From May to June this tear 2013 sales of the new Golf GTI seventh generation. Volkswagen is back to give another twist to the formula familiar two-liter engine with direct injection and turbocharger to make a new compact sports car that comes in two power versions, one with 220 and one with 230 horses, under the name “Performance”.
But although the new aesthetic, the new platform, or the 10 extra horses between versions holders may seem new model, the main hallmark of the new Golf 7 GTI is without doubt the front locking differential with torque distribution intelligently. This is the first time that has mounted an electronic differential on a front wheel drive car on the planet. And believe us if we tell you it shows.
For the seventh generation model, the engine block has been modified, the EA888 going to ride two-liter direct injection turbo, pushed to 220 hp in the basic variant, and 230 in the Performance. The maximum torque is 350 Nm in both cases, almost 25% more than the previous generation GTI.
However, the 0-100 falls in 6.5 seconds with 220 hp, and less for the variant more performance. But all is not increased “chicha” under the hood. This is coupled with a weight loss of about 50 kilos over the previous model, which is achieved thanks to the new modular platform with variable thickness plates have backup where it’s needed.
Traditional upholstery The “Jacky” so typical the end of the seventies gave way to one not unlike, checkered also called “Clark”, and 18-inch wheels evolve in their appearance. But beyond aesthetics and technique is finished.
If you opt for the variant “basic” 220 hp, the car features a device called XDS +, which emulates the actions of a limited slip differential. The newest, and hence the “plus” is that not only slows the wheel that loses grip during acceleration, but also dare to work on hold to prevent unwanted understeer. Obviously, it is still an XDS, and therefore, is limited to the capacity of the braking equipment, which can end up feeling the stress of work.
But how cool the new GTI is on a “performance”. This has a Haldex differential type, crossed between the front wheels. Its clutch discs are pressed and released every two tenths of a second, depending on the amount of grip available on each wheel. This achieves that the pair, both in acceleration and braking, to be spread as precisely as possible.
As the brakes are no longer burdened with the task of emulating the limited slip differential, work more ease, and they are larger, Extra rigid rapier.
Convince A figure for the effectiveness of the electronic limited slip, called VAQ? The GTI, with him, eight seconds improved his lap time at the Nurburgring.
Clearer water. truth is that not only is a technical marvel, but also works in a way that comes to pass unnoticed. In other cars with no front locking strong hold on the wheel to keep the car “go looking” gripping by the width of the road.
Not here. The GTI with VAQ continues the path set in an amazing way, and get traction almost like it’s a car-wheel drive. Maybe we like the cars “male”, let’s at least part of the brutality of a Focus RS bolted to the exit of a corner, eating asphalt as the Quaife seeks traction, but the GTI that for effective change. Pure and simple.
So effective is the “invention”, a Golf GTI Performance is more convincing than an entire Golf six “R”. Come on, we’re talking big. And you want me to talk about the chassis? As a seventh-generation Golf. This results in a nose that has trouble entering curves less than before, a car that turns flatter, with a center of gravity to the lowest note, and is able to draw curves with tracer. But there’s more.
While the last two generations of the GTI have become certainly something on track (the third and fourth were, in a way, somewhat disappointing), the seventh is actually more radical than we have seen from the first two: your back can be placed in the corners.
No, not like a Megane RS, much less. It is agile in that sense, there is a passionate car to 100%. But certainly let you put the ass once these supported. More than the GTI five and six. This way you can interact more, and even the steering wheel adds to the party and you transmit some information.
But Volkswagen not have gone crazy, and remains a car that, above all, is neutral, poised, quick and easy to carry. Da feeling safe. And yes, therefore, could have done more extreme, stabilizing base harder and more radical geometry. Yet another Golf GTI is more. But that’s not bad. Not at all. In fact, it is the best Golf GTI that was ever made. He’s good at all, does not stand on anything. Used to go shopping, to work, on vacation with the family.
And now more than ever, it also serves a good time between curves. Whether you are a first-burned, find more passion into a Renault Megane RS, no doubt. But sacrifice with him some comfort and everyday usability. The GTI gives that difficult balance of being able to have a car that “spends little” (six liters per 100), is poised and even comfortable, and at the same time is quick and efficient.
I’ll have to order it a week to see if convinces us, once again, of their attributes.
