Volkswagen Golf GTD, 2014

 

 

 

•  Volkswagen Golf GTD, 2014

There is a new Volkswagen Golf GTD. With 135 kW / 184 PS, up to 380 Nm torque, a combined fuel consumption of just 4.2 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km, this sporty and sharply designed GTD is more powerful, fuel-efficient and lower-emitting than ever. Compared to the previous model, it offers 14 more PS, 30 Nm more torque, 0.9 l/100 km less fuel consumption and a 25 g/km improvement in CO2 emissions. As an option, Volkswagen offers the GTD with an automatic dual-clutch gearbox (DSG); here too, a low fuel consumption value of 4.5 l/100 km (CO2: 119 g/km) shows the diesel to be a highly efficient car. In both gearbox versions, the new Golf GTD conforms to the Euro-6 emissions standard that takes effect in 2014.

Stop/start system and 7.5 seconds
This Golf is the first GTD to have a stop/start system on board as standard, and in battery regeneration mode it utilises deceleration phases to charge the battery. The 2.0-litre common rail turbo-diesel of the EA288 engine series was not only networked with these "BlueMotion Technologies"; it was also completely redesigned. The results: pure efficiency. The Volkswagen Golf GTD accelerates to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. In fourth gear, this Volkswagen handles the classic overtaking manoeuvre (80 to 120 km/h) in a safe 6.0 seconds. Its top speed of 230 km/h (DSG: 228 km/h) demonstrates that it is a genuine sports car as well. The same applies to its noted maximum torque of 380 Nm, which is available at a constant value from 1,750 to 3,250 rpm.

Superior handling properties
Attributes of its special position as a sporty car also include standard features such as the further advanced XDS+ vehicle dynamics function, progressive steering that is as direct as it is comfortable, sport suspension (15 mm lower) and 17-inch ("Curitiba") wheels with size 225 tyres. This combination produces handling properties that advance into the range of high-class and high-priced sports cars.

Sound actuator and driving profile selector
An optional sound actuator exclusively developed for the VW Golf GTD can add acoustic emphasis to the work of the TDI. Based on the engine speed and mode of the selected driver profile selector ? an option that is automatically paired with the sound actuator ? is controlled via CAN bus and generates either a comfort-oriented sound ("Normal" and "Eco" modes) or a powerful and sonorous timbre ("Sport" mode). The engine noise is routed over the actuator integrated in the engine compartment and into the interior via the windscreen, and from there it is experienced as a sound generated from the outside via the exhaust system. However, it is actually inaudible outside of the car. The faster the GTD drives, the quieter the sound, so that long-distance comfort is unaffected.

Cornering lights in front spoiler
Like the new Golf GTI, the Golf GTD also leaves the factory in Wolfsburg with bi-xenon headlights including cornering lights as standard. While the front end of the Golf GTI sports a red painted trim strip, the GTD glistens with a trim strip in understated and elegant chrome. This chrome trim strip extends into the headlights and divides the front end into an upper area with LED daytime running lights and bi-xenon elements and a lower section with the turn indicators. Beneath this is the bumper designed specifically for the GT models with (optional) LED fog lights integrated on the right and left as well as air guide elements painted in gloss black and the lower radiator grille insert with its black honeycomb structure.

Privacy glass for rear seating area
At the rear, the smoked LED rear lights with integrated white trim strips at the height of the tornado line for the reversing lights, dual chrome tailpipes mounted on the left, GT-specific roof edge spoiler with lateral aerodynamic elements on the rear windscreen and GTD badge all make this car out as the sportiest Golf ever with a TDI engine. For the first time on the "GT models", it is also possible to order rear windows with factory-installed rear glass that has 90 per cent instead of 65 per cent tinting. As for the Golf GTI, the selection of standard body colours for the new GTD includes the three classic GT body colours "Tornado red", "Black" and "Pure White".

Sport seats with style
Passengers enter the passenger compartment over standard white illuminated stainless steel sill plates. The driver and front passenger sit down on sport seats upholstered with a classic GT tartan pattern fabric - which is called "Clark" in the GTD (and GTI). The seats of the GTI and GTD are identical in concept. In front, they are both equipped with height adjustment, a manual lumbar support and a pocket on the seatback. Their ergonomic properties are ideal. Visually, instead of the red coloured elements of the GTI, the GTD elements feature a melange of black, grey and white colour hues as well as chrome parts. A leather interior ("Vienna") may be ordered as an option. A black roofliner rounds out the sporty ambience in an upward direction.

Touchscreen and ambience lighting
Along with the automatic climate control system (Climatronic), Driver Alert System and Composition Touch radio system (including SD cart slot and AUX-IN interface), ambience lighting is also a standard feature. The pedal caps and foot rest made of brushed stainless steel, the three-spoke, multifunction leather-trimmed, flat-bottomed sport steering wheel (with aluminium accents), a GTD gear shift grip and the instrument cluster with extended adjustment options of the "Premium" multifunction display are all indicative of the exclusive-sporty flair aboard the new Volkswagen Golf GTD.

Navigation with Google Earth
The sporty long-distance icon is the first VW Golf GTD to launch with technologies - in addition to such systems as XDS+ and progressive steering -that include the Driver Alert System and Post-Collision Braking System as standard. Meanwhile, optional high-tech features include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), the surroundings monitoring system Front Assist plus City Emergency Braking, Lane Assist lane-keeping assistant and the latest generation of DCC dynamic chassis control (including driver profile selector). Also new on-board is a 400 Watt sound system from Dynaudio that was customised for the model series. Another new option in the programme: Car Net for transmitting online information such as the Google Earth map service.