Volkswagen to bring out "GTD" in 2009.

http://www.motorauthority.com/report-volkswagen-working-on-golf-gti-plus-and-r42.html

According to the article, VW plans to release a diesel version of their sporty hatchback known as the GTI. The new diesel version will be called the "GTD", and will supposedly feature more than 250 lb/ft of torque.

A wonderfully sporty chassis under a convenient hatchback, and with a diesel powering a 8 second 0-60 run while returning maybe 30+mpg? Hurry up and bring this over the the USA while we're still crazy about TDI, vw!!  

A 5-door GTD model would be a hot ticket. I'd definitely consider one.  

Hello all!

I can't recommend the 170hp euro 2.0 TDI enough. Over here in Australia we call it the GT Golf, and it's a milder tuned GTI, same ride height, softer springs, lower spec, but same wheel size and brakes, with either this mighty 350nm TDI engine or the twin charged 1.4L called the TSI. The TSI is what I went in to buy, but one drive of the feral 2.0 TDI and I was hooked. I liken it to a 125 2 stroke, really comes on boost with an obvious rush. Won't suit the oldies or the mild at heart!

I've owned the GT TDI since April this year, and stepping out of a 520nm local Ford V8, have to say this car is astoundingly fun to drive, and every bit as grunty as the heavier ford I traded. I get 800km out of a 55L tank driving very hard, and about 950km driven quietly. It's as fast as the local Aussie 6 cylinder auto's from a standing start in manual form ( with a spot on launch ), and in gear acceleration is up there with the stock V8's and other turbo's. It amazes me each and every day, and I sure hope you guys get the option to drive one, it really isn't that much slower than a GTI, and in the hilly, twisty stuff, I reckon it's a hard thing to top. It's hard not to give it a bootful up hills!

I've never had such a mix of fun, grunt and economy in a car before, and the only downfall in my eyes is the manual is pretty busy, into third to get to 100kph ( 60miles ). Still there is a DSG auto clutch option, and the following review is a perfect description of both the GT Golf options hopefully coming your way soon!

http://www.caradvice.com.au/11152/2008-volkswagen-golf-gt-sport-tsi-vs-tdi-review/

cheers!

Greg.
Australia!  

Oh yeah, 0-100 is DEFINATELY around 7 seconds launched properly. DSG box is probably better, as the changes are super swift, but not sure how it launches.  

I've heard the DSGs can have some problems if you chip-tune the engines too aggressively. Yeah, everything I've heard about the H.O. TDI (170 hp) is positive. I hope we get the GTD here in the States.