2011 VOLKSWAGEN GTI: BRAND ICON UPGRADES ALL PACKAGES
09/08/2010
Volkswagen
For driving enthusiasts, the Volkswagen GTI has delivered a sleek combination of sports car-like precision and tuned driving excitement in a multi-purpose hatchback design. The 2011 GTI continues the evolution that the 2010 GTI ushered in last year as it introduced the sixth generation of Volkswagen's "hot hatch" lineage.
Enhancing the successfully redesigned exterior from the 2010 GTI, the 2011 added, in all trim levels, voice controlled Bluetooth(R) technology and 18" Detroit alloy wheels. Premium packages for the GTI now include the RNS 315 navigation system, Xenon head lamps with Adaptive Front Lighting (AFS), a leather multifunction steering wheel and Dynaudio(R) 300W, all while maintaining a high level of control and comfort that drivers and passengers of the GTI have come accustomed to having in their vehicle. Starting at $23,690, the 2011 GTI stays true to its heritage by providing a dynamic driving experience at an affordable price, and is ready to reward its owners with every start of the ignition.
Exterior
As an icon heading into the next decade, the 2011 GTI two and four-door models take a number of styling cues from the original Mk I, as well as the more recent past, and revitalizes them. In true GTI style, the more aggressive front end starts with the hallmark black honeycomb grille with the GTI badge on the passenger side, and the distinct red stripe outline, which flows into the new angled teardrop headlight housings (High Intensity Gas-discharged Xenon headlamps with AFS are optional). Sitting between two halogen fog lamps, the lower front fascia's cooling duct is blacked out.
A more streamlined profile continues toward the rear, with a more subtle pair of black side skirts running partially along the GTI's lower edge, and the absence of any side moldings. In the rear, newly-shaped taillights integrated into the quarter panels and hatch include smoked red brake lenses that are underlined by clear reverse and turn signal lenses. Blended into the updated rear bumper are red running lamp lenses, along with a blacked out diffuser with special cutouts for the chrome-tipped, split dual-exhaust. Low-profile all-season performance tires are standard. Summer performance tires are an available option. Atop the rear hatch is a body color duckbill spoiler, which houses the third brake light.
The GTI now comes standard with 18-inch Detroit alloy wheels alloy wheels.
Engine and Transmission
Under the hood, the latest version of the GTI utilizes the acclaimed 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine, with FSI(R) direct fuel injection and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters. Bred for smooth, top-notch performance, the engine features an advanced, fully-electronic management system that combines drive-by-wire throttle control and FSI direct fuel injection to cut back on emissions while increasing overall fuel efficiency and power.
Producing 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm, and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque from 1,800 all the way up to 5,000 rpm, the GTI's 2.0T engine is prepared to take to the road with force. With the standard six-speed manual transmission, the GTI can go from a zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. Power delivery remains smooth and direct across the rpm range, allowing for a swift, 7.5 second run from 37 to 62 mph in fifth gear, and finishes with a redline of 6,500 rpm. In terms of fuel economy, the 2.0T engine and six-speed manual transmission deliver an EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway, and 21 mpg in city driving.
For drivers who want the performance of a traditional manual transmission with the precision and ease of use of an automatic gearbox, the GTI is available with an optional automatic Direct-Shift Gearbox(R) transmission. This technologically advanced six-speed transmission incorporates an automatic dual-clutch system that instantly engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. With a special computer controlling the process, one clutch is engaged on the next gear needed while the clutch from the previous gear is released. The results are crisp, quick shifts without the loss of power that is experienced with a traditional manual gearbox, and the ability for the GTI to reach 60 mph in 6.7 seconds from a standstill. The 2011 GTI's fuel economy is improved when equipped with the DSG transmission, which ranks an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in highway driving, and 24 mpg in city driving.
Those owners who opt for the DSG transmission can switch between full automatic operation, which requires no additional action beyond moving the gear shift lever to the "D" position, and automated manual operation, which enables the driver to control every gear change. The Tiptronic(R) transmission lets the driver shift up and down as he prefers, using either the finger-operated paddles mounted to the GTI's steering wheel, or by tapping the gearshift selector up or down. As an added performance bonus with the DSG transmission, a Launch Control program can be enabled, which, when the car is stopped, allows the engine to build revs before the first clutch is engaged, and creates a more perfect launch with controlled wheel-spin.
Chassis and Suspension
To ensure all of the GTI's power makes its way to the road, a fully independent, European-tuned suspension is employed at all four corners to provide drivers with the confidence they demand on even the most challenging roads and conditions. At the front, MacPherson struts with lower control arms are complemented by a tubular anti-roll bar to keep the front tires planted, especially in the corners, and connect to an all-aluminum sub-frame to reduce unsprung mass. The track-stabilization steering roll radius cuts back on body roll in tight turning situations, and has a more direct steering ratio for improved driver feedback.
