2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI – Turbocharged TSI Engine Increased to 220 HP. 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI – Drive and Exterior.
The 2018 Golf GTI is available in three trims—S, SE and Autobahn. All models now come with 220 horsepower standard (achieved with premium fuel), a 10-horsepower increase from previous years, and larger touchscreen infotainment displays. Every Golf GTI features LED Daytime Running Lights (DRLs) and taillights, with LED headlights standard on SE and Autobahn trims.
SE and Autobahn trims also include the brakes from the Golf R and an electronically controlled, torque sensing, limited-slip VAQ differential. Infotainment systems receive larger screens throughout the range, and SE models now include a sunroof as standard equipment.
Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist) is now standard on SE and Autobahn trims (Pedestrian Monitoring has late availability on SE trim). Autobahn models also offer standard Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), upgraded for 2018 with a new Maneuver Braking feature (late availability), Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist), Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), and High Beam Control (Light Assist). When activated, this latter feature automatically turns on the high beams above 40 mph, if it detects that there is a low likelihood of dazzling oncoming traffic.
For the 2018 model year, Volkswagen Golf GTI models in the United States will come with the People First Warranty, a six-year or 72,000-mile (whichever occurs first) bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty, which can be transferred to subsequent owners throughout its duration.
In classic Volkswagen style, the Golf GTI is powered by a compact turbocharged engine. The 2.0-liter TSI® turbocharged and direct-injection unit that powers the Golf GTI is a member of the latest, third-generation EA888 engine family and is built in Volkswagen’s state-of-the-art factory in Silao, Mexico. The EA888 engine line is a masterpiece of modern engine design that provides high levels of performance, efficiency, and drivability in a lightweight, compact package.
The EA888 engine has been retuned for the 2018 model year and produces 220 horsepower (achieved on premium fuel) at 4,700 rpm, and torque peaks at 258 lb-ft, beginning at just 1,500 rpm and lasting until 4,500 rpm. It can be paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed DSG automatic transmission. The DSG transmission also incorporates a launch control feature and a new Start-Stop System designed to save fuel.
The A7 Golf GTI was the first U.S.-market vehicle built on Volkswagen’s MQB modular platform. The unitary construction chassis has two solid-mounted subframes with bolt-on front fenders, and utilizes technologies such as the laser clamp welder, which produces “wobble seam” welds in a wave pattern to maximize strength in a limited space, offering significantly more strength than a traditional spot weld.
The Golf GTI’ stamped steel body and chassis boasts a large percentage high-strength, hot-formed steel. This technology allows much of the chassis and body to be constructed from thinner and lighter parts without loss in strength.
The Golf GTI features a strut-type front suspension with lower control arms and a multilink rear suspension, both of which are controlled by coil springs with telescopic dampers. The Golf GTI has a lowered sport suspension, which is 0.6 inches lower than Golf TSI models. The front suspension includes a 24-millimeter anti-roll bar while the rear has a 20-millimeter version, 2 mm larger at the front and 1 mm thicker at the back compared with a regular Golf TSI model.
The Golf GTI Autobahn trim features the latest version of the DCC® adaptive chassis control system, which manages the suspension’s rebound and compression rates individually, helping to improve vehicle dynamics.
The 2018 Golf GTI comes equipped with large 12.33-inch vented front discs and 10.7-inch solid rear discs with standard three-channel ABS with electronic brake pressure distribution. The SE and Autobahn trims increase brake disc size even further, to 13.4-inch front and 12.2-inch rear vented discs, with single-piston calipers all around.
All 2018 Golf GTI models are equipped with the XDS®+ Cross Differential System. This technology acts somewhat like an electronic substitute for a traditional mechanical limited-slip differential, working by actively monitoring data from each wheel sensor. If the suspension becomes unloaded, the system can automatically apply braking to the driven inside wheel as needed to reduce understeer (the tendency for the front wheels to run wide). This can help improve handling and cornering performance.
