2010 Volkswagen Golf GTD: First Look

Jay Williams - 10/June/2010

Wolfsburg, Germany - Volkswagen has announced that its Golf range will be extended thanks to the arrival of the new Golf GTD.

The new Golf GTD is powered by a 125kW common rail TDI engine that pumps out 350Nm of torque. Its 125 kW power level makes it the highest-performance production Golf with a diesel engine today. The turbocharged diesel engine can achieve 5.5-litres per 100km while emits  145 g/km of CO2. The GTD sprints from 0-100 km/h in 8.1 seconds.

The Golf GTDs engine is mated to a dual clutch six-speed DSG gearbox (as seen on the Golf GTI).

The car’s visual appearance is sporty. The GTD has a 15 millimetre lowered chassis, 17-inch alloy wheels and 225 section tyres – which has similarities to the GTI in terms of its styling and features.

The GTD shares much of its styling with its GTI sibling, their bumper designs both have standard front fog lights in a vertical layout. Their headlights and radiator grilles share the same construction as well. In the case of the GTD, the horizontal stripes in the radiator grille – typical of the GTI – are styled in chrome. 

At the rear, the turbo-diesel also has a diffuser, but it is slightly modified: The diesel Golf is distinguished by the twin chrome tailpipes of its exhaust system in the diffuser. The taillights are also smoked plastic.

Step in side the Golf GTD and you will notice the “top sport seats” – the same as the ones used in the Golf GTI. They are well know for their comfort and race styling. In contrast to the GTI, the black sport seats of the GTD are complemented by a light grey colour in the diamond stripe pattern instead of red. Another highlight is the three-spoke leather sport steering wheel. And, as on the steering wheel, the parking brake grip and gearshift surround are also finished in leather. The instrument and door trim areas are treated with “Black Stripe” gloss-black accents.

Standard features include ESP with braking assistant, seven airbags, including a knee airbag on the driver’s side.

Other features include chrome bezels for various switches, a black roofliner and black roof pillar trim, automatic climate control, Multi-Functional Display (MFD Plus) trip computer, centre armrests and the RCD 510 radio system.

Vehicle specifications:
Power: 125kW @ 4200rpm
Torque: 350Nm @ 1750rpm
0-100km/h: 8.1 seconds
Max Speed: 220km/h (136mph)
Fuel Economy: 5.3L/100km

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- Volkswagen Golf GTI MK VI (Road Test)
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