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Volkswagen Meraikan Legasi GTI dengan Golf Paling Berkuasa Lagi: Golf GTI EDISI 50

Volkswagen menyambut ulang tahun ke-50 barisan GTI dengan memperkenalkan Golf GTI EDISI 50, model terbaharu yang paling berkuasa dan paling “track-focused” dalam sejarah hot hatch ikonik ini. Dibangunkan berasaskan kepakaran kejuruteraan berketepatan tinggi serta latar belakang sukan permotoran yang kukuh, model edisi khas ini dicipta bukan sekadar untuk dipandu, tetapi untuk dirasai sepenuhnya di jalan raya dan di litar lumba.

Di teras prestasinya ialah enjin pengecas turbo 2.0 liter yang ditingkatkan daripada Golf GTI Clubsport. Enjin ini kini menjana 325PS dan 420Nm tork, melebihi kuasa 265PS dan 370Nm pada GTI standard serta mengatasi Clubsport yang menghasilkan 300PS dan 400Nm. Ini menobatkan EDISI 50 sebagai model GTI paling berkuasa pernah dihasilkan oleh Volkswagen setakat ini.

Bagi menyokong prestasi yang dipertingkatkan, sistem casis telah ditala semula secara menyeluruh. Model ini menggunakan suspensi hadapan MacPherson dan suspensi belakang empat pautan, dengan ketinggian yang direndahkan sebanyak 15mm berbanding model standard. Dengan Pakej Prestasi pilihan, kerendahan tambahan 5mm ditawarkan bersama spring yang lebih kaku, meningkatkan kekakuan casis sehingga 20% di kedua-dua gandar. Hasilnya ialah pengendalian yang lebih tajam, kawalan badan yang lebih mantap, dan pengurangan pergerakan roll serta pitch, menjadikan pemanduan lebih tepat dan responsif.

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Volkswagen Sahkan Golf GTI dan Golf R Elektrik Serba Baharu

Volkswagen bakal melakar sejarah baharu dalam dunia automotif apabila mengesahkan pembangunan model elektrik sepenuhnya bagi dua hatchback berprestasi ikoniknya, Golf GTI dan Golf R. Kedua-dua model ini dijangka akan mendefinisikan semula DNA sporty jenama Jerman itu menerusi kuasa pemanduan sifar emisi dan penggunaan teknologi terkini, tanpa mengorbankan semangat dan warisan prestasi yang menjadikan model asal begitu digemari.

Hasrat Volkswagen untuk membawa GTI ke era elektrifikasi mula dibayangkan melalui pelancaran model konsep ID.GTI pada tahun 2023. Prototaip itu menawarkan gambaran awal tentang bagaimana jenama itu merancang untuk menggabungkan elemen prestasi dengan teknologi elektrik masa depan.

Menurut Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Volkswagen, Thomas Schäfer, dalam satu temu bual bersama AutoExpress, model Golf GTI elektrik sepenuhnya dijadualkan untuk dilancarkan sebelum penghujung dekad ini, khusus untuk pasaran Eropah. Schäfer menyatakan bahawa model baharu itu akan terus menggunakan nama GTI dan kekal menonjolkan keseronokan, emosi dan keaslian yang sinonim dengan papan nama tersebut — walaupun kini dijana sepenuhnya oleh motor elektrik.

Dalam pengumuman yang turut mengejutkan ramai pemerhati industri, Schäfer turut mengesahkan buat pertama kalinya bahawa versi elektrik penuh Golf R kini dalam perancangan. Model berprestasi tinggi ini akan dilengkapi sistem pacuan semua roda bagi meningkatkan cengkaman dan kawalan dinamik, manakala GTI elektrik akan mengekalkan persediaan pacuan roda hadapan, sejajar dengan tradisinya, tetapi kini dikuasakan oleh motor elektrik di gandar hadapan.

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Volkswagen Bids Farewell to Manual Golf GTI and Golf R

Volkswagen’s refreshed 2025 Golf lineup, known as the Mk8.5, introduced updated styling and enhanced interiors but marked a bittersweet moment for U.S. enthusiasts as the iconic manual transmission was retired for the Golf GTI and Golf R. This decision closes a significant chapter in the history of these beloved hot hatches, despite a surge in popularity for manual-equipped models in their final year.

