With mere weeks before the Geneva Auto Show, Volkswagen has released the first photos of the new Golf 7 GTD. The GTD is basically at TDI version of the GTI and something very cool in our book. This new Golf 7 version features 184hp, 280 pound-feet of torque and gets 56mpg combined European Cycle. A green GTI isn’t a bad thing and Volkswagen of America has made it clear they are giving this generation GTD a hard look for our market. Since Golf 7 production for the U.S. market has been moved to Mexico, Volkswagen of America has more flexibility in what to offer here in this market. The GTI parts will be there at the factory making it easy to build the GTD. The only hurdle that is more difficult to overcome is certifying the higher horsepower TDI engine just for one niche product like the GTD. If VW (or Audi) were to use the higher horsepower version in other products, then those costs could be reduced making something like the GTD cost effective. Let us know in the comments below what you think and we’ll pass it along to VW. Meanwhile keep your fingers crossed…

Volkswagen press release follows below…

NEW VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTD MAKES ITS WORLD DEBUT AT THE GENEVA SHOW

– Combined European Cycle fuel consumption of 56 mpg with manual transmission

– New EA288 four-cylinder TDI engine makes 184 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque

– Manual version accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds

Wolfsburg, February 21st, 2013 – Over the past three decades, fans of the Golf GTD have been excited by the car’s combination of fuel efficiency and sporty performance and looks. At this year’s Geneva International Motor Show, Volkswagen debuts the latest version of this fuel-sipping sporty compact, which features a 184-hp version of the new EA288 TDI turbocharged, direct-injection, four-cylinder diesel engine that already complies with the challenging EU-6 emissions standard.

The first Golf GTD in 1982 revolutionized the sporty compact segment with its turbodiesel engine, sporty demeanor, and its GTI-style features. This year’s GTD is the most powerful ever and is based on the seventh-generation Golf.

With184 horsepower and an impressive 280 pound-feet of torque that’s delivered from just 1750 rpm, the new Golf GTD combines the dual roles of highly efficient long-distance tourer and dynamic backroad performer. When equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the GTD has an EC combined fuel economy figure of 56 mpg, some feat considering the car can also reach a top speed of 143 mph. This combined fuel consumption figure equates to CO2 emissions of just 109 g/km. With the optional six-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission, the combined fuel consumption is 50 mpg.

Visually, the Golf GTD makes a statement through smoked LED taillights with LED licence-plate illumination; chrome dual tailpipes;17-inch GTD wheels with 225/45 tires; a lowered sport suspension; and body enhancements that include side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a large roof spoiler.

The interior is also marked out by numerous distinctive GTD features, such as sport seats with a tartan pattern (“Clark”), black headliner, a sport steering wheel, stainless-steel pedals and foot rest, a GTD shifter grip, and a model-specific instrument cluster. Standard features include white ambience lighting, “Climatronic” automatic climate control, park assist, and Volkswagen’s latest touchscreen infotainment system.

The GTD will be offered in three colors: “Tornado Red”, “Black”, and “Pure White”. The car goes on sale in Germany in June with a base price of 29,350 euros.

Overview

Market launch in Europe: June 2013

Debut of first Golf GTD generation: 1982

Engine: Four-cylinder TDI (turbocharged direct-injection diesel)

Layout: Front transverse

Displacement: 1968 cc

Bore x stroke: 81.0 x 95.5 mm

Compression ratio: 15.8:1

Power: 184 hp (135 kW) at 3500-4000 rpm

Torque: 280 lb-ft (380 Nm) at 1750 rpm

Transmission/drive type: Manual six-speed;

DSG six-speed dual-clutch automatic; front-wheel drive.

EC combined fuel consumption/CO2 emissions (manual): 56 mpg; 109 g/km CO2

Performance (manual): 0-62 mph in 7.5 sec; Max speed; 143 mph

Unladen weight: 3036 pounds (base version)

(* preliminary data)

Click on the thumbnails below for larger images…