ABT Takes New Golf GTI into R Territory with 270 HP Mod

The MkVII Golf GTI just made its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show yesterday. Initial impressions are encouraging for GTI fans and bad for everyday who's not into VWs.

The seventh generation Golf GTI only has 220 PS coming from its 2.0-liter TSI engine. That's less than even the old Focus ST or Megane RS, not to mention the newer models.

That problem, however, can be fixed with the help of VW Group tuning specialist ABT Sportsline. They've issued a statement saying initial testing showed their power kits will boost output from 220 PS to 270 PS. That makes the new GTI as powerful as the outgoing R model.

The Germans have also released a couple of renderings showing how the Golf GTI would look were it fitted with one of their body kits and a set of 19-inch 50 offset wheels wrapped in 225/35 R19 tires and some quad exhausts. Yep, we'd stick with the stock look too!

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