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Lightweight GTI: new information?

AuForm

Just finished watching Fast&Fuzzynuts
Location
Vlaanderen
Does anyone have new information on the Lightweight GTI that was anounced by Bernd Pischetsrieder?

this is an article from 2004:
http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/50260/vw_to_build_gti_light.html

VW To Build GTI Light


t's lift-off for the GTI Light! Auto Express can exclusively reveal that Volkswagen is to build a stripped-out version of the new Golf, offering up to 230bhp.

We learned of the newcomer during an exclusive interview with VW boss Bernd Pischetsrieder. The car, set to go on sale in early 2006, has been created purely for keen drivers. He told us: "There are plans for variations of the Golf model, maybe with up to 230bhp and a lighter weight. Ostensibly, however, there will only be one GTI - it's a car in its own right, and not a trim level."

Losing excess weight will be the key, so the doors, bonnet and tailgate will be made from hi-tech alloy to keep the bodyshell light. Non-essential comfort features, such as the weighty components for the air-conditioning system and electric window motors, will be ditched completely. If the firm's engineers get it right, the result should be sensational acceleration and amazing agility.

The standard version's blown FSI engine will be uprated, using a larger turbocharger and a remapped ECU to deliver in the region of 230bhp, along with a 0-60mph sprint time of around six seconds. Lightweight models aren't new; we revealed Renault's second-generation Clio Cup in last week's magazine. However, the development is a move into uncharted waters for VW.

This latest performance Golf is designed to counter the threat from the hot versions of all-new offerings in the small family hatchback market, such as the Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus.

Craig Cheetham
 

herrstreet

Touring Car Newbie
Location
Pittsburgh, Pa
sounds cool as a toy, but the thing about the GTI is the very fact that it performs great without sacrificing practical. Doing a bunch of stuff to make the car uncomfortable won't make it more fun for more than a half an hour. I'm sure it would be a more thrilling drive, but no thanks.

More power, however, are the two favorite words of any car enthusiast.
 

GTI 2.0T

Rally Car Champion
Location
Oman
Car(s)
mkv GTI
herrstreet said:
sounds cool as a toy, but the thing about the GTI is the very fact that it performs great without sacrificing practical. Doing a bunch of stuff to make the car uncomfortable won't make it more fun for more than a half an hour. I'm sure it would be a more thrilling drive, but no thanks.

More power, however, are the two favorite words of any car enthusiast.

+1
 
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