In 2024, enthusiasts rallied to support the manual variants, with Volkswagen reporting substantial year-over-year sales increases of 48.6% for the GTI and 29.6% for the Golf R. Of these, 41% of GTIs and an impressive 52% of Golf Rs sold were equipped with the six-speed manual, reflecting a meaningful rise from 2023 figures of 38% and 45%, respectively. This resurgence in manual transmission sales highlights the passionate dedication of U.S. drivers who favour a more engaged driving experience.

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Volkswagen Memperkenalkan Siri Model Golf Baharu untuk Ulang Tahun ke-50

Sebagai penghormatan kepada 50 tahun Golf yang ikonik, Volkswagen memperkenalkan versi yang dikemaskinikan dari model paling larisnya, menjanjikan pelbagai penambahbaikan untuk pelanggan. Siri Golf yang diperkemaskinikan ini mempunyai pelbagai ciri, termasuk reka bentuk hadapan yang direka semula, sistem hiburan terkini, dan sistem pemanduan yang memberi tumpuan pada kecekapan.

Ciri yang menonjol menandakan peristiwa bersejarah ini ialah logo Volkswagen yang menyala, membuat penampilan sulungnya pada Golf. Lampu hadapan LED dan lampu belakang LED IQ.Light 3D yang dihasilkan semula menyumbang kepada penampilan luar yang segar, memberikan penampilan moden dan dinamik. Dalaman juga sama hebatnya, menampilkan sistem hiburan yang intuitif dengan touchscreen (diagonal skrin sehingga 12 inci), bersama dengan penggeser sentuhan untuk kawalan suhu dan volume.

Menambah daya tarikan, pembantu suara IDA yang baharu mengambil peranan utama, menawarkan interaksi bahasa semulajadi untuk mengawal pelbagai fungsi dalam kereta, mengakses maklumat dalam talian, dan memintegrasikan chatbot inovatif ChatGPT, yang dipamerkan di CES 2024.

Siri Golf yang diperkemaskinikan memperkenalkan sistem bantuan baharu, seperti Park Assist Plus yang diperkemaskan, yang menyederhanakan manuver letak kereta dengan mengesan tempat yang sesuai dan memulakan proses letak kereta. Park Assist Pro kini membolehkan pemandu memandu kereta mereka masuk dan keluar dari tempat letak kereta menggunakan telefon pintar mereka, menambah dimensi baru kepada keselesaan.

Penambahan teknologi yang signifikan adalah sistem Area View, menyediakan pandangan menyeluruh 360 darjah dengan menggabungkan imej dari empat kamera, meningkatkan ketelitian dan kemudahan letak kereta.

Di bawah penutup enjin, Volkswagen membawa pelbagai sistem pemanduan yang dikemaskinikan kepada Golf. Pemanduan plug-in hybrid kini menawarkan kuasa yang lebih tinggi dan julat elektrik yang diperluas kira-kira 100 km. Selain itu, model-model ini dilengkapi dengan ffungsi pengecasan pantas DC, menekankan komitmen Volkswagen terhadap mobiliti yang cekap dan mampan.

Fasa pelancaran akan menyaksikan keseluruhan sembilan pilihan yang berbeza, termasuk hibrid ringan, hibrid plug-in, petrol turbo, dan diesel turbo, memenuhi pelbagai citarasa. Golf GTI, yang terkenal dengan prestasi sporty, telah mengalami penambahbaikan untuk kuasa yang lebih besar berbanding pendahulunya.

Model Golf baru dijangka akan tersedia untuk pesanan dalam beberapa minggu akan datang, membolehkan pelanggan merasai evolusi model ikonik ini. Dengan Volkswagen terus mendorong batasan inovasi, siri Golf yang diperkemaskinikan ini memberikan penghormatan kepada sejarahnya yang kaya sambil merangkul masa depan teknologi automotif.

2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI: Unintentional Leak Reveals Design Changes

Volkswagen unintentionally leaked images of the refreshed Golf during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Although the official unveiling was not planned, the leak provided a glimpse into the design changes and improvements coming to the popular hatchback.

