New Golf GTI Lapped VW Test Track Significantly Faster Than Previous Model
The Mk 8 Golf GTI lapped Volkswagen's Ehra test track 3.9 seconds faster than the Mk 7 GTI.
Volkswagen claims that the new Mk 8 Golf GTI hot hatch will have increased cornering grip and much less understeer compared to the Mk 7 GTI. It's powered by a 241-hp 2.0-liter inline-four paired with a standard six-speed manual gearbox with a seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) automatic as an option. During VW's testing, the new 2022 Golf GTI lapped its Ehra test track 3.9 seconds faster than the Mk 7 car. The much faster time is thanks to improvements to the car's suspension, chassis, and tires. Here's what we know about the Mk 8 GTI's handling components:
A Lighter, Stiffer Suspension
Up front, the Mk 8 GTI's control-arm bushings, springs, bump stops, and dampers have been reconfigured. A new aluminum subframe cut close to seven pounds out of the front axle compared to the Mk 7. In the rear, new helper springs and bushings complement reworked dampers. The Mk 8's front spring rate is increased by 5 percent and the rear is up by 15 percent compared to the Mk 7 GTI.
A Host of Wheel and Tire Combinations Will Be Available
Three wheel sizes are available for the Mk 8 Golf GTI: 17-inch, 18-inch, and, for the first time in the U.S., 19-inch wheels. The 17-inch wheels can be had with all-season Bridgestone or summer-only Goodyear tires. The 18-inch wheels—there are two different styles—come with either Bridgestone or Goodyear summer rubber. The new-for-the-U.S. 19-inch wheels, which also have two styles, come with either the Bridgestone Potenza S005, Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport, or Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 tires. And, for the first time ever, Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 rubber can be had with the 19-inch wheels. VW says that during its Mk 8 versus Mk 7 test track comparison, both cars were equipped with summer tires, not the sticky Cup 2s.
It'll Have Less Understeer Than Mk 7 Golf GTI
The Mk 8 GTI features an electronically controlled limited-slip differential and an adaptive damping system, and it also uses the stability-control system to influence handling. The damping system can adapt each wheel's damping by 200 times per second. In the Sport driving mode, the limited-slip diff increases traction, particularly on corner exit where front-drivers often experience the dreaded "one-wheel peel."
Up to 15 Individual Driving Modes
Five driving modes are available on the 2022 Golf GTI: Eco, Comfort, Sport, Individual, and Snow. In the Individual mode, drivers can select from 15 different configurations on a digital slider varying from Comfort settings on the low end to Sport settings on the high end. Benjamin Leuchter, VW's test driver, says that the highest-level Sport configuration is best for drifts.
Sitting on the floor of the library and poring over issues of Car and Driver is one of Connor Hoffman's earliest memories. Choosing to attend the nation's top-ranked journalism school at the University of Missouri and graduating with a magazine writing emphasis was all part of chasing his dream of writing for Car and Driver. When he's not bragging about Mizzou having the best journalism program in the country, he's probably on a rant about Toyota trucks.
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