Mk7 Volkswagen Golf GTI muscles up!

In recent reports, it was thought that Volkswagen’s 7th generation Golf GTI will get just a slight increase in power from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Figures that were being thrown around were a 10 to 15 percent boost from 207hp (210PS/155kW) to around 220hp-230hp.

However, Autocar magazine reported today that the popular hot hatch would possibly produce as much as 260hp (264PS/194kW)!

If the report has any weight, this would mean the next Golf GTI is almost as powerful as today’s all-wheel-drive Golf R – which makes 266hp (270PS/198kW) in certain markets.

The magazine’s report also claims that Volkswagen has developed a new front differential for the next Golf GTI, which employs an electronically controlled Haldex clutch for “more agile steering behaviour”.

Based on Volkswagen’s new MQB platform, the 7th generation Golf GTI is said to weigh considerably less than today’s model. Wolfsburg insiders said that even without the significant power boost, the new limited slip differential would guarantee a faster lap time around the Nürburgring.

While the Golf Mk7 is due to debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show this September, the Mk7 Golf GTI will likely be another 6 months down the line.

Check out the video of the 2013/2014 Mk7 Golf GTI prototype undergoing testing around the ‘Green Hell’.