Daily Archives: February 27, 2020
2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI Comes with Serious Upgrades
The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI just removed its covers days before the 2020 Geneva Motor Show. The hot hatch features major upgrades in its performance and looks.
Although the base model of the Golf will not be arriving in the US, Volkswagen has confirmed that the GTI and R trims of the range will be offered there.
Here are the key features of the new Golf GTI:
Exterior
The Golf GTI comes with a new look that distances it from its base model. Among the cosmetic upgrades include an illuminated bar with red accents above the front radiator grille. Then the car can be further customized through the new optional LED lights behind the honeycomb mesh of the front bumper. Going around, the LED taillights are now narrower in design compared to the outgoing model and a new spoiler stands out in the rear. The hatch retains its signature red brake calipers while its wheels have angular five-spoke styling.
Interior
The cabin of the Golf GTI is highlighted by its plaid seats with red stitching and red accents, as well as its 10-inch infotainment system in the center console with 30 themes to choose from. The display can be optionally upgraded into 10.2 inches. Meanwhile, the center console features some tweaks particularly in the shift-by-wire gear selector for the DSG transmission, steering wheel, and start/stop button.
Performance
The Europe-bound Golf GTI possesses a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine. It produces 245 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Volkswagen is yet to confirm the U.S. configuration of the auto.
The power of the hot hatch is distributed via a six-speed manual or the optional seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission. It utilizes a McPherson front axle and multi-link rear suspension coupled with an adaptive chassis control system. The system is also called the DCC, which adjusts the dampers instantly in varying road conditions depending on the steering input, braking, and acceleration of the driver to improve the sport and comfort drive modes of the car.
BMW i4 Teased Before the 2020 Geneva Motor Show
BMW is set to launch its new green car at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show next month. The electric vehicle will be called the BMW i4 Concept and it boasts more than 300 miles of electric range at full charge.
Many have been eagerly anticipating a barrage of EVs from BMW starting with the i4 and i5 after the i3 made its debut seven years ago. However, it’s only now that the luxury brand has released a follow-up to its electric car.
BMW still refers to the i4 as a concept but it should be noted that the car is already due for release in the market next year. Therefore, what we will be seeing in Geneva will most probably embody all the things that the production version will offer.
The automaker claims that the i4 will be equipped with an 80 kW battery. The unit will allow the EV to reach up to 373 miles in full charge. The figures were derived from the more lenient WLTP cycle used outside the US, so it’s EPA estimate will still be somewhere above the 300-mile mark. That makes the electric car a worthy adversary to the Tesla Model 3 and Polestar 2 in the market. The company said that the battery of the i4 can be charged up to 80 percent in only 35 minutes using a 150 kW fast charger.
The electric motor located at each axle of the i4 will let it produce a total of 523 hp, which is enough to propel the auto from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds. Meanwhile, its top speed will likely be limited to 120 mph.
Top 4 Expectations from the Fourth-Generation Audi A3 Sportback
The fourth-generation model of the Audi A3 Sportback is making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The compact car is geared to compete with the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and CLA, as well as the BMW 2 Series.
Details about the A3 Sportback are still under wraps since we’re still a few days away before the big unveiling in Geneva. However, thanks to teasers and sources within the automaker’s ranks, we already have an idea of the things to expect from the auto.
Better Design
Based on the teasers of Audi, the A3 Sportback will get a larger and more aggressive-looking front grille. The bumpers are sportier too while both the headlamps and taillights of the vehicle appear to be sleeker than the outgoing model. Moreover, the body lines of the car seem to be more detailed and sharper than the current version.
Eco-Friendly Interior
The latest teaser from Audi reveals that the upholstery and carpet of the A3 will be utilizing recycled materials. Each car has recycled materials coming from approximately 100 plastic bottles.
The eco-friendly material will be offered in a variety of colors to cater to the varying preferences of buyers. Among the offerings include car covers in Torsion steel gray complete with yellow stitching, and then another comes in Puls two-tone black and silver with Rock Gray threads. The company is also planning to include a black and red-themed version of the interior in the future.
Performance
Information about the engine of the A3 Sportback is still scarce but its maker boasts that the car will have improved driving dynamics that include a new damper technology and adaptive suspension. Furthermore, the auto will be offered in an all-wheel-drive system.
Not US-Bound
Unfortunately, the Audi A3 Sportback will not be sold in the U.S. soil. Only the sedan variant of the car will be offered in the country.
