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Details about the U.S.- spec 2015 VW Golf GTI (Mk VII)

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The first detail about the 2015 Golf GTI (Mk VII/Mk 7) that caught my attention was the available torque sensing limited slip differential. The differential will be offered as part of a performance package that adds horsepower and bigger brakes along with the upgraded differential. The brake-based limited slip differential has been an area of criticism with the current GTI so this should be a great upgrade. However, torque has increased significantly to 258 lb-ft (although power gets only a small bump to 210 hp).



Although the Golf GTI has been low on power compared to turbocharged FWD hot hatches and compact sedans, it always has been well balanced and composed. Will the extra torque spoil the balance of the GTI? The Mazda Mazdaspeed3 uses a torque sensing limited slip differential but the front end is still nervous and torque steer is just about the worst in the class. I doubt the GTI will be that bad but will it be worse than the outgoing model? Will this move force Ford to offer a true limited slip differential as an option to the Focus ST? Sound off in the comments below!

Source: Volkswagen

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Comments

  1. Charity4 April 2013 at 06:21

    The 2015 Golf GTI looks good. Very stylish with the red color making it more attractive.The availability of torque is a nice touch to the model.
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