Next GTI Will Get Lightweight Carbon Fiber Variant

VolkswagenVolkswagenGermany, 1938 > present98 models
9654 photos
31 videos
is adding niche cars everywhere it can, and that appears to also include the upcoming seventh generation GTIVolkswagen Volkswagen Golf Gen.7 [VII]Germany, 2012 > present363 versions
458 photos
. In addition to the standard model GTI, a model with aluminum and carbon fiber body panels has been spotted testing in Germany. 

Reports indicate that the front fenders and floor will be made from aluminum. The roof and hood will be made from carbon fiber. Other, smaller improvements could bring the weight savings up to 200kg. Total weight could be around 1125kg. 

The engine will be the same 222hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder found in the standard seventh generation GTI. Still, it should drop the 0-60 time to below six seconds and may improve fuel economy as well. 

The carbon fiber roof will have a thin layer of steel in the middle that allows it to be welded to the car on the same assembly line as the standard car. 

The aluminum front end and floor will likely be carried into hybrid and electric versions of the Golf for its weight savings. 

Even with all of the lightweight parts, it would still weigh more than the 810kg original GTI. 

Source: Autocar