The leaked images, visible on the Golf’s infotainment system, showcase the GTI variant with several noticeable design modifications:

Thinner Headlights: The refreshed Golf features sleeker headlights, providing a more modern and refined look.
Chunkier Lower Grille: The lower grille has been redesigned, contributing to a more aggressive and sportier appearance.
Reshaped Air Intakes: Changes to the front air intakes further enhance the hatchback’s aesthetic appeal.

Interestingly, the grille depicted on the infotainment system differs from the real car displayed at CES, sparking speculation about potential variations in the Clubsport model or intentional misdirection by Volkswagen.

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Volkswagen Introduces The ID GTI Concept

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has a storied history that spans nearly half a century, and it holds a special place in the hearts of automotive enthusiasts. Now, after almost 48 years since the debut of the first Golf GTI model in Germany, Volkswagen is ushering in a new era with the introduction of the first all-electric performance hatchback from the brand.

Volkswagen has confirmed that the new ID GTI Concept is built upon the MEB platform, featuring front-wheel drive, and it is slated for eventual production. However, Volkswagen has not officially announced the exact timeline or the manufacturing location for the production version of the ID GTI Concept.

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Volkswagen Replaces The “I” In GTI With A Lightning Bolt

Volkswagen values the GTI name highly, thus it looks like that the acronym’s meaning will need to change as a result of the new emblem seen above. As is already public knowledge, Volkswagen plans to convert its entire line-up to fully electric models soon. Currently, GTI refers to “Grand Touring Injection,” with the final component clearly referencing fuel injection. As such, that name may have to change, or does it?

However, Volkswagen will update the GTI emblem, adding a lightning bolt in place of the last letter. No, it does not mean “The Flash”, it simply means that the GTI moniker will live on in this new electric era. Does this mean that the GTX designation that high-performance VW EVs now carry may be dropped?

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New Volkswagen Golf GTI Unveiled With Advanced Driver Aids

Volkswagen Malaysia has released a new addition to the GTI family and this one comes with IQ. Drive, which is an innovative Driver Assistance System (DAS) consisting of various driver aid systems.

This is currently the only Golf model available for sale after Volkswagen Malaysia announced the discontinuation of the standard Golf TSI model.

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LOOKING BACK – Evolution of the original Hot Hatch

Launched at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in September 1975, the first Volkswagen Golf GTI was a fresh and wild newcomer. Going on sale the following year, it stormed into an automotive category that hadn’t actually existed until that moment – the sporty front-wheel drive compact car, or what would come to be called ‘hot hatches’. Until that time, hatchbacks had been just more utilitarian cars without a performance image.

Originally, Volkswagen expected to sell 5,000 units but the affordable Golf GTI, with driving dynamics previously relegated to the world of expensive sports cars brought to the masses, saw all the production gone from showrooms within a very short time.

Consequently, the carmaker replanned for more and a total of 461,690 units of the Golf GTI of the first generation left the production lines at Wolfsburg. With seven generations to date, it has become the world’s most successful compact sportscar.

Mark 1 (1976 – 1983)
In 1974, half a dozen staff members at Volkswagen came up with a secret plan to develop a sporty version of the Golf. There was no official mandate to develop a ‘Sport Golf’, but Hermann Hablitzel, Board Member for Technology, was enthusiastic made sure the project kept going. Initial prototypes emerged and by early March 1975, the Sport Golf project was presented to Toni Schmucker, Chairman of the Board of Management, who gave it the green light.

As a result, the clandestine Sport Golf officially became development order ‘EA195’. It was paired with the right power unit – a fuel-injected engine generating 110 ps. However, the Sport Golf didn’t even have then. Suggestions included TS and GTS, but GTI got the most votes. At the same time, chief designer Herbert Schafer – a keen golfer – reinvented the shifter knob by simply attaching a golfball to the GTI’s selector rod!

The car was showcased in Frankfurt, receiving an enthusiastic media response. In June 1976, the Golf GTI Mk 1 was launched in Germany before going on to enjoy global success. The initial plan was to manufacture 5,000 units of this special product line to at least recoup the cost of development and the investment in production equipment.

However, things turned out rather differently as the GTI’s level of popularity was unexpected. The GTI had a top speed of 180 km/h, black wheelarch extensions, a black frame around the rear window, red edging around the radiator grille, plaid sport seats, that golfball shifter knob, and a sport steering wheel.

Mark 2 (1984 – 1992)
The second generation of the Golf GTI perpetuated the concept and design DNA of the first generation. The GTI’s insignia – in particular, the red strip in the radiator grille and the plaid sport seats – became classic design features and the newcomer ultimately also became an icon.

In 1984, its year of launch, the engine output briefly dropped to 107 ps as a result of the fitment of a catalytic converter. But 2 years later, Volkswagen engineers offset the loss of power with a new 16-valve unit generating 129 ps. By 1990, the G-Lader supercharged engine in the Golf GTI G60 boosted output to 160 ps, accelerating the performance increases for the model.

Mark 3 (1991 – 1998)
Restyled for the third generation, the dual headlights of the previous generation had now been concealed behind a shared lens and the engine output started from 115 ps. One year later, the number rose to 150 ps with a new 16-valve engine.

In 1996, a turbocharged diesel version (TDI) generating 110 ps enhanced the GTI concept. Years later, petrol and diesel engines would be divided once and for all into GTI and GTD.

Mark 4 (1998 – 2005)
The fourth generation of the GTI, introduced in 1998, was modest in terms of GTI styling. It was the first and only GTI to do away with classic cues including the red strip in the radiator grille. Nevertheless, the hot hatch still became a design icon, celebrated today as the starting point of a new, cleaner era of vehicle design.

In terms of technology, the 150-ps Golf GTI Mk4 was a car that kept competitors at arm’s length with its agility and quality. The petrol engines—with 4 and 5 cylinders—generated up to 170 ps while turbodiesel engines delivered a maximum of 150 ps. In 2001, celebrating the icon’s first quarter century was a turbocharged ‘25 years of GTI’ special edition generating 180 ps.

Mark 5 (2004 – 2009)
In September 2003, Volkswagen unveiled a prototype of the fifth-generation GTI in Frankfurt. More than ever before, GTI had become synonymous with outstanding compact-car handling. The production version appeared at the Paris Motor Show the following year, going on sale from November.

Its hallmarks were a significantly sharper look, a 200-ps turbocharged engine and of course, even better handling. The GTI concept was propelled into the future with this version. The new Denver design wheels and the black, V-shaped radiator grille were particularly striking features.

The new turbocharged engine also delivered plenty of power, rocketing the GTI (with a manual gearbox) from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds. With the new dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG), the time fell to 6.9 seconds. The top speed reached 235 km/h. On the 30th anniversary in 2006, the engineers delivered a special edition with an output of 230 ps.

Mark 6 (2009 – 2012)
For the sixth generation, racing legend Hans-Joachim Stuck was brought in to help refine the car’s suspension and handling. It featured an electronic differential lock (XDS) for the first time. With a top speed of almost 240 km/h, this GTI had a turbocharged engine generating 210 ps as standard. A sound generator and a new exhaust system, with a tailpipe on either side, delivered sound to match the drive experience.

In 2011, the GTI was made available with a convertible variant for the first time. Again, the engineers produced a special anniversary version, the Golf GTI Edition 35, which had a 235 ps engine.

The new GTI flagship was presented at the Nurburgring and it was the first to come very close to reaching 250 km/h. Thanks to a power-to-weight ratio of 5.9 kg/ps, the GTI had become faster than ever before, reaching 100 km/h from rest within 6.6 seconds.

Mark 7 (2013 – 2020)
The seventh generation of the GTI arrived with two engine outputs for the first time in early 2013. The basic version delivered 220 ps, while the Golf GTI Performance went up to 230 ps. The latter was the first Golf GTI to feature an electronically-controlled torque-sensing limited-slip differential and to be constructed on the modular transverse matrix (MQB).

This new platform cut the GTI’s weight by up to 42 kgs compared with its predecessor, allowing it to be even more agile. With a manual transmission, it was the first Golf GTI to reach 250 km/h.

It formed the basis for the Golf GTI Clubsport, introduced in November 2015, with an engine output of 290 ps, thanks to an overboost function. The 0 – 100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds was easily achieved.

A year later, the Golf GTI Clubsport S – with an output of 310 ps – smashed the previous record for front-wheel drive cars around the Nurburgring’s Nordschleife in 7:49:21 minutes, during which time it reached a top speed of 264 km/h.

From mid-2020…
More than 2.3 million units of the Golf GTI were produced by the end of 2019. After 45 years, Volkswagen has again reinvented the icon for the latest generation. The 8th generation GTI has revolutionary ideas with evolutionary development to become a fully-fledged sportscar. It is the first Golf GTI of the digital age.

A new Vehicle Dynamics Manager control system controls the XDS electronic differential lock, front-axle locking differential functions, and also the lateral dynamics ratio of the controllable damping system (DCC) that forms part of the new GTI running gear set-up.

The 245 ps 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection engine is now standard. It is coupled with a manual 6-speed gearbox, a firm favourite with sportscar purists. The quick-shifting 7-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) is also available as an alternative.

UX designers developed a new GTI graphic for the standard Digital Cockpit. It is made up of a combination of 3 round meters which can be individually assigned to show, for instance, the engine’s boost pressure or the current power output.

Visit www.volkswagen.com.my to know more about Volkswagen models in Malaysia.

Digital Cockpit of new VW Golf 8 brings revolutionary new features to the driver

First details and pictures of the all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk. 8

The ‘GTI’ suffix has been used by some manufacturers on their high-performance models, largely inspired by the success and popularity of the Volkswagen Golf GTI that came out in 1976. The German carmaker produced the original ‘hot hatch’ and was so protective of the ‘GTI’ badge that it even took Suzuki to court to try to stop its use on the Swift in the early 2000s. The General Court of the European Union favoured Suzuki, declaring that ‘any visual, phonetic or conceptual similarity” between the two cars was negated by the Swift model name’.

The court also stated that most customers ‘would not assume that all vehicles, parts and accessories come from the same manufacturer simply on the basis of the three letters ‘GTI,’ and accordingly any likelihood of confusion was excluded’.

Still, ‘GTI’ remains very strongly associated with the Golf and with the launch of the 8^th generation of the model line, a new version has been eagerly awaited. The new Golf GTI will maintain its design DNA and character – a relief when you see how Volkswagen is also accelerating electrification of its models.

As before, the new GTI has an understated look which makes it a ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’. However, GTI fans will recognise familiar elements like the red pinstripe. The standard LED headlights are positioned low down and dominate the striking front end in conjunction with the radiator grille. A narrow edge below the bonnet, red in colour, reaches across the entire front.

Upon activating the daytime running lights, two continuous LED strips up to the Volkswagen logo emphasise this striking line. This creates the completely new, unmistakable headlight design of the Golf GTI. Just as striking is the large, continuous, air inlet grille at the bottom featuring the honeycomb pattern so typical of this model as well as the integrated foglights.

Output raised to 245 ps/370 Nm
Preliminary information available (the model will have its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show next month), we know that it will have a 245 ps 2.0-litre turbocharged direct injection petrol engine which also produces maximum torque of 370 Nm. The numbers of this latest EA888 engine represent increases of 15 ps and 20 Nm when compared to the GTI of the last generation, and on par with the Performance Pack version of that same car.

The 4-cylinder engine can be ordered with either a 6-speed manual gearbox or 7-speed dual clutch DSG. Volkswagen says that top speed is limited to 250 km/h with a slight improvement in the 0 – 100 km/h sprint.

GTI character, digital capabilities
Although Volkswagen is enhancing the digital and networking capabilities of the eighth-generation Golf to an unprecedented extent, many of the original GT insignia can still be found on board. However, the sports steering wheel of yesteryear has been transformed into a new multifunction leather sports steering wheel with touch controls and an optionally integrated Travel Assist button to allow the powerful Golf to run at a top speed of 210 km/h while Travel Assist is engaged.

The three silver spokes on the steering wheel have been retained the central area having a red finish. The classic checked pattern of the sports seats is also retained, the new checked design now being called ‘Scalepaper’. Incidentally, this pattern was the influence of one of the company’s first female designers, Gunhild Liljequist, who joined Volkswagen’s Department of Fabrics and Colours 30 years ago.

She had gained a lot of inspiration from her travels around England and was always taken by high-quality fabrics with checked patterns. This would lead her to use the tartan design, then known as ‘Clark Plaid’, for the Golf GTI which would go on to become a familiar sight in the hot hatch.

More information will be available when the car is launched and if we’re lucky, we may get to see it in Malaysia by the end of 2020, if not earlier.