Check out the Video pages of www.eurotuner.com for exclusive footage from the launch of the 2010 Mk6 Volkswagen GTI.
The video was shot on the infamous Col de Vence in southern France on a section of road used by the WRC Monte Carlo rally. It demonstrates not only the GTI’s incredible pace but also the new electronic differential, which allows the car to make rapid progress on demanding roads without the interruption of traction control. Where the previous traction control systems would cut power until grip was restored, this system allows the driver to continue forward momentum while imperceptibly modulating the brakes.

VW of America’s Andres Valbuena, whose face appears in the footage, shot the video. He’s chasing a second GTI driven by eurotuner’s Editor, Greg Emmerson.
The video takes in one of the road’s best sections, where tunnels have been cut through the rock, but where protection from the steep cliff on one side and the steep drop on the other is minimal. Although it’s been edited from the footage, the cars turn around at one point and repeat the section, returning to their starting point.
You may notice a Jaguar XF-R, which is carelessly pulled off to the side of the road on the first run and is then parked in the middle of the road on the return leg. It appeared they were trying to film or photograph the car, which was similarly being launched to the press in the same location. However, they didn’t seem to understand the potential hazard they were causing and certainly surprised our drivers.
The new VW GTI hits US showrooms later this year and is expected to cost about the same as the outgoing GTI model. However, it boasts superior traction control, a quieter cabin and is significantly better looking than the older model.
When watching the video, remember to click the text “View Full Video” since this will give you a larger screen.