Volkswagen Golf GTD Launched, New Photo Gallery

Volkswagen debuted the long acclaimed Golf GTD in Germany with pricing starting at €27,475 (US$38,100) for the 6-speed manual and €29,350 (US$40,700) for the DSG version. The GTD version of the World Car of the Year is often referred to as the GTI of diesels and comes with 2.0-liter direct injection common rail turbo diesel unit that generates a maximum output of 170 horsepower at 4,200 rpm and 350 Nm of torque between 1,750 rpm and 2,500 rpm.

Not exactly a GTI from the point of view of engine performance - the gasoline counterpart puts out 211 horsepower - but the diesel high-performance Golf sprints from standstill to sixty in 8.1 seconds and reaches a maximum speed of 136.7 mph (220 km/h).

Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the GTD produces 139 grams of CO2 per kilometer and achieves a fuel consumption rating of 53.3 mpg (5.3 l/100 km) in combined mode. Figures are almost the same for the DSG configuration, with emissions standing at 147 g/km of CO2 and fuel consumption of 50.44 mpg (5.6 l/100 km).

As with the sportiness, the car features all kind of sporty upgrades, starting with a revised exterior styling - different grille, twin chrome tailpipes, lower body and 17-inch wheels - and ending with the interiors - three-spoke leather steering wheel and VW sports seats.

Just as we told you above, pricing starts at €27,475 (US$38,100) for the 6-speed manual and €29,350 (US$40,700) for the DSG version, with the five-door version adding €765 (US$1,060) over these prices.