Volkswagen says the Golf GTD has a top speed of 143 mph.
The broadening of Volkswagen's seventh-generation Golf lineup continues with the unveiling of the GTD ahead of its public premiere in March at the Geneva Motor Show.
Set for European sale from June, the top-of-the-line Golf diesel runs Volkswagen's EA288 engine. The transversely mounted 2.0-liter four-cylinder common rail unit delivers 184 hp at 3,500 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm.
It hasn't been decided if this car will come to the United States, a spokesman said. Volkswagen does sell a Golf TDI today in America that gets up to 42 mpg from a 140-hp, 236-lb-ft four-cylinder.
More coverage from the Geneva Motor Show
VW used lightweight pistons and valve gear, among the changes, in an effort to lower frictional loses and improve thermal properties. There is also a heavily reworked exhaust and lower compression ratio (15.8:1 vs. 16.5:1) compared to its predecessor.
Drive continues to be channeled through a standard six-speed manual gearbox to the front wheels, with a six-speed dual-clutch DSG available as optional equipment.
Volkswagen claims the Golf GTD reaches 62 mph from a standstill in 7.5 seconds on the way to a top speed of 143 mph with a six-speed manual.
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Combined cycle fuel consumption on the European test procedure is put at 56 mpg (U.S). The new GTD is distinguished from other less sporting seventh-generation Golf models by a series of mild styling tweaks, some of which are shared with the GTi.
Included are re-profiled bumpers, wider sills under the doors, a more prominent spoiler above the tailgate, a diffuser element at the rear, darkened tail lamp lenses, chromed tailpipes and standard 17-inch alloy wheels shod with 225/45 profile rubber. It also rides on a sports suspension.
Inside, the most powerful diesel-powered Golf to reach series production receives sport seats, a black headlining, sports steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and foot rests, as well as various GTD themed trims.
