2005 VW GTI Concept, Released at the 2003 Frankfurt IAA
RANDOM PICS FROM: 2005 GTI Concept Release, 2003 IAA
RANDOM PICS FROM: MKV Golf Modifications, 2003 Essen Germany
RANDOM PICS FROM: 2005 GTI and Golf(Mk V) Concepts
2005 VW GTI (MKV)
Aug 16, 2003 | By: Matyas Varga - SRO
The world's number one selling car has been redesigned. In order to minimize any risk to its renowned market performance, Volkswagen appears to have expressed a great deal of prudence in the new design. As a result, those who envisioned something a little more eccentric are left feeling a little disappointed. For those who side among the latter, rest assured that these photographs serve little justice. The MKV carries far more character in person.
While Volkswagen has deprived SRO of any first hand acquaintance with the new GTI, secondary sources suggest that quality has been adhered to in every respect. Qualitative refinements to the new MKV are further enhanced through Volkswagen's benchmark setting quality assurance program which enables a centralized system to identify and correct problems moments upon their discovery.
Volkswagen claims to have added an 80% increase in rigidity to the new chassis. As a personal owner of an MKIV, I hope this addressed most of the structural weaknesses found in the old model. None the less, VW went even further to include a truly independent 4 link rear suspension package. Sources tell us that cornering stability has vastly improved.
As for engine options, North America will served with a base 2.5L inline 5 cylinder powering close to 150 horsepower. Coupled to the new revolutionary DSG transmission, expect nothing less then Germany's finest in torque pumping performance. For those who are far too sport-tuned to be won over by fancy automatic systems, the 6 speed manual gear box will be offered as a base option on the GTI and GLI models. Also new will be a 2.0L 200 HP turbo 4 cylinder option. As our insight into these new engine options remains limited, we can but only assume that they barely make up for the added cost and weight. For those on a more conservative track, Volkswagen will also offer a 100HP PD Turbo Diesel Injection motor. While the TDI engine option will be made immediately available to the European market, North America will have to wait while Volkswagen captures as much surplus as it can with its inline 5.
As good as these refinements may seem, I can't help but wonder how the new MKV will fair against BMW's savage infiltration into the sport compact market. Their latest line of 1&2 Series are not only modestly priced, but also come on a rear wheel drive chassis. I would have to profess, this is nothing short of an evolutionary step for the sport compact market.