Volkswagen has officially taken the wraps off its diesel-powered GTD ahead of its AMI in Leipzig debut next month. As the name implies the GTD is essentially a diesel-powered version of VW’s hot GTI hatch. SUch a model has been rumored since late last year.
The GTD use VW’s 2.0L TDI powerplant, tuned to produce 170 horsepower and 258 b-ft of torque. That power will be sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or VW’s six-speed DSG gearbox.
Although not as quick as its GTI counterpart, the GTD will make the sprint from 0-62 in 8.1 seconds, on its way to a top speed of 136 mph. The GTD uses only 5.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, which roughly translates into a combined 44 mpg.
Despite the oil-burner up front, the GTD still shares plenty of DNA with its GTI counterpart. The GTD employs 17-inch wheels, a sports-tuned suspension and upgraded brakes. The GTD uses the same front fascia as the GTI, but sports a chrome grille accents instead of red.
Inside the GTD features sport seats and a three-spoke steering wheel with a flattened bottom. A unique black headliner distinguishes the GTD from other Golf models.
The GTD will hit the German market sometime this summer — with a base price of 27,475.00 Euros — but it remains unclear if VW will market the GTD in the States. However, VW is already pushing its diesel technology on the American public in the form of the Jetta TDI, so it remains possible that we could see GTD on our shores in the not-too-distant future.
