Volkswagen Vows to Keep Making Gas-Powered Golf GTI and R, Power Nearing 400 HP

Amid the discontinuation of several iconic "hot hatch" models, Volkswagen has made it clear that it will continue pursuing its high-performance gasoline-powered hatchback strategy. Sebastian Willmann, the executive responsible for chassis and driving dynamics, revealed that the Golf GTI and Golf R will not only remain in the lineup but could also see increased power output in the future—potentially pushing the 2.0T engine close to 400 horsepower to rival the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and Audi RS3. To comply with the upcoming Euro 7 emissions standards, Volkswagen is upgrading its EA888 Evo4 engine, while the more advanced EA888 Evo5 has already been introduced in China on the new Teramont Pro and the updated Tiguan. As for an all-electric GTI, the ID. Polo GTI is expected to deliver 223 horsepower, but an electric GTI based on the ninth-generation Golf likely won’t arrive until after 2030.