2012 Paris: Volkswagen GTI Concept Previews a Hotter Hatch with Power Boost

If the Volkswagen GTI is a hot hatch, what does that make the next GTI? An even hotter hatch. The new MkVII GTI concept has finally bowed in near-production form alongside the seventh-gen Golf before it goes on sale in Europe in 2013. The Volkswagen GTI concept is shown below with variants of the new Golf, including the Golf Bluemotion diesel that has a claimed range of 970 miles.

The new Euro-spec GTI uses 2.0-liter turbo I-4 tuned to 217 hp, a modest 10-hp bump over Europe’s current GTI. More power is on tap though, because for the first time, the GTI will be available with a Performance Pack that cranks up the volume to about 227 hp. At the same time, torque has been increased to 258 lb-ft, putting it on the same level as the Golf R. Volkswagen says the new GTI will get to 0-60 mph in 6.6 seconds while the hatch with the Performance Pack will get there in 6.5 seconds. Not only does the Performance Pack promise more power, but it also outfits the GTI with beefier front brake discs and a front axle differential lock. All Euro-spec GTIs get a stop-start engine system and variable ratio steering system.

Equipped with the traditional six-speed manual and dual-clutch gearboxes, the GTI wears the signature red-trimmed honeycomb grille, red brake calipers, smoked LED taillights, dual chrome-tipped exhausts, and a new take on the classic five spoke wheels. Inside, the MkVII Golf’s cabin is decked out in the black/red/white tartan color scheme, highlighted by piano black trim. There’s also a new flat-bottomed steering wheel wrapped in leather and accented with red stitching.

With the MkVII VW Golf isn’t scheduled to hit U.S. shores until the beginning of 2014, don’t expect to see the new GTI appear here until sometime later on that year at the earliest. While this is the Euro-spec GTI, it gives us a good preview of what we can expect — and hope for.

Click here for our complete First Look at the 2014 Golf here.

For all the latest news, photos, videos, and much more direct from the 2012 Paris Motor Show floor, head to our 2012 Paris show coverage page here.