William Maley
Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com
September 12, 2012
A new Autocar report says Volkswagen is planning a lightweight version of the next-generation GTI. Dubbed 'Carbon GTI', this rumored model is a tribute to the original GTI and its bare-boneness.
The 'Carbon GTI' will utilize a combination of new manufacturing techniques to incorporate as much carbon fiber and aluminum into the vehicle. Parts like the bulkhead, windshield frame, and floor panels will use an alloy material. The roof will be made up of carbon-fiber with a steel core. The use of lightweight materials are expected to drop about 440 lbs (about 2,480 lbs for this model).
Power for the 'Carbon GTI' will be the same as the next-generation GTI, a 2.0L turbo-four producing somewhere around 222 HP. 0-60 is expected to be under six seconds.
Why is Volkswagen doing this? Most likely, this vehicle is a test for for new manufacturing techniques that will possibily be used on the next-generation Audi MLB platform. Also, Volkswagen will be using the same materials and techniques for the upcoming Golf electric and hybrid models.
Source: Autocar
William Maley is a staff writer for Cheers & Gears. He can be reached at
[email protected] or you can follow him on twitter at @realmudmonster.