Keeping the car settled at the rear without sacrificing passenger comfort, a four-link independent setup with the springs and shock absorbers positioned apart from each other are matched with a separate sub-frame and another tubular anti-roll bar. The sport-tuned arrangement comes with an added benefit - increased cargo space - by allowing for a larger rear hatch opening. Helping the GTI to head into the corners with ease is an electro-mechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system. With good on-center feel, confidence-inspiring responsiveness to driver input at all positions, active-return steering, and straight-ahead driving correction assistance, the system seamlessly united the GTI and its driver.
Bringing the GTI to a halt are vented 312mm x 25mm disc brakes at the front, and solid 286mm x 12mm disc brakes at the rear, all with red-painted calipers that can be seen through the new 18-inch alloy wheels.
Active and Passive Safety
The 2011 GTI comes standard with a collection of safety features and enhancements, including a three channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Anti-slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL), Engine Braking Assist (EBA), Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC(R)). Like all 2010 model year Volkswagen models ESC comes standard on all 2011 model year vehicles, ahead of the U.S. government's mandate that by 2012 all vehicles produced will need to have some form of ESC.
The GTI will once again feature XDS, a standard Electronic Limited Slip system. The system electronically monitors input from various wheel sensors and, in the event of slippage, transfers extra torque to the wheel or wheels with the most traction.
Like all Volkswagen vehicles, the GTI also includes the Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of 40 standard safety features. As standard equipment, the GTI includes, but is not limited to: six airbags (dual front, dual front side thorax, and side curtains), optimized head restraints, front safety belt pretensioners with load limiters, and three-point safety belts in all five seating positions (two front and three rear).
Interior
Drivers of the 2011 GTI now get to utilize voice controlled Bluetooth technologies while enjoying heavily bolstered front seats which are wrapped in heritage plaid, a patterned sport fabric with red and white double-stitching throughout. The seats come standard with eight-way manual adjustment, adjustable lumbar support and head restraints, and are heated. On two-door models, both front seats incorporate the Easy Entry System for improved access to the rear seating area. The three-spoke flat bottom steering wheel has been upgraded with an embossed center section, aluminum trim on the spokes, red stitching, and perforated leather along the top and bottom sections for better grip.
The instrument panel has remained impressive, with chrome trim surrounding the large tachometer on the left, which incorporates a smaller, integrated engine temperature gauge as well as the matching speedometer on the right, which features an integrated fuel gauge. Standing between the black analog gauges is a multi-function onboard computer display that provides the driver with key information regarding the fuel mileage, odometer, and more. Metallic highlights continue throughout the interior, gracing the gearshift knob, the trim inserts and the pedal cluster, and brushed-metal accents add a sense of sophistication to the HVAC controls and stereo unit.
The GTI comes standard with a single CD player that can be heard through its 8-speaker sound system that also has an AM/FM/Sirius Satellite Radio(R), auxiliary input jack along with an iPod(R) adapter. Increased audio fidelity and enjoyment, the 300W Dynaudio premium sound system can be ordered.
Adding the sunroof option to the GTI also delivers a premium 8-speaker sound system and a multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel. When a navigation system is added to the sunroof package, the car would include all the features of the sunroof package in addition to the new RNS 315 Navigation system that includes a 5" high resolution display and Xenon headlights with AFS.
The GTI's Autobahn options package for both the two and four-door models adds leather top sport front seats, leather seating surfaces front and rear, and a power sunroof. This package also includes a touch-screen RNS 315 navigation system that includes a 5" high resolution display, WMA/MP3 audio CD playback through the Dynaudio 300W system, a 3.5mm auxiliary input jack in the center console. The system provides both visual and audible commands through the center console display, as well as the digital display located in the instrument cluster. GTI Autobahn owners will also appreciate the leather multifunction steering wheel, KESSY technology, Xenon with AFS headlights and sunroof, all of which come standard in this trim level.
Roadside Assistance and Warranty
The 2011 GTI comes standard with 24-hour Roadside Assistance for three years or 36,000 miles (whichever occurs first), through a third party provider. The vehicle's standard limited warranties are:
Five-year / 60,000 mile (whichever occurs first) Powertrain Limited Warranty
Three-year / 36,000 mile (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty
12-year unlimited distance Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Perforation
The GTI, like all 2011 model year Volkswagen vehicles, is covered by the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program, all of the Golf's scheduled maintenance, as described in the maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty - three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additionally, the GTI uses synthetic oil, which, when combined with the state-of-the-art German engineering, eliminates the need for a 5,000 mile oil change. This allows Volkswagen owners of 2011 vehicles to drive farther between scheduled oil changes.