Launched in 1974, and currently in its seventh generation, the Volkswagen Golf continues to be the C-segment reference and the best-selling model in Europe. Given these credentials, the eighth generation of the model is rapidly approaching: the German brand confirmed the start of production of the new Golf for June 2019.
It was during the “Supplier Summit” — a kind of briefing for the suppliers of components for the next generation of the Volkswagen Golf — which brought together 180 managers from 120 suppliers, that we learned a little more about the new model.
Wolfsburg will continue to be the capital of Golf, where around 2,000 units a day of the popular model currently run. It is sold in 108 countries and has been produced in over 35 million units since 1974. The new generation will require an investment of 1.8 billion euros from the brand.
Ralf Brandstätter, Member of the Procurement CouncilIn conjunction with the I.D. family, the introduction of the next generation Golf will be the most important strategic product launch for the brand.
What can we expect?
Despite being a new generation, the platform and mechanics should carry over, with evolutions, of course, from the current generation. The foundations will continue to be provided by MQB, and powertrains, both gasoline and diesel, will need to be updated to meet the latest emission standards — for example, the adoption of particulate filters for gasoline powertrains.
There will be greater emphasis on electrification, especially in the adoption of semi-hybrid proposals (with 48 V electrical system), in conjunction with gasoline engines. e-Golf, however, should not have a successor. The reason is linked to the arrival on the market, shortly after, of the first member of the I.D. — 100% electric — a proposal similar in format and positioning to the Golf.
It will be in the field of connectivity and autonomous driving that the Volkswagen Golf will present the greatest advances, according to statements by Karlheinz Hell, director of the compact car group, at the Suppliers Summit.
Karlheinz Hell, director of the compact car groupThe next Golf will take Volkswagen into the era of fully connected vehicles, with expanded autonomous driving functions. There will be more software on board than ever before. It will always be online and its digital cockpit and assistance systems will be the benchmark in terms of connectivity and safety.
GTI… almost hybrid
Like some more accessible versions, the future Golf GTI will also have a semi-hybrid system . Which opens up a whole new set of possibilities, like the introduction of an electric drive compressor, capable of assisting the turbo, which doesn't have to wait for exhaust gases.
What is expected is an expressive leap in power. The current one delivers 230 hp — or 245 hp with the Performance Pack — but the most recent competition starts at 270 hp and in some cases rises to more than 300 hp. In other words, if the GTI should rise to values close to 300 hp, what will happen to the Golf R?