Car Information

2009 GTI: THE ICONIC HOT HATCH THAT'S ALWAYS READY FOR TAKE OFF

Like the original 'hot hatch' icon that first appeared on U.S. shores in 1983, the 2009 GTI serves as Volkswagen's shining example of what affordable, sporty performance looks like — and acts like. With a starting price of $22,990, the latest GTI offers all the refinement and technology found on vehicles that cost thousands more. More than anything else, the GTI delivers an exhilarating driving experience — enhanced via a lowered 'sport stance'
suspension — that strikes directly at the hearts and souls of those with an affinity for the brand and authentic European engineering.


Highlights

• Optional Autobahn package
• Standard equipped ESP
• 2.0-liter FSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine
• Upgraded 4 wheel disc brakes


Engine and Transmission

The heart of the GTI's performance capability comes in the form of its 2.0-liter FSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 16-valve DOHC gasoline powerplant with a high compression ratio of 10.6:1 and maintenance-free hydraulic lifters for smooth, worry-free operation.

The advanced, compact powerplant — a pocket rocket in its own right -- incorporates a fully-electronic engine management system and includes drive-by-wire throttle control and FSI direct injection for optimal fuel delivery, which increases power and improves efficiency while reducing emissions.

Engineered to the GTI promise, the 2.0T engine produces 200 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque between 1800 and 5000 rpm. When combined with a standard six-speed manual transmission, it takes the GTI from 0-60 miles per hour in 7.2 seconds and to an electronically governed top speed of 130 mph. Yet -- with redline at just 6,500 rpm -- power delivery is smooth and relaxed, evident by the 7.5-second acceleration from 37 to 62 mph in fifth gear.

With the six-speed manual transmission, the 2009 GTI delivers a very efficient EPA-estimated 31 mpg on the highway and 21 mpg in the city. When equipped with an optional, advanced automatic DSG® transmission, the GTI
travels from 0-60 mph in a mere 6.9 seconds without sacrificing efficiency. The EPAestimated fuel economy of the GTI with DSG is 29 mpg in highway driving and 22 mpg in city driving conditions.

Like the 2.0T FSI engine, the dual-clutch DSG transmission is one of the GTI's technical highlights. It utilizes direct shifting that automatically engages and disengages gears without the need for a clutch pedal. A computer engages one clutch on the next gear that's needed, just as it releases the other clutch from the previous gear. The shifts
are seamless and happen without the power loss associated with a traditional clutched shift.
Launch Control, combined with the DSG transmission, helps get the GTI off the line a little faster and with a little more 'show.' The Launch Control program allows the engine to rev before the first clutch is engaged. The result is a controlled wheel-spin at launch.

The DSG transmission gives drivers a choice of fully-automatic operation, with no further driver involvement necessary beyond selecting 'D.' The advanced transmission also offers automated manual shifting for drivers who prefer to be more involved in the gear-change process. The DSG with Volkswagen Tiptronic® lets drivers shift gears up and down with a tap of the gearshift selector or finger-operated shiftpaddles mounted to the steering wheel.


Chassis and Suspension

Beneath the 2009 GTI is a fully independent, sports-tuned suspension, a refinement that enhances overall vehicle dynamics and the hot hatch's cornering agility. The front suspension incorporates a proven McPherson strut configuration with lower wishbones; aluminum subframe for reduced unsprung mass; tubular stabilizer bar;
and track stabilization steering roll radius that helps create a more direct steering ratio and reduces body roll tendencies in tight turns.

The sophisticated four-link independent rear suspension carries a separate spring/shock absorber arrangement; subframe; and tubular stabilizer bar — the result is an optimal marriage of sporty performance with enhanced rear seat ride comfort. The configuration also enables a larger rear hatch opening for more cargo.

Large disc brakes (312- x 25-mm front/286- x 12-mm rear) are nestled behind 17- inch alloy wheels and are showcased via red-painted calipers. The GTI continues its mission as a driver's car with handling precision enabled via its electromechanical power rack-and-pinion steering system with a 15.6:1 steering ratio. The system is tuned to ensure extremely good on-center feel, confident straight-line, and exceptional responsiveness to inputs that results in a connected-to-the-road feel. At the same time, it provides the added capability of active-return steering and straight-ahead driving correction assistance.


Active and Passive Safety

The 2009 GTI comes with a three channel Anti-lock Brake System (ABS); Antislip Regulation (ASR); Electronic Differential Lock (EDL); Engine Braking Assist (EBA); Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS); and Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®). All are standard equipment on every GTI offering, and ESP is standard on all
2009 model year Volkswagen vehicles.

Like all Volkswagens, the GTI includes the Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of more than 45 safety features. As standard equipment, the GTI includes — but is not limited to -- six airbags (dual front; dual front side thorax; and side curtains); optimized head restraints; front seatbelt pretensioners with load limiters; and three-point
safety belts in all five seating positions (two front, three rear). On the four-door, rear side airbags are available as an option, as are rear outboard safety belts with pretensioners and load limiters.


Exterior

The GTI's exterior — whether in two- or four-door form -- is distinguishable by its large, black honeycomb grille with a defining red strip outlining the radiator portion. The famous GTI badge sits proudly at the front of the car on the passenger's side. The honeycomb design of the grille is carried to the lower front fascia with halogen
fog lights. Higher up at the hood/fender intersection, the headlight housings incorporate high-intensity gas-discharge headlamps (Xenon). Distinctive bumpers, widened black sill panels and darkened headlight housings all
add to the exterior appearance. Low-profile all season performance tires are standard.
Summer performance tires are an available option.
Larger 18-inch alloy wheels and a sunroof also are available options.


Interior

Seats designed for the GTI offer maximum comfort with the best possible side bolsters and sporty looks. Eight-way, manual sport fabric seats are standard with adjustable head restraints in all seating positions. Both front seats also include adjustable lumbar support and are heated. On two-door models, both front seats incorporate the
Easy Entry System for improved access to the rear seats.

The 2009 GTI has a standard three-spoke flat bottom steering wheel, with aluminum trim, covered with perforated leather for a perfect grip. Aluminum also is highlighted on the gearshift knob, the trim inserts and the pedal cluster. Sporty brushedmetal accents surround the A/C controls and stereo unit, and the instrument panel gauges are aluminum and black with a chrome surround.

The standard stereo in the GTI includes theft deterrence. The sound system consists of a 10-speaker, AM/FM/Sirius™ satellite radio, in-dash six-disc CD changer with MP3 format readability, and auxiliary input jack. An iPod adapter — located in the frontcenter armrest — is optional.

An optional Autobahn package is available on all 2009 GTI offerings and adds top sport seats with leather seating surfaces. Also available on all GTIs is a new MDI (Media Device Interface) Touch-Screen Navigation System. The system enables visual and audible commands through a color center console display as well as a multi-function onboard computer display in the instrument cluster. The MDI feature enables control and playback of iPod and/or USB devices through the system.