sport), the ACC system also remaps the steering and throttle response so the vehicle can strike a balance between sharp dynamics, body control and comfort while in urban areas or on the freeway.
For the first time, the new GTI features an electronic limited slip differential (XDS) linked to a sophisticated ESP (Electronic Stabilization Program) in order to maximize traction and improve responses.
Powering the GTI concept is a 2.0TSI engine developing 210hp – a gain of 10hp over the Mk5 GTI.  Despite this gain, the new engine is more efficient, returning 37.6mpg on the combined cycle while emitting less emissions.
Installed in the new Golf GTI concept, the 2.0TSI allows it to accelerate from 0-62mph in 7.2sec before reaching a top speed of 148mph, making it the fastest production GTI yet.
A team of three designers was responsible for the GTI concept: Walter de Silva (Director, Group Design), Klaus Bischoff (Director, Brand Design) and Marc Lichte (Director, Exterior Design).  The new car bears clear visual links with the original. ‘We wanted a consistently clear GTI design, a car that has power, but style as well,’ commented Walter de Silva.
This is apparent in the red grille surround that echoes the original, along with the horizontal grille fins and elegant headlights featuring individual lamp unitd behind a cover.  
In profile, the side skirts of the Mk5 Golf have been replaced by subtle wraparound versions that extend only partially along the lower edge of the vehicle. At the rear, a set of smoked lenses are joined by a rear diffuser to channel air from beneath the vehicle. This in turn is framed by a pair of chrome tailpipes.
The distinctive 18x8” Hufeisen  wheels from the Mk5 GTI make a reappearance, albeit in subtly evolved on the Mk6 concept. Finished in milled silver with gloss black inserts, the new wheels are reminiscent of those first fitted to the GTI W12-650 concept.
Continuing the unique modifications to the GTI is a new interior. It features a flat-bottomed steering wheel finished in black leather with contrasting red stitching.  A set of contoured sports seats in grey plaid cloth are reminiscent of the Mk1 and Mk5 models. These are joined by unique instruments plus a gloss black dashboard and door trim inserts framed by silver highlights.
As with all Golf models, the new GTI concept is fitted with a high level of standard equipment including seven airbags, a CD stereo, climate control and ESP.  
The GTI concept is intended as a first step towards the Golf GTI, which will start production in spring 2009.