Volkswagen isn't alone in preparing for the European launch of the brand new, seventh generation Golf in the second week of November; joining the Wolfsburg-based brand is an expanding group of tuners that are working on a variety of performance components and cosmetic upgrades.
German car magazine Autobild was able to get an early look at what three renowned VW Group tuners are reading for the new Golf hatchback with preliminary renderings and in the case of ABT, some initial details on the performance packages.
Under the hood, the tuning house will optimize the electronics for the new Golf's engines. The base 1.2-liter TSI petrol is boosted from 84hp (85PS) – yes, VW does offer such a low output unit on the Golf- to 104hp (105PS) and the 1.4-liter TSI petrol from 138hp (140PS) to 163hp (165PS).
On the diesel front, the 1.6-liter TDI diesel is lifted from 104hp (105PS) to 123hp (125PS), the 2.0-liter TDI from 148hp (150PS) to 178hp (180PS) and the stronger version of the same engine, from 181hp (184PS) to 207hp (210PS).
Next up on our list of tuners is Oettinger, which is working on a more aggressive looking body kit with new front and rear bumpers, chunky side skirts, a rear diffuser, a roof spoiler, a GTI-like front grille with red accents and larger alloy wheels.
We won't get to know the full details on Oettinger's engine program until early next year, but the company did reveal that the 1.4-liter TSI will be modified to deliver up to 250-horsepower.
There's nothing wild about Bavarian aftermarket firm MTM's subtle styling kit that includes a rear apron, wheels in sizes up to 20-inches and exhaust pipes. The tuner said it will also develop power kits for the new Golf with details to be released at a later date.
2014 Volkswagen Golf: Let The Tuning Games Begin with ABT, MTM and Oettinger
FACEBOOK Rating: 4.5 out of 52014 Volkswagen Golf: Let The Tuning Games Begin with ABT, MTM and Oettinger