While exterior appearance will not be very different from the GTI version, not the same can be said by the powerplant which will power it. According to Volkswagen sources quoted by autoweek.nl, the Golf 6 GTD will make use of a 2.0l TDI common-rail engine.
The unit will produce 170 horsepower and will be controlled via either a manual or a dual clutch transmission (DSG). The GTD will reach 100 kilometers per hour from a standstill in 8.2 seconds (slower than the GTI version) and can top 220 km/hour (still slower than the GTI).
The Golf 6 GTD is rumored to make its first public appearance at the Auto Mobil International (AMI) Auto Show to be held in Leipzig. Official details of the new GTD is not yet available, but they are expected to surface in the following days.
Until then, GT fans will have to make do with the GTI version. Announced to go on sale in Germany sometimes during the following days, the Golf GTI uses a 2.0l TSI engine, with modified pistons and piston rings, a regulated oil pump, a new vacuum pump, a new high-pressure fuel pump and a new mass airflow sensor.
All of these tweaks allows the vehicle to use its 210 horsepower and 280 Nm of torque for a 6.9 zero to 100 kilometers acceleration. As will be the case with the GTD, it uses either a standard six speed manual gearbox or a 6 speed dual clutch transmission.
Update on April 9th: Volkswagen Golf 6 was named the 2009 World Car of the Year.
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