WOLFSBURG: Volkswagen's popular Golf 8 hatchback is due out in mid-2019 and hard on its heels will be the hottest-ever GTI-badged version, the German Autobild car magazine reports.
The GTI retains its racy looks with bright red trim applications, twin exhausts and a rear spoiler in order to distinguish it from humbler models in the range. It seems the big changes are under the bonnet.
Customers will be able to order the GTI with up to 300hp which is a major gain over the maximum 245-horse version currently available.
Power will come from an uprated version of the turbocharged 2-litre engine in the current Golf 7 version. The power unit is also used in the Golf R performance variant.
Pundits said the power boost for the genre-defining hot hatch is a response to similar sporty offerings from other makers with more performance on tap.
Inside the GTI gets a high level of connectivity, with a new digital dash and state-of-the-art infotainment. The car may even have a lap timer and acceleration metres for owners who want to test their car on race circuits, said Autobild.
Volkswagen has said the Golf 8 will "set new standards" when it bows in officially later this year although the look and feel of the car will be largely the same as before.
The GTI version traditionally follows several months